Webster Instrument’s portable, fast and accurate Hardness Testers are available in three models for testing aluminum, brass, copper and mild steel. The company says its gages identify tempers quickly and can test a variety of shapes that common gages cannot check, such as extrusions, tubing and flat stock.

All testers operate in the same manner but differ in penetrator design, load-spring type and hardness range. To operate, the user places the work between the anvil and the penetrator. Pressure is then applied to the handles until the “bottom” is felt, at which time the dial indicator is read.