How to Adjust a Faulty Scale
Some people avoid scales at all costs, afraid of what they might reveal. Other people use a scale on a daily basis, whether it be to weigh themselves or other objects. When a scale defies our expectations, it can give us false hope, a near heart attack or simply incorrect information. There are several ways you can find out whether your scale is giving an accurate or faulty measurement.
Instructions
Check the sides of the scale. Most home scales have a lever or some sort of small instrument to adjust the scale. It should be relatively easy to find.
Adjust the instrument until the scale is set at zero. Usually, this means pushing a lever to one side and watching as the scale adjusts. The instrument may also be a small circular device. In this case, simply turn it until the scale is at zero.
Use a flat weight or another object of determinate weight to see by how much the scale under or over weighs.
Use the lever on the side of the scale to allow for the scale's faulty measurement. For instance, if the scale over weighs by 5 lb., adjust the lever so that the scale is set at -5 lb. without anything on it.