When using Ohm Meters...
Potentiometers are precision instruments and must be handled with care. The shaft must not be struck any object, nor should modifications such as cutting or threading the shaft be made anywhere other than at the factory.
When using ohm meters to check your potentiometer, be careful with types, as the current supplied from the batteries combined with the current in the circuit being tested may exceed the potentiometers' permissible current. This may burn out the connections when the wiper is at the terminal. Maintain less than 50 milliamps of current as a guideline.