Shure SFG-2 - Safe to use with LOMC carts?

I used SFG-2 with my Denon DL 160 (HOMC) to set the tracking force to 1.8g, but when the checked the weight again with a Digital guage, it indicated the actual tracking weight @ 2.1g. Avoid SFG-2 with MC

The older SFG-2 models used a steel balance beam with ferrous content and would attract to a magnet. At some point later in the production history this part material was changed to a non-ferrous metal which is not attracted to a magnet. (looks like stainless steel)

I have one that I purchased in the late seventies. It has the non-ferrous balance beam. Therefore, safe with MC or any cartridge with a strong magnet.

I also use an electronic vtf scale. A so-called "Micro-Tech" that was sold by Express Machining. In practice both the Shure and the Micro-Tech produce identical readings. And the Shure was far cheaper. But the Micro-Tech is more convenient and quick to use. No balance beam slider to fiddle with, just place the stylus on the little shelf thing and read the reading.

I still like the Shure, however.

-Steve

My SFG-2 was 0.6g off. If I set it to 2.0g on the Shure, it was actually 2.6g. I gave it to the trash can. I'd say stay away from this gauge.

I think the variation in responses suggests inconsistencies within Shure's mfg process.
It seems later examples are responsible for the negative responses in this thread. Perhaps these later examples of the gage have been manufactured out of the country. Perhaps Mexico?

That is not to say that good product can't be produced anywhere around the world, including Mexico. It does suggest the possibility that Shure no longer assures the quality of this product the way it once did.

All that said, the older example that I have is not attracted to a magnet and reports vtf accurately.

It's a shame about these other examples. I'll make sure not to recommend the gage any more.

-Steve