Reddit reviews Fowler Full Warranty 52-760-000-0 Hardness Tester File Set, 0.157" Diameter, 7" Length, Set of 6 Files
We found 2 Reddit comments about Fowler Full Warranty 52-760-000-0 Hardness Tester File Set, 0.157" Diameter, 7" Length, Set of 6 Files. Here are the top ones, ranked by their Reddit score.
1 year warranty offered by Fowler High PrecisionSet of 6 hardness tester filesEasy to use and economical40 - 65 HRC, 392 - 865 HV rangeColor coded gripesIncludes fitted storage case with instructions and Vickers Conversion Chart
There are a couple options in your budget, but the cheaper options won't be as precise or accurate. Might be good enough for what you need though.
https://www.amazon.com/Fowler-Warranty-52-760-000-0-Hardness-Diameter/dp/B00B5HQYAM
The other one I had in mind, I can't seem to find it. It uses a starrett center punch, and an optical tool to measure the diameter of the divot that's been punched. I'm sure you can find it with some more digging
Edit: Another option, dirt cheap, but you'll need some known samples that you can probably get from mcmaster: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qUpape0XgVs
You’d need a Rockwell hardness tester. Not cheap. Fowler Full Warranty 52-760-000-0 Hardness Tester File Set, 0.157" Diameter, 7" Length, Set of 6 Files https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00B5HQYAM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_zUUrDb9GVM9AR
You can put a hidden tang handle it won’t be easy but it’s possible. I wouldn’t bother with it