The body of the instrument contains a round tip, compressed by one of the three springs corresponding to the three printed scales: 0-300, 0-1000, 0-2000g, and a cursor fitted with a screw lock.

By making short, straight movements while gradually increasing the load, the user can observe the force at which the tip leaves a mark or destroys the coating.

Each Elcometer 3092 is supplied in a case with 0.75mm (0.03") diameter tungsten carbide tip and 3 springs.