The Salter 235-6S (and the related 235-6M metal version) is the industry standard for mechanical hanging baby scales. Designed for durability in clinics, field surveys, and home use, these scales are prized for their battery-free operation and "over-engineered" build quality.
1. Key Specifications (Salter 235-6S)
The "S" in the model name typically stands for the ABS Plastic casing, while "M" or "X" denotes Metal/Steel housings.
|
Feature |
Specification |
|
Max Capacity |
25 kg (approx. 56 lbs) |
|
Resolution (Graduation) |
100 g (approx. 4 oz) |
|
Dial Diameter |
150 mm (6 inches) |
|
Accuracy |
Accurate to 1 part in 250 |
|
Zero Adjustment |
Up to 15% (Manual tare for slings/blankets) |
|
Bearings |
Low-friction Acetal bearings for smooth movement |
2. Design & Durability Features
- Materials: Housed in a tough, corrosion-resistant ABS plastic case with a shatterproof polycarbonate dial cover.
- Mechanism: Uses a high-precision mechanical spring and a machined rack-and-pinion system. Unlike cheap hardware store hanging scales, these are designed to maintain accuracy over thousands of weighments.
- Hooks: Supplied with high-grade stainless steel or galvanized top and bottom hooks.
- Dual Markings: Most 2026 models feature a dual-scale dial showing both Kilograms (kg) and Pounds/Ounces (lb/oz) simultaneously.
3. Usage & Clinical Application
- Weighing Trousers/Sling: These scales are almost always used with weighing trousers (breeches) or a hammock-style sling. The infant is placed in the sling, which is then attached to the bottom hook.
- Portability: Because they weigh less than 1kg and require no power, they are the preferred tool for UNICEF, Red Cross, and global health outreach programs.
- Zeroing (Tare): Before weighing, you hang the empty sling on the hook and turn the knob on top to reset the needle to "0." This ensures you only measure the baby’s weight.
Important Consideration: Precision
Note on 10g vs. 100g: While the Salter 235-6S is extremely reliable, its 100g divisions are intended for general growth monitoring and nutrition surveys. If you need to measure breastmilk intake (pre- and post-feed), you would require a Balance Beam scale (like the Seca 745) which offers the much finer 10g precision.