Calibration guide
How Often Should a Pull Tester Be Calibrated?
By the Force-Test team, St. Petersburg, FL · Last reviewed October 2026
Calibrate a pull tester at least once every 12 months. Both ANSI/SPRI FX-1 (roofing fastener tests) and ABAA T0002 (air barrier adhesion tests) require a dated calibration no older than 12 months. Recalibrate sooner if the tester is dropped, repaired, has its gauge replaced or gives readings you don’t trust. Force-Test calibrates Force-Test pull testers for $150, NIST traceable, with a new certificate.
What the standards require
| Standard | Calibration interval | Accuracy required | Other requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| ANSI/SPRI FX-1 (roofing fasteners) | Every 12 months, or sooner if suspect | ±5% of reading | Dated certificate covering the full gauge range, traceable to a national standard |
| ABAA T0002 (air barrier adhesion) | Within the last 12 months | 0.5% of full scale, digital gauge | Gauge labeled with calibration date; calibrated at 74 ± 5°F and 50 ± 5% RH |
Recalibrate early when
- The tester was dropped or took a hard hit
- The gauge was replaced or the tester was repaired or rebuilt
- Readings drift, won’t zero, or disagree with past results on similar work
- A specification or inspector asks for a newer certificate
- Your 12-month date falls in the middle of a big project; calibrate before it starts
How to get your pull tester calibrated
Step 1: Check your certificate date
Find the date on your current calibration certificate or gauge label. Twelve months from that date is your deadline.
Step 2: Call or email if you need it fast
For a quick turnaround, contact us first at 727-421-3093 or sales@force-test.com. Depending on when it arrives, it can ship back the same day.
Step 3: Decide what to send
Send the complete tester, or save on shipping by sending just the load-cell assembly.
Step 4: Pack it with your contact information
Include your name, company, phone, email and return address. A prepaid return label is welcome.
Step 5: Ship it to Force-Test
Force-Test, 5447 Haines Rd. N., #452, Saint Petersburg, FL 33714.
Step 6: File the new certificate
Keep the NIST-traceable certificate with the tester and note the calibration date on your pull test reports.
Calibration and gauge replacement prices
Return shipping not included. Seal replacement and vacuum oil fill are free when needed.
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Force-Test pull tester calibration | $150 |
| Force-Test tensile tester calibration | $150 |
| Com-Ten analog pull tester calibration | $175 |
| Com-Ten digital pull tester calibration | $195 |
| RooFirst-type pull tester calibration | $165 |
| Force-Test analog gauge replacement + calibration, any capacity | $225 |
| Force-Test digital gauge replacement + calibration, 1K or 2K | $675 |
| RooFirst-type gauge replacement + calibration, up to 1,000 lbf | $235 |
| Com-Ten analog gauge replacement, any capacity | $275 |
Why pull testers need special calibration equipment
On Force-Test and Com-Ten testers the piston spins while load is applied, just as it does in the field. Calibrating it that way is the only way to get results that match real use, and a calibration that holds up if your test results are ever questioned.
Pull tester calibration from $150
NIST traceable, certificate included, same-day turnaround possible. Questions? Call 727-421-3093.
Frequently asked questions
At least every 12 months. ANSI/SPRI FX-1 and ABAA T0002 both require a calibration dated within the last 12 months.
It starts on the calibration date printed on the certificate. New Force-Test testers ship with a fresh calibration certificate.
Not for standards work. FX-1 requires calibration traceable to a nationally recognized source and a dated certificate, which takes calibrated reference equipment.
$150 for Force-Test pull and tensile testers, $175 for Com-Ten analog, $195 for Com-Ten digital and $165 for RooFirst-type testers, plus return shipping.
Call or email before you ship if you need it fast. Depending on when it arrives, your tester can ship back the same day.
Yes. We calibrate Com-Ten analog and digital pull testers and RooFirst-type pull testers, and replace gauges on them.
No. You can send only the load-cell assembly to save on shipping.
- How to do an ABAA T0002 / ASTM D4541 adhesion pull test
- How to pull test roofing fasteners and deck screws
- Analog vs digital pull tester: which one do you need?
This guide summarizes the published test methods for practical field use. It does not replace the standard itself; always follow the current edition and your project specification.