Kitchen Garden Forum

I bought a manual greenhouse max/ min thermometer yesterday (push button reset model) It is a pain in the ****! I just cannot work out how or even if it works. If I take it back to the shop is there a more user friendly version I could swop it for ? Any advice please ?

Happymouse

Don't be a sadmouse

Just push the button, let the markers sink to the top of the mercury and it's working

Hi Happymouse,
The manual bit only allows the pins to fall to the Mercury for setting.
The other type which is probably more user friendly employs a magnet to stroke the pins down to the Mercury for setting.
JB.

The blue thingy appears to be stuck at 110 with an inch gap above the mercury. I have preessed the button about a hundred times and nothing moves. I hope Robert Dyas will take it back

Dear HM,
there may be a tiny bead of mercury jamming the indicator. If there is you may have to shake it to dislodge it. This is a common thing caused by rough treatment in transit.
Regards Sally Wright.

The button on one of mine is almost like a rocker switch - you can press either the top or the bottom. If pressing one end doesn't let the indicator move I press the other.

try holding the button in and then giving the whole thing a gentle tap to jar it loose, if that dont work take it back .

Hold it firmly in one hand as if to throw a stick for a dog, top at your wrist.
WITHOUT letting go at any point, make all the other movements so as to throw it bottom first onto the ground by your feet.
Hopefully, job done.

Happymouse

I assume you have got the thermometer upright and not lying flat.
Just a thought

...and if all else fails, there's always THESE

Thank you all for your help I tried all your tips. It still wouldn't budge ! As a last resort I put it in a bucket of boiling hot water for a while which amazingly appears to have fixed it. I have put it in the potting shed today to test it as my greenhouse is only half up. Thats another story. Please see my new dilemma I need help with !