Mechanical balances and scales are traditional weighing instruments that determine mass using physical mechanisms rather than electronic sensors. They operate through levers, springs, or counterweights, providing reliable measurements without the need for electricity. Common types include beam balances, spring balances, and platform scales.
These devices are valued for their durability, simplicity, and independence from power sources, making them ideal for laboratories, educational settings, fieldwork, and industrial environments. Though less precise than modern digital models, they remain highly dependable for routine weighing tasks.