hardness testers?

B

branwell

Joined
Apr 21, 2013
Messages
6
Hi Guys,

Am wanting a hardness tester in the sub $1K range.

Am thinking of a portable Ames model 1 used or a new full sized unit from Harbor Freight. I seem seem uneasy about getting a used full size unit on ebay. Not pretending it rational, but there you are.

Any thoughts on the two devices mentioned? Is there a better option?

Thanks.
 
I don't know about the HF model but I have one from Grizzly and it does all I need. IIRC it was $980 shipped.
 
The one at Grizzly is the same unit I am currently looking at as well. $980 shipped is the current price as well.
 
Don't get the Harbor Freight one, it's junk! The Grizzly one is pretty good, but not as good as an old USA tester.

I bought two old testers last year and after tinkering with them a bit they both work great! They were in the $200 range. I would not have a problem buying a used one off ebay.
 
Last year there was a lot of talk about hardness testers. So I just went on Craigslist and punched in Hardness tester and I ended up with a really nice hardness tester an old one like Don mentioned. I paid $150 bucks for it with a bunch of testing blocks a new diamond a nice wooden box to hold everything in. I could not have been happier since I have got it. As much as people say you don't need one to make a knife. I can't agree more. But if you like to play around with your tempering and just like to have cool tools check out your local listings. You will be surprised at what is out there.
 
What do you need to know to make a good purchase for a hardness tester? If I was to go out and get one off of ebay or craigslist, what should I know to use it and to make sure I have everything so it works correctly?

-Brian-
 
Following Don's advice I waited a bit and got a used one off craiglist for 200$ if I remember right. After a little cleaning and tuning work, with the help of gracious folks around here (Don included), I couldn't be happier. :thumbup:
 
I've used Wilson's all my life, and I own a Wilson now. You can find them on E-Bay in your price range BUT you need to be careful to buy it from someone who was using it, and can guarantee it's function, not from someone who is buying salvage and reselling it. If you have to buy a diamond, they are about $250.00, a Wilson weighs 150-200 pounds and is a delicate instrument. So consider the shipping.

All that said; if you see something on E-Bay that you like, let me know and I'll be glad to pop over there and give you a second opinion.

John
 
TheWeatherman said:
What do you need to know to make a good purchase for a hardness tester? If I was to go out and get one off of ebay or craigslist, what should I know to use it and to make sure I have everything so it works correctly?

-Brian-
Click to expand...
Key things, make sure it has the weights 150kg, reads in C scale & has a diamond point. Wilson is the name I'd be most interested in. Lots of them out there!
 
Thanks guys. Lot of good experience to benefit from.

I'll definitely peruse Craig's list and ebay. If no luck there, I'll toward the grizzly.

Many thanks.
 
I was ready to get a Grizzly tester until I found a Wilson a good friend (maker) had in his garage. It was rusty, nasty and full of dirt dobber nests. Cleaned up good and works like a new one. :)
 
I bought an import from Enco for $800 or so delivered. it works great but I do wish it were made in the good old USA
 
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