How to Install a Rain Gauge
Step 2: Mounting

Once you've found the perfect spot, it's time to place the rain gauge. For the State Water Survey rain gauge pictured in the upper left-hand corner of this page, there are two different mounting methods:

Ground Insertion: Firmly push the rain gauge into the ground, pointy-end first. Remember storm winds can be strong so be sure to push the gauge deep enough for it to stand upright in bad weather.

Surface Attachment: The easiest way to mount the rain gauge to wood is to nail it in place using the two mounting holes located on the bottom "stake" of the rain gauge.

• Find two nails with heads small enough to slide completely through the mounting holes. Finish nails work well. You don't want to use screws or large-headed nails since the gauge must be removed from the fence or post in order to dump out old rainwater.
  
  
• Holding the rain gauge in your hand, position the tube so the open top of the gauge will be an inch or two above the wood post, fence, or stick (see pictures a, b, and c on earlier page). That way the wood won't shelter the gauge from full rainfall.
  
  
• Attach your rain gauge by hammering the nails firmly into the wood through the mounting holes. Don't hammer nails flush with the gauge. Leave about an inch of nail exposed to help support rain gauge.
  
  
• Test to see if your gauge can slide easily on and off the nails. If not, adjust the nails.
  
  
• Alternative Method: If you don't want to put nail holes in your fence or railing, you can buy self-adhesive hook and loop (such as Velcro) at your local hardware or fabric store. These stores frequently sell precut pieces in small packages for a few dollars. Stick the hook piece to the wood and the loop piece to the rain gauge and press firmly in place.
  

Ta-da! You're done!

• A printable installation guide summarizing the above steps is available.[Adobe Acrobat Reader needed to print. If you need to download, click the link below.]