The Ames Portable Hardness Tester case is made from high impact plastic, lined with foam to keep your Ames Portable Hardness Tester safe in transit. There is a space for your Ames Portable Hardness Tester, 3 test blocks, penetrators and anvils in this case. You may also choose to purchase one of Ames limited edition Model 1 testers in the original wood box. This is a new tester in the old style box which was discontinued.
Of course your Ames kit will include the Ames Portable hardness Tester you have selected. We manufacture Standard hardness testers which include the Model 1, Model 2, Model 1-4, Model 4-2, Model 4-4, Model 8 and Model 16 which test in Rockwell A, B, C, D and F scales, if you use them with our optional ball penetrators, they also test in Rockwell E, H, L, M, R, S and V scales as well. Our Superficial hardness testers include Model 1-S, Model 1-ST, Model 1-4S, and Model 4-2S which read in Rockwell scales N and T. Using the additional ball penetrator they can also read in W, X and Y scales with the exception of the Model 1-ST which only reads in 15-T for tube testing. The only tester that does not include a carrying case is the model 16.
Your kit will include a flat and a “V”anvil. Anvils aid you in ensuring your tester provides valid readings. The standard flat stock anvil is our most used anvil as it is designed for use with flat stock. The “V” anvil is for small, round stock. Anvils are interchangeable. We also sell raised flat anvils for thin stock, convex anvils for tube stock, round anvils for larger round stock.
You will receive one diamond penetrator and one ball penetrator in your Ames Portable Hardness Tester kit. These penetrators are interchangeable. You will need a different penetrator depending on the scale you are testing in. Diamond penetrators are necessary for harder metals. You can always purchase replacements on our website.
You will receive one hard steel, one soft steel and one brass test block with your Ames Portable Hardness Tester kit. These testers help you with accuracy testing to ensure your tester is reading correctly. Each Ames test block includes a certificate of calibration. Superficial test blocks are standard with our superficial testers, and standard test blocks come with our standard hardness testers. You may special order test blocks as well.
Ames hardness tester kits come standard with two extensions, one 1″ and one 1/2″ extension.
Each Ames Portable Hardness tester includes a manual for use of your hardness tester. If you lose your manual or need another copy, you can download it from our website at any time. It is important to review this manual for proper care of your hardness tester, it also includes conversion charts for your use.
Every Ames tester is factory calibrated before it is sold and every tester comes with a certification of calibration, our Ames test blocks include certification to the hardness on the test block. Our testers meet NIST and ASTM E-110 standards. You should return your tester to our factory for calibration once a year to ensure it continues to read accurately. We also offer repair services.
Ames introduced the model 8 hardness tester in February of 1975. This portable hardness tester has the capacity for either rounds or flats up to 8 inches to determine the hardness of metals and alloys in various Rockwell scales.
The model 8 Ames portable Hardness Tester saves time and money by its ability to be taken to the workpiece being tested rather than having to cut pieces off to be taken to the laboratory for testing. The measuring head is independent of the measuring clamp or machine tool holder of your own design.
The model 8 Ames Portable Hardness Tester is accurate, light to carry, and easy to use. This tester meets the needs of both large and small plants. Use model 8 to test standard Rockwell scales, this tester is convienently is supplied with a carrying case.
With a frame depth of 4 inches, this tester reads Rockwell A, B, C, and other scales. The measuring head may be removed and mounted on a tool holder. This tester weighs 8.25 pounds.
Do you wonder if Ames portable hardness testers are the best option for you to use when testing the hardness of metal? Here are 5 reasons to choose Ames when you choose your hardness tester.
In May of 1977, Ames announced the release of the Ames Model ST portable Hardness Tester. This superficial tester is specifically designed for testing small diameter or thin wall tubing. The small anvil will fit into the inner wall of tubing as small as 3/16″ and is effective in checking larger sizes as well. The tube hardness tester reads in the 15-T scale and comes in a high-impact case just like our other portable hardness testers.
The Ames model ST tubing tester uses a special cylindrical anvil to test soft tubular materials such as copper. This tester is recommended for small diameter tubing with thin walls. The maximum load for the model ST is 15 KG, anything greater will damage this tester.
Before you begin a hardness test using your model ST, be sure that the 1/16 ball penetrator is snuggly screwed into the end of the tester spindle shaft. The 1/18″ pin perpendicular to the spindle is the anvil.
How to use your Model ST Tube tester:
Step 1: Rotate the bezel (outer ring of the dial indicator) and position the face of the dial so that the dot on the face is directly below the indicator’s pointer hand.
Step 2: Position your part over the 1/8″ anvil and slowly rotate the handwheel until the penetrator makes contact with the part and moves the pointer hand on the dial indicator to the line marked set. Stop at this point. You have reached the minor load point (3 kg).
Step 3: Rotate the numbered aluminum barrel dial, so that the 1/16 inch pin rests on top of the lucite magnifier.
Step 4: Rotate the handwheel until the pointer hand on the dial indicator reaches the major load of 15 kg (do not over or undershoot the target). Immediately after reaching the major load, rotate the handwheel back to the “set” (minor load) position.
Step 5: To read the Rockwell hardness, find the fine line on the magnifier. The scale below the magnifier on the aluminum barrel is graded in units of 10. The short hash marks are in units of two.
Our handy conversion chart helps you convert your Ames Hardness Readings from the Rockwell scales to Brinnell scales
Download NowBelow are a few Hardness Scale charts that will help you choose the proper set up for your Ames Rockwell portable hardness tester. The charts cover the following :
All information included in this article is found in the Ames Tester Manual. Download it here.
Material to be tested –
Very hard metals, soft and hard steel, aluminum, brass, and thinner materials can all be tested with our testers.
Brass and aluminum alloys can be handled by using a 1/16 ball
The penetrator that is needed –
Very hard metals like tungsten carbide, and thin steel needs to be tested using a Diamond penetrator.
Brass and aluminum alloys can be handled by using a 1/16 ball
Brass and aluminum alloys can be handled by using a 1/16 ball
The major load to be applied –
Your tester is guaranteed to +/- 1 point Rockwell. When using this tester, you must use extreme care to position the pointer exactly on the minor and major load marks.
Lastly, the correct Barrel dial setting –
The upper line of the barrel’s hardness scales should be exactly aligned beneath the hairline on the magnifier.
Do you need to convert Brinell to Rockwell? See our Rockwell/Brinell conversion chart.
Here are some commonly used scales on our models.
Please contact us with any questions regarding proper maintenance and set up of our Rockwell testers.