The pencil lead, sharpened beforehand by using the special pencil sharpener and rubbing it on fine abrasive paper (400 grade), is maintained at an angle of 45° and pushed with uniform pressure on to the sample, leaving either a superficial trace or causing destruction down to the substrate.

The Elcometer 3080 Pencil Hardness Tester is supplied complete with stand and a series of 14 pencils, ranging from 6B to 6H hardness values.