Portable Pendulum Skid Resistance Tester

Portable Pendulum Skid Resistance Tester — Accurate Skid and Slip Measurement

The Portable Pendulum Skid Resistance Tester is a precision instrument used to measure surface friction and skid resistance on pavements, floors, and walkways. It is essential for evaluating how surfaces perform under both wet and dry conditions and for determining the risk of skidding or slipping. This tester is designed to meet key industry standards, including ASTM E303, BS 7976, and EN 13036‑4, ensuring reliable and repeatable results.

The device uses a rubber slider on a 20 in (508 mm) pendulum arm that swings across the test surface. The distance the pendulum head travels after striking the surface reflects the surface frictional resistance, which is crucial for assessing skid potential in road safety and pedestrian zones. 

For related field and lab testing instruments, explore the full Certified MTP collection of construction materials testing tools to support comprehensive surface evaluation workflows. 

How It Works

A spring‑loaded pendulum arm with a rubber slider rotates around a vertical pillar as it swings across the test surface. The friction between the slider and the surface affects how far the pendulum continues after impact — the basic principle behind pendulum test value (PTV) measurements. The device includes a drag pointer on a 0–150 scale for friction readings. 

The tester can be adjusted for use on sloping surfaces, ensuring a true circular path and accurate results regardless of testing conditions. It can be used in both uncontrolled outdoor environments and controlled lab settings.

Components and Accessories

The Portable Pendulum Skid Resistance Tester comes with a complete field kit, including:

• Setting gauge and clear ruler for slide verification
  
  
• Wrenches and soft‑bristle brush
  
  
• Spray bottle and thermometer
  
  
• Folding stool for field use
  
  
• Three skid tester feet
  
  
• Rugged carrying case
  
  
• Traceable calibration certificate
  
  

Many professionals pair this tester with accessories such as the 3 in Mounted Slider for Pendulum Skid Tester or Slider Conditioning Cloth (10/Pk) to ensure accurate, standards‑compliant testing. 

Sliders & Pads

Sliders are made with graded rubber strips bonded to aluminum backing plates. For example:

• Large 3 in mounted sliders are ideal for field testing of road surfaces.
  
  
• Slider conditioning cloth prepares new sliders and improves consistency across tests. 

What Is a Skid Tester?

A skid tester — also known as a pendulum slip tester — is used to measure the slip resistance or frictional properties of surfaces such as roads, floors, and pedestrian areas. The main output, the pendulum test value (PTV), indicates how likely a surface is to provide traction or cause skidding. 

This method is widely used by highway engineers, safety inspectors, and material testing technicians to ensure compliance with safety standards and improve material performance before installation or public use.

Applications

The British pendulum tester is versatile and fits many applications:

• Measuring skid resistance for road safety assessment
  
  
• Evaluating floor surface slip resistance in buildings
  
  
• Testing sports and playground surfaces for safety standards
  
  
• Assessing frictional properties of aggregate and paving materials
  
  

It also works with specimens prepared using an accelerated polishing machine, which simulates long‑term tire wear on aggregate samples. 

Calibration & Maintenance

To ensure accurate testing:

• Perform annual calibration of the pendulum arm and slider.
  
  
• Keep components clean and free of debris.
  
  
• Replace worn sliders or pads to maintain reliable friction results.
  
  

Adhering to these practices ensures your skid resistance tester continues to deliver consistent and trustworthy data.

Why Choose This Portable Tester?

The Portable Pendulum Skid Resistance Tester is a reliable, standards‑compliant, and field‑ready solution for professionals in road construction, materials engineering, and safety assessment. Its portability and rugged design make it ideal for field testing across a wide range of environments. 

Enhance your testing toolkit by exploring additional concrete and materials testing equipment available from Certified MTP.