The Elcometer 106 Pull Off Adhesion Tester is a fully portable Type II adhesion gauge that gives a numerical value for the adhesion strength of a coating to its substrate. Knowing how well a coating bonds matters because weak adhesion is a leading cause of paint and protective-coating failure, and a measured pull-off figure provides documented proof that a system meets specification before it goes into service.

The Elcometer 106 Pull Off Adhesion Tester is hand operated, so it needs no power supply. A 20mm diameter dolly, with an area of 314mm2, is bonded to the prepared coating and then pulled perpendicularly from the surface; the gauge records the tensile force required to detach it. The kit includes a cutter for EN 13144 and ISO 4624 tests. It is offered in five scale ranges to match the coating system under test: Scale 5 reads 0 to 0.2MPa, Scale 1 reads 0 to 3.5MPa, Scale 2 reads 0 to 7.0MPa, Scale 3 reads 0 to 15MPa and Scale 4 reads 0 to 22MPa. Scales 1, 2 and 5 measure 152 x 76mm and weigh 2.8kg, while Scales 3 and 4 measure 185 x 76mm and weigh 4.2kg and 4.5kg respectively.

It can be used in accordance with ISO 4624, ISO 16276-1, AS 1580.408.5, ASTM D 4541, AS/NZS 1580.408.5, EN 13144, EN 24624, NF T30-062 and NF T30-606. Supplied in a carry case for site work, it suits coatings inspectors testing paint on steel, aluminium, concrete and bridge decking. It is supplied by BAMR, South Africa's authorised Elcometer distributor.