Hydrometer, Sikes (°SK)

Quick Answer: The LabEquip Sikes Hydrometer (°SK) is a specialised glass hydrometer used to determine the alcoholic strength of spirits on the traditional Sikes scale, historically the basis for proof-spirit measurement in distillery and excise work. It is distinct from general specific-gravity, Baume, or Twaddle hydrometers because it reads directly in a scale built specifically for alcohol-strength determination rather than general liquid density.

Product Description

Like other hydrometers, the Sikes instrument works on the buoyancy principle — it floats at a depth set by the density of the spirit sample, and the reading is taken against a printed glass stem scale. What makes it different is the scale itself: the Sikes scale (°SK) was developed specifically for expressing the strength of alcohol-water mixtures relative to “proof spirit,” a convention historically used for excise duty and distillery quality control rather than for general industrial or chemical density measurement.

What Makes This Instrument Distinct

Within our hydrometer range, the Sikes instrument is a purpose-built alcohol-strength tool, distinct from our specific-gravity and Baume hydrometers, such as the Hydrometer, Specific Gravity, Industry and the Hydrometer, Specific Gravity, Analytical, both of which read general liquid density rather than alcohol content. Where those instruments serve chemical and pharmaceutical density checks, the Sikes hydrometer’s scale exists specifically to express spirit strength in the traditional proof-spirit convention used in distillery and excise contexts. We have not independently verified the exact scale range or temperature-correction table supplied with this particular listing — please confirm these details with our sales team before relying on them for excise or compliance documentation.

Specifications

Care & Maintenance

• Handle by the stem only — avoid gripping or knocking the weighted bulb.
• Rinse with clean water and dry thoroughly after each use, as alcohol residue can affect later readings.
• Store upright in a padded case away from other glassware to prevent chips or scratches on the scale.
• Take readings at the temperature specified for the Sikes scale, or apply the correct temperature-correction table, since alcohol density is temperature-sensitive.
• Periodically check calibration against a known-strength reference sample as part of routine QC.

Why Choose LabEquip

LabEquip supplies laboratory and educational measuring instruments with straightforward, honest specifications and responsive support. For related density and specific-gravity instruments, see our Hydrometer, Specific Gravity, Industry, our Hydrometer, Specific Gravity, Analytical, and our full Measuring Instruments category. Reach our sales team any time at [email protected] to confirm exact scale range, quantities, and pricing for your requirement.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Sikes scale used for?
It is a traditional scale developed specifically to express the alcoholic strength of spirits relative to “proof spirit,” historically used in distillery quality control and excise duty assessment.

How is this different from a specific gravity hydrometer?
A specific gravity hydrometer reads general liquid density relative to water for chemical or industrial use, while the Sikes hydrometer’s scale is purpose-built to express alcohol strength in the proof-spirit convention.

Does temperature affect the reading?
Yes — alcohol-water mixture density is temperature-sensitive, so readings should be taken at the specified reference temperature or corrected using an appropriate temperature-correction table.

Is this suitable for official excise or compliance use?
We have not independently verified the compliance status or calibration certification of this specific listing. Please confirm requirements with our sales team before relying on it for excise or regulatory documentation.

What is the exact scale range on this listing?
We have not independently verified the precise range for this specific listing. Please contact our sales team at [email protected] to confirm.

How should I clean and store it?
Rinse and dry it thoroughly after each use to remove alcohol residue, handle it by the stem only, and store it upright in a padded case away from other glassware.

Last Updated: September 2026