Hydrometer - how to use one

Way of measuring specific gravity, hollow glass tube with a weight on bottom... has a scale on the side when you float it in your brew.. tells you how much alcohol...lets you know when it's finished fermenting .. ( can watch airlock but it's more accurate with a hydrometer) WINE - REALLY need one Beer not quite as important After 7 or so days... test it Sanitize it Take a reading before you pitch your yeast.. write it down Add yeast When you think your fermentation is finished, take another reading to see if it's proper specific gravity Measures the amount of dissolvable substances in your wine or brew must Beer before pitching yeast 1.040 water//// 1.0000 as you ad malt,sugar,etc it goes up WINE has more sugar and alcohol.... 1.070 1.090 END of Wine or ( below 1.000 the more sugar you have the more alcohol you have... (alcohol is on the opposite side) beer it will be closer to 1.008 The more alcohol it has.... the reading might be below 1.000 because alcohol is less bouyant