Aluminum Head Composites Tap Hammer, Inspection Tool (“Coin Tap Hammer”)

You’re probably going to want an ultrasonic non-destructive inspection (NDI). I know this might sound silly, but I’m a composites maintainer on aircraft and the first and easiest test is a tap test. You can use the little special hammer, or just a quarter will do. Deflate the tire to take pressure off the structure, then lightly tap the composite. It should make a high pitched, sharp sound. All the taps should sound the same. If you hear a *thud* or a lower pitch sound, there’s a high likelihood you’ve acoustically found a void inside the structure. Absent any visible damage, after a failed tap test is when we’d call out NDI. Good luck, beautiful wheel!!