The Borletti portable traction and compression dynamometer is a mechanical measuring instrument designed to check axial forces applied both in pulling and pushing directions. The image shows a compact body with analogue dial, measuring rod, contact tip for compression tests and hook accessory for traction tests. This configuration makes the instrument highly versatile for functional checks, mechanical adjustments and quick inspections directly on the component or assembled unit.

The main purpose of the dynamometer is to measure the force required to compress, pull, move, actuate or hold a mechanical element in position. In compression it can be used to check thrust forces, stops, preload, springs, end positions, clamping devices, levers, guides and systems subject to axial load. In traction, using the hook, it can check pulling forces, elastic return, return resistance, manual actuations, tie rods, small linkages and components operating under pulling stress.

In machine tool applications and precision mechanics, this type of instrument is useful when dimensional inspection alone is not enough to describe the real behaviour of a component. A dimension may be correct, but the actuation force, preload or movement resistance may reveal transmission play, abnormal friction, assembly errors, elastic deformation, incorrect adjustment or functional differences between apparently identical parts. The dynamometer therefore complements geometric inspection with a practical force test.

The analogue dial provides immediate and progressive reading of the applied force. During testing, the operator can observe the increase or decrease in force and identify sticking points, yielding, irregular return, sudden variations or non-linear component behaviour. This is particularly useful in preventive maintenance, extraordinary maintenance, testing and quality control, where both the final value and the reaction of the component during loading are important.

For correct use, the appropriate accessory must be selected according to the test. The contact tip is used for measuring compression force on a support surface, while the hook is used to apply traction force to springs, tie rods, levers or small return systems. The instrument should be kept as aligned as possible with the force axis, avoiding inclined pulling or pushing forces that may cause reading errors or lateral stress on the rod.

The force should be applied gradually, without shocks, impacts or overloads. Before testing, it is advisable to check that the dial pointer is correctly positioned, the accessory is securely fitted and the measuring range of the instrument is suitable for the expected force. For repeated checks on production batches, the use of supports, fixtures or mechanical references improves measurement repeatability and reduces operator influence.

The Borletti traction and compression dynamometer is suitable for mechanical workshops, assembly departments, internal metrology laboratories, automotive companies, machine tool manufacturers and maintenance departments. It can be used to check lever actuation force, spring response, contact pressure of mechanical elements, resistance of small mechanisms, end-stop adjustment, correct preload of elastic systems and the presence of unwanted play or friction.

Measurement accuracy depends on the correct measuring range, scale resolution, condition of the contact tip or hook and the adopted testing procedure. To obtain comparable results, the measurement should always be repeated with the same contact position, the same direction of force application and the same operating speed. In this way, the dynamometer becomes a practical tool not only for measuring, but also for comparing components, validating adjustments and detecting mechanical anomalies.

Thanks to its compact construction and analogue reading, the Borletti portable traction and compression dynamometer is an effective solution for technicians, maintenance operators, inspectors and quality control personnel who need to quickly verify the mechanical behaviour of a component. It is simple to use, yet very useful for checking and documenting the correct operation of parts subject to pulling and pushing forces.