5.1 Petroleum waxes differ in hardness. Needle penetration is a measurement of hardness. Hardness may have a significant effect upon other physical properties.

1.1 This test method covers the empirical estimation of the consistency of waxes derived from petroleum by measurement of the extent of penetration of a standard needle. This test method is applicable to waxes having a penetration of not greater than 250.

Note 1: This test method is similar to the needle method for determining the penetration of bituminous material, Test Method D5. Cone methods applicable to greases and to petrolatum are described in Test Methods D217 and Test Method D937, respectively.

1.2 WARNING—Mercury has been designated by many regulatory agencies as a hazardous material that can cause central nervous system, kidney and liver damage. Mercury, or its vapor, may be hazardous to health and corrosive to materials. Caution should be taken when handling mercury and mercury containing products. See the applicable product Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for details and EPA’s website—http://www.epa.gov/mercury/faq.htm—for additional information. Users should be aware that selling mercury and/or mercury containing products into your state or country may be prohibited by law.

1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard.

1.3.1 Exception—The values given in parentheses are for information only.

1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.