
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 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
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.
- 1Read results on siteThe 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.
- 2Corrects for test angleThe 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.
- 3Covers the standards you quote againstIt 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.
- 4Ready to test out of the caseIt 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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When to use this
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.
- 1Read results on siteThe 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.
- 2Corrects for test angleThe 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.
- 3Covers the standards you quote againstIt 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.
- 4Ready to test out of the caseIt 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.
Lower-budget alternatives


Ten minutes on a call with one of our specialists usually saves you from buying the wrong instrument.
Book a 10-minute callOr , our product assistant, for an instant answer.
Specifications
Specifications
| Part Number | Description | Certificate |
|---|---|---|
| Measuring Range | 10 – 60 MPa | ο |
| Accuracy | Better than ±2 Rebound Number (When tested on Calibration Anvil at 80) | |
| Resolution | 2 Rebound Number(s) | |
| Range | 10 to 100 Rebound Number(s) | |
| Dimensions | Hammer: 280mm length x 55mm dia, In Case: 350mm length x 80mm dia. | |
| Weight | 1.5kg with case |
Packing List
Packing List
Standards
Standards
Accessories
Accessories
| TW99919563 | Calibration Anvil (supplied complete with Test Certificate) |
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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