Pencil Hardness Test Kit Determines Relative Hardness

The Positest PT Pencil Hardness Test Kit in its Basic Kit variation. Photo Credit: Gardco

The Positest PT Pencil Hardness Test Kit from Paul N. Gardner USA (Gardco), worldwide distributors, producers and designers of  physical and inspection instruments for the paint, coatings and related industries, is designed for use in lab and field settings. The Positest PT Pencil Hardness Test Kit determines the scratch resistance and relative hardness of paint, films, resins and lacquers in accordance with ISO 15184 and ASTM D3363. The field kit is said to include everything needed for testing with two available options, the Positest PT Basic Kit and the Positest PT Complete Kit.

The Basic Kit features 14 high-quality graphite pencils ranging from 6B to 6H in hardness. The pencils come in a protective aluminum case. The kit also comes with a custom aluminum pencil sharpener with hardened steel blades specifically design for the pencil hardness test. The sharpener includes 5- and 6-mm indicators for reference of graphite length for easy conformance to national and international standards. A pack of 400 grit sandpaper for flattening pencil leader prior to testing and an instruction manual are also included.

The Complete Kit includes everything in the Basic Kit and more. There is a pencil cart with a leveling rod which exerts a constant force of 7.35 N (~1.65 lbf) at the specified 45-degree angle. The leveling rod helps to ascertain that the cart is parallel to the surface. Also included is a thumbscrew that enables quick pencil changes and a hard shell carrying case.