Callibrating a refractometer

[twb]

My friend gave me his refractometer to test a couple of batches of uncapped honey but it needs to be callibrated first.  I placed the test liquid on and turned the adjusting screw to get the line down to the proper percent but it stopped one percentage point too high and the screw is down as for as it will go.  Any ideas what I may have done wrong?

[BenC]

Did you wait at least 30 seconds from adding the 2-3 drops until taking the reading?

[twb]

Did you wait at least 30 seconds from adding the 2-3 drops until taking the reading?

Yes, thank you.  Any other thoughts any one?  Maybe a defective refractometer?

[Brian D. Bray]

If you use water the setting should be zero.  If possible with your model of refractometer place a drop of water on the glass and calibrate to zero.  Other than that I think somebody dropped it and its off....permanately.