I find that when my batteries get even a tiny bit low that electronic measuring tools don't work so well.  They can give bad  inconsistent results and be quirky in other ways.

Whip out your multi meter and check the voltages on your batteries every once in a while.

I take mine out after each use. 

---

Gene
'The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him.' G. K. Chesterton

I learned pretty quickly with to remove the batteries after each use as well. I also strive to keep a few extra batteries around as well. I do love my digital angle gauge for my table saw. It sure beats the daylights out of using a mechanical gauge and trying to see the little marks through my readers.

---

Allen Worsham
Corona, CA

allenworsham@earthlink.net

'Graze in every man's field, but always give your own milk' J. Vernon McGee

Taking the battery out after each  use  would be too much effort for me and would require a level of organization that I am not up to. hockey sticks I can barely remember where I laid my razor knife.  

Hey, guys, being retired from the electronics industry, you are absolutely right about battery life and giving false readings.  A hint about checking batteries with multimeters - check them under load.  In other words, turn your device ON and check the voltage with the batteries still in the unit.  Checking the battery out of the unit will generally not tell you much.  A 9 volt battery can check good out of the unit but be only 5 volts under load.  So, Cliff, ya don't even have to take the battery out.

---

Fred
aka Pop's Shop
www.pops-shop.com
EX-21 (Presently on the floor. Using my 6-year old 788 ! ! ! ! !
'Soooooo many patterns - sooooo little time'