Home Made Drag Scales?

[gstours]

Hello out there.   The other day I had a need to test the max drag capability of a reel modification/repair while away from home for a period.
  While I would like to test the reel with a scales  non could be had that seemed suitable.  Then when idle again the idea struck me.
     Why not use a bathroom scales below the line spooled reel mounted to a bench.  with the line rolling over a roller to the scales below.   First have more weight than the lift would require, measure that and record whats on the scales......Then lift what is the maximum or whatever the reel wants to do which would be less and subtract that number from the total......  Would not that be fairly accurate?   
    This seems simple and an inexpensive method as most people have the bathroom type scale available.
Any thoughts would be appreciated.     Just wondering? 

[mhc]

Nice lateral thinking Gary, I reckon that would work fine. The only question would be the accuracy of the bathroom scales - some are better than others.
Mike

[oc1]

Spring scales aren't very accurate at the bottom of their range.  A milk jug full of water weighs 8.35 pounds. two weigh 16.7 pounds, etc.
-steve

[Alto Mare]

Gary, a pro as you should be able to tell just by pull on the reel by now. 
All you have done up to now makes sense to me, so I don't see why your idea wouldn't work.

[Long Enuff]

Dumbbells work in a pinch, 30, 35, 40, 45. If you have them laying around.

[gstours]

Thanks folks for the replys.  I know bath scales arent the best as far as accuracy goes.   At least thats what my fat sister in law says... .. oh there waaay off??    I needed a number to quantify.   And had very limited means.......

[Shark Hunter]

 
You just keep it up Gary. You are doing fine.