Does anyone know how to get the mercury back together in a candy thermometer? I have a little bit at the top and the rest at the bottom. Wanting to do some sugar work but don't know which reading to trust.
Anyone ever had this problem. Its a Wilton Candy thermometer.

SOLUTION:

Take a pan or glass full of water and ice add about 1/4 cup rubbing alcohol. Put thermometer in it until the separated portion stops dropping. Take and tap hard on a paperback book or thick notepad. The separated mercury will begin to break up as it drops looking almost like a barber pole as it does. Keep placing back in the water and tapping on the book or notepad. It may take a while but it will evenually drop back down with the rest of the mercury at the bottom. You will have to re-calibrate after you do this.

thanks for the info, I may need to know this soon, I am using a new thermometer for Christmas stuff!