is this delay normal on an Ames hardness tester?

Mine doesn't do that. It acts more like the video when the pressure was being released. Just like the video below.

Is that collar the diamond is mounted to stock? The diamonds for the ames testers are expensive and someone may have fabricated it to use a different diamond. If you getting good readings on a test std I wouldnt worry too much.

Have you tried testing other steel or just that block? Maybe a sticky plunger on the dial? Try moving the plunger with your finger and see how responsive it is.

 
Good point! I'll check the plunger.

Yeah I've checked other blades I have and it seems spot on.

The diamond was in the included tube and appeared unused so that's a good thing! The collar is a factory extension so you can measure thin items on the model 2 (2" wide jaw).
 
The tester has a handle for a reason - use it, and get your hand away from the frame, which needs to deflect precisely. Also I prefer to make sure that my test piece is not contacting the frame of the tester.
 
The first Ames tester I bought was a model 2, and the pin that goes through the side of the dial was a little stiff because of it's age (80's I believe). That meant that the dial would have a hard time getting to 150kg because the pin would bind. I would have to exercise it a bit before testing to get it to read correctly. I gifted that one to a friend and I have a model 1 that doesn't have that problem, even though it is probably just as old. I wish I knew how to fix it without breaking the dial or ruining the calibration.
 
Just wanted to let you guys know, You can recalibrated them if yours has access to the back of the dial. It’s all on how the plunger and the arm flex together. You can move the plunger up and down the arm to change the readings. Just make small adjustments till it reads what your test block is.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top