Category Archives: Wire Weight

Wire Weight

wire_weightThe basic parts of a wire weight gage include a drum wrapped with a single layer of cable, and a weight attached to the end of the cable. A readable disc, graduated in tenths and hundredths of a foot is attached to the side of the drum. A Veeder counter, reading in whole feet is also included. One complete turn of the drum represents one foot of vertical movement of the weight. To take a reading of stage, perform the following:

  1. Open the wire weight gauge house
  2. Move the checkbar forward so it rests in position under the weight, if not already in position
  3. While grasping the drum crank handle, disengage the pawl and lower the weight until it touches, but not fully rests on the check bar
  4. Read the interval at the pointer on the graduated disc (the numbered hash marks correspond to tenths and five-hundredths of a foot graduations and the small hash marks correspond to one-hundredth foot increments)
  5. If the check-bar value does not match, perform the following inspections:
    • Make sure the check-bar is set correctly
    • Check that the cable is wrapped on the drum properly and the threading sheave is positioned properly, directly above the wrap on the drum
    • Make sure the graduated disc is not slipping (caused by loose clutch screws)
    • Check the Veeder counter for proper operation (occasionally the counter is not synchronized with the graduated disc and will not turn over to the next whole foot in synchronization with the disc
  6. If the check-bar value is satisfactory, slide the bar back and slowly lower the weight to the water surface (the weight should only touch the water surface enough to form a distinctive “V” shape on the water surface)
  7. Read the Veeder counter and disc as previously described
  8. Record the stage height on the front sheet
  9. Wind in the weight.
  10. Confirm the check bar elevation and reengage the pawl before closing and locking the wire weight gauge enclosure