Refractometer question

[avgjoe]

I recently purchased a refractometer and was wondering if I received a defective one, or this is just the way they work My presumption was that you cover the glass slide with water then close the lid, read scale. The problem is when I close the lid there is a fairly large gap between the glass slide and lid. Unless I keep the refractometer perfectly level when reading the scale, the water will run off the slide and onto the floor. Is this normal or should the lid hold the water tightly to the glass slide? If this is normal, then please explain wth kind of function the lid is supposed to serve?

[thrlride]

Open the lid, drip a drop or two of saltwater on the refractometer and then close the lid. It should fit tightly on the surface. Maybe it is sticking because it is new.

[ojreef]

When you lift the cover to put in the water (I use three drops), the hinge usually comes up also. Make sure that the entire flap is down. I run my finger down the top and you can see the water compress under the clear flap.