The Schmidt Hammer (also referred to as the Swiss Hammer) is a rebound hammer used to measure the strength of concrete by the rebound hammer test method. The rebound hammer test determines the rebound number of hardened concrete. It is an increasingly popular strength assessment apparatus due to its simple operation and portability. A plunger rod is pressed against the concrete surface until a spring-loaded mass releases causing an impact. The rebound of the mass is registered as the "rebound number" which provides estimated strength of concrete.
Click the Schmidt Concrete Hammer Comparison Table above to enlarge, print, or download. The table compares compressive strength and impact energy between Original Schmidt Hammer, Silver Schmidt, Schmidt Live, and Rock Rebound Test Hammers.
Most versions are divided into two concrete rebound hammer types based on the impact energy they produce. Schmidt Concrete Test Hammers are available in Type N or Type B model. Both are effective on concrete mixes with a similar range of compressive strengths.