80 YEARS · 1946-2026
Elcometer 181 Mechanical Concrete Test Hammer
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About this product

The Elcometer 181 Mechanical Concrete Test Hammer is a rebound hammer for the quick, simple and inexpensive non-destructive evaluation of concrete compression strength and other masonry materials. The Elcometer 181 Mechanical Concrete Test Hammer lets you estimate in-situ strength without cutting cores or waiting for crushed samples, which is why rebound hammers are among the most widely used instruments in non-destructive testing of concrete structures.

The Elcometer 181 Mechanical Concrete Test Hammer uses a spring-loaded plunger which, when released, strikes the surface with a fixed and constant impact energy of 2.207 Nm. During the rebound stroke a pointer marks the maximum point of return, giving a Rebound Number. Read against the chart on the body, with the correct curve selected for the testing angle, this number converts to a compressive strength value. The measuring range of the Elcometer 181 Mechanical Concrete Test Hammer is 10 to 60 MPa, with a Rebound Number range of 10 to 100 at a resolution of 2 and accuracy better than plus or minus 2 Rebound Number when tested on a calibration anvil at 80. The aluminium-bodied hammer measures 280mm long by 55mm diameter and weighs 1.5kg with its case, and is supplied with a grinding stone to prepare the test surface, a plastic carrying case and instructions.

The Elcometer 181 Mechanical Concrete Test Hammer can be used in accordance with ASTM C805, EN 12504-2, BS 1881:202, DIN 1048, ISO 8045, NFP18-417 and UNI 9189, the recognised standards for rebound testing of hardened concrete. It is used by structural engineers, concrete testers and surveyors. Supplied by BAMR, South Africa's authorised Elcometer distributor.

Elcometer

Elcometer 181 Mechanical Concrete Test Hammer

The concrete test hammer provides a quick, simple and inexpensive method for non-destructive evaluation of concrete compression strength and other masonry materials.

  • Impact Energy 2.207 Nm
  • Supplied with grinding stone to prepare test surface Aluminium body
  • Rebound value indicated on test hammer
  • Rebound value chart on body, for quick calculation of compressive strength
  • Curve selection on chart dependant on testing angle
  • Supplied with plastic carrying case, grinding stone and instructions
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When to use this
Decision guide

When to use the Elcometer 181 Concrete Test Hammer

You reach for this when you need a fast, non-destructive read on the compressive strength of in-situ concrete or masonry without coring or sending samples to a lab. It suits site inspectors checking that a pour or an existing structure is sound enough to proceed.

  • 1
    Read results on site
    The rebound value shows directly on the hammer and a chart on the body converts it to compressive strength, so you get a usable figure at the structure rather than waiting on lab turnaround.
  • 2
    Corrects for test angle
    The chart lets you select the curve for the angle you are testing at, which matters because the same concrete reads differently on a wall, a soffit or a slab.
  • 3
    Covers the standards you quote against
    It conforms to ASTM C805, BS 1881:202, EN 12504-2 and others, so the readings stand up when a client or engineer asks which method you followed.
  • 4
    Ready to test out of the case
    It ships with a grinding stone to prepare the test surface and a carrying case, so an inspector can prep a spot and take a reading without extra kit.
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Specifications

Specifications

Part NumberDescriptionCertificate
Measuring Range10 – 60 MPaο
AccuracyBetter than ±2 Rebound Number (When tested on Calibration Anvil at 80)
Resolution2 Rebound Number(s)
Range10 to 100 Rebound Number(s)
DimensionsHammer: 280mm length x 55mm dia, In Case: 350mm length x 80mm dia.
Weight1.5kg with case
Packing List

Packing List

Elcometer 181 Analogue Concrete Test Hammer
Plastic Storage Case
Abrasive Stone and Operating Instructions
Standards

Standards

ASTM C805
BS 1881:202
DIN 1048
EN 12504-2
ISO 8045
NFP18-417
UNI 9189
Accessories

Accessories

TW99919563Calibration Anvil (supplied complete with Test Certificate)
Downloads
Answers

Frequently asked questions

What does the Elcometer 181 measure and what method does it use?

It provides a quick, simple and inexpensive method for non-destructive evaluation of concrete compressive strength and other masonry materials, using the rebound number of the hammer.

What is the measuring range and accuracy?

The compressive strength range is 10 to 60 MPa. The rebound scale runs from 10 to 100 rebound numbers, with a resolution of 2 rebound numbers and accuracy better than plus or minus 2 rebound numbers when tested on a calibration anvil at 80.

What are the dimensions and weight of the instrument?

The hammer itself is 280 mm long by 55 mm diameter. In its case it measures 350 mm long by 80 mm diameter. Total weight including the case is 1.5 kg.

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