Probably the only essential tool for building a competitive pinewood derby car is a good kitchen scale. Don’t spend too much money because your pack probably does not have a very accurate scale. There is no point in being exactly 5.0 ounces if the official scale says it is 5.01. The ideal car is close to five ounces, but can be adjusted at the check-in to exactly 5.0.
When selecting a scale, the weights are usually given in grams.
1 ounce = 28.35 grams,
A 5.0 pinewood derby car weighs 141.7 grams (this is approximately the weight of 57 U.S. pennies)
Incidentally, if you are responsible for the official weigh-in, please use a single scale of good quality. The difference in readings between cheap scale can be very large. Also place the scales either on the floor or on a sturdy table. Do not allow people to touch the table while an official weigh-in is in progress.
Here is our suggestions for a kitchen scale:
Fast Weigh MS-500-BLK Digital Pocket Scale, 500 by 0.1 G
The removable cover keeps the scale protected when not in use and also doubles as an expansion tray.
- Designed to weigh items up to 500 grams in 0.1 gram increments
- Back-lit LCD display makes for easy viewing
- Powered by 2 AAA batteries, which come included; backed by a 5-year warranty
