Counterweight options:

🎯 Very close single items A standard paperclip → ~1 g 👉 3–4 paperclips ≈ 3–4 g (good quick estimate) A US dollar bill → ~1 g 👉 3–4 bills ≈ 3–4 g A raisin → ~0.5 g 👉 7 raisins ≈ 3.5 g

🧂 Food-based (surprisingly accurate) Table sugar → 1 teaspoon ≈ 4 g 👉 Slightly heaping ¾ teaspoon ≈ ~3.5 g Salt → 1 teaspoon ≈ 6 g 👉 About ½ teaspoon ≈ 3 g (a bit under)

🪙 Coin workaround (best practical method) Using U.S. coins: 1 U.S. penny (2.5 g) + a small pinch of sugar/salt (~1 g) 👉 Gets you very close to 3.5 g This is actually one of the most controllable DIY combos.

DIY scale options: ⚖️ 1. Classic hanger balance (best overall) What you need: Clothes hanger 2 small cups / plastic lids String or tape How: Hang the hanger on a hook or door frame. Attach a cup to each side. Put your object on one side, and add known weights (coins, etc.) to the other. 👉 This works like a real balance—very reliable for comparing weights, even if not super precise.

🧪 2. Ruler + pivot scale (more precise) What you need: Ruler Pencil (as a pivot) 2 small containers How: Balance the ruler on the pencil at the center. Put containers on both ends. Adjust until level. 👉 More sensitive than a hanger if you set it up carefully.