Pocket Penetrometers

Designed for making field classification of cohesive soils in terms of consistency, shear strength and approximate unconfined compressive strength.
Two models available from CONTROLS:

16-T0171: Standard model
  • measuring range 0 to 500 kPa
  • Dimensions: 20 mm dia. x 173 mm length
  • Weight approx.: 0.5 kg


16-T0163: Heavy duty model
  • Stainless steel construction.
  • Tip Diameters: 4.5 mm dia. for very hard soil, 6.35 mm for medium and soft soil, 8.98 mm for soft soil.
  • Measuring range: 0 to 1000 kPa 
  • Dimensions (assembled): 210 mm length x 20 mm dia. approx.
  • Weight approx.: 0.5 kg
The special feature of this model is the design of the penetration rod, which allows a relatively deep penetration into the soil (up to 6 cm) thus reducing errors and uncertainties typical of shallow measures, which are often affected by remoulding, drying, etc.
This penetrometer can be used both for field and laboratory measures on soils having UCS values (Unconfined Compressive Strength) between 0 and 10 kgf/cm2.
HM-500: Gilson Soil Pocket Penetrometer
  • Net Weight 193g
  • Diameter 19mm
  • Length 168mm

Lightweight direct reading penetrometer gives instant information for classification of
cohesive soils on site or in the lab.
Use is required by OSHA for trenching and excavation work. The spring-operated device
has a 1/4" (6.4mm) dia. loading piston that is pushed into the soil up to a calibration groove machined on the piston 1/4" from the end.
The permanent scale on the piston barrel reads approximate unconfined compressive
strength in tons per ft2 or kg per cm2. An indicator sleeve retains reading after piston is released. Spring is calibrated and plated for rust resistance.
Adapter Foot Attachment of 1" diameter has 16 times the piston area, for soft soils.