Easy Rain Gauges to Make
Building your own rain gauge is an easy and inexpensive do-it-yourself project. In addition to the satisfaction of undertaking a do-it-yourself project and saving expenses, your yard or garden will gain a useful measuring instrument. Here's make and install your own rain gauge. Does this Spark an idea?
What You'll Need
Choose a place outdoors where the rain gauge will be unobstructed by roof overhangs, overhead electrical wires and other impediments that may direct water away from the gauge and create false readings.
To construct your rain gauge, you'll need a clear plastic ruler, a straight-sided cylinder-shaped clear jar (such as an olive or pickle jar), a rubber band, a plastic or metal funnel and transparent tape.
Virtually any cup or glass left outside during rainfall can serve as a rain gauge. However, wind and other conditions can shift the gauge, causing damage or, at the very least, increasing the possibility for inaccurate readings. In light of this, you may want to construct a holding rack, as well.
If you choose to make a rack, you'll need a coat hanger or flexible wire, and a hammer and nails.
Constructing the Rain Gauge
If the jar has a label, remove it. Use the rubber band to attach the ruler to the outside of the jar (do not put the ruler inside the jar, as this may affect the reading if the ruler is leaned against the rim).
You may also choose to mark off a scale of centimeters, inches, etc., on a piece of clear tape attached to the outside of the jar using a permanent marker. Cover the markings with another piece of clear tape to protect them from running.
Place the funnel into the mouth of the jar; the opening of the funnel should cover the entire mouth of the jar.
The gauge is now ready to be installed in its place outdoors.
Hanging the Gauge
To make the hanger, untwist a metal coat hanger and reshape its arms in the shape of the jar to create a holder for the rain gauge. You may also fashion a holder by twisting a piece of wire around the jar. Do not twist the wire too tightly; you'll need to be able to remove the jar to nail up the hanger, and to empty the gauge after rain.
Once your hanger is constructed, nail the hanger to a fence post or other appropriate support not obscured by leaves, roof eaves or other overhead obstacles. Do not attempt to nail the hanger with the jar inside; nail the hanger first, then place the rain gauge inside. Be sure the gauge is level.
Tags: nail hanger, rain gauge, rain gauge, your rain, your rain gauge