Q&A for How to Set a Barometer

Set the indicator hand on your barometer. Locate the small adjusting screw on the back of your barometer. With a small screwdriver, turn the adjusting screw to move the hand to your location's current pressure. Watch the face of the dial and stop turning the screwdriver when the hand reaches the appropriate reading.

The screw should not be removed from the back of the barometer. It is just used for adjustment. If the screw comes loose, you may need to send it in to get serviced by a professional.

Any dial barometer aneroid or mercury will always have some amount of 'sticktion' therefore a GENTLE tap is normal. (Tapping actually helps the user as it indicates which way the barometer is moving at the time it is being looked at.).

There is no set interval. It only needs recalibrating when it's reading incorrectly.

Check it daily for movement of the pointer. And check the position of the pointer against a reliable pressure source - most airports have a reliable pressure reading.

Yes. Check the air pressure at the new location from a weather app on your mobile phone. Set the barometer to this setting via the screw at the back.

The golden hand is an indicator. Once you have adjusted the correct pressure reading with the black hand, you adjust the black hand over on top of the golden hand. When the pressure changes, the golden hand is used to determine the changes in atmospheric pressure.

Digital and aneroid barometers are recommended. Mercury is toxic and presents a hazard if the stick barometer gets broken in the classroom.