How to Make a Gram Scale Using Office Supplies

If you ever have a need for a gram scale while you're sitting at your desk, don't despair. You can build one using a few basic office supplies. It works by weighing a known weight against an unknown weight. You can use a nickel, which weighs 5 grams, or a penny printed after 1982, which weighs 2.5 grams.

Things You'll Need

• Loose leaf binder
• Large books
• Wooden ruler
• Large paper clip
• String
• Scissors
• Tape
• Two sheets of paper
• Stapler
• Nickels and pennies

Instructions

1. Make a fulcrum by wrapping the string around the ruler several times and cut it leaving a 2 inch length at the end. Join the two loose ends together, making a loop. Position the loop at the center of the ruler. If it's in the correct position, you'll see that the ruler balances horizontally when you hold the loop between your fingers.

2. Stack two large books on top of your desk. Open up the binder enough so that it stands with the bottom edges on top of the books and remains in a stable position.

3. Form a hook with a hanger out of the paper clip. Attach it to the top of the binder's spine, having the hook towards the outside.

4. Place the string loop attached to the ruler onto the hook, allowing the ruler to hang horizontally on the outside against the binder. Work with the string until you establish equilibrium between both ends of the ruler. At that point, you can place a piece of tape over the string against the notebook to hold it in that position.

5. Fold your paper in half lengthwise. Close the side and bottom up by folding half an inch over and stapling them closed. Repeat this with the other piece of paper, using the exact same number of staples. Punch a hole at each end of the pocket on the open end.

6. Cut a piece of string about 18 inches in length. Run one end through one hole and the other through the opposite hole, forming a loop. Tie a large square knot on the ends to keep the string from pulling out of the holes. Repeat this step for the other pocket.

7. Hang a loop with a pocket over each end of the ruler, an equal distance apart. When you have them adjusted properly, they should be balanced and equal. If not, work with their positions on the ruler until you've established equilibrium and then tape the string in place.

Tips & Warnings

• The books should raise the scale high enough so the pockets swing free of the desktop.

• You can make your pocket out of paper cups or some other light container. Make sure each side is equal and balanced.

• Once you've added your paper pockets to your scale, you may have to readjust the balance. If each piece of paper weighs the same and you use equal amounts of staples, there shouldn't be much of a difference, if any at all.