Abstract: A hardness tester apparatus is disclosed for testing the hardness of a roll of material. The apparatus includes a housing having a first portion which is held by an operator. A socket panel defines a socket and an impulse hammer is connected to a plug received by the socket such that when the operator strikes the roll of material with the impulse hammer, a signal is generated which is transmitted to the plug. A hardness information collecting device is electrically connected to the socket. A display is electrically connected to the hardness information collecting device for displaying a reading corresponding to the hardness of the roll of material.