One of the questions we get most from medical and nursing students goes something like this: "I've found two tuning fork sets that look almost the same, but one's aluminium and one's stainless steel. Does it matter which I buy?" It's a fair question, especially when the price gap can be twenty quid or more. Here's how we'd think it through.
Our medical tuning forks are sold for professional and educational use by students, clinicians and vets. This post is about choosing the instrument, not about clinical technique, so always follow your course or department's guidance on how tests should be carried out.
Both materials do the same basic job
A tuning fork is tuned to a set frequency, and that frequency is what you're relying on. A 128 Hz fork is 128 Hz whether it's made from aluminium or steel. So for learning and practising the standard hearing and vibration tests, either material will work. The differences are in how the fork feels in the hand, how it stands up to daily use, and what you'll pay.
Aluminium tuning forks: light and easy on the budget
Aluminium forks are noticeably lighter. If you're carrying a set around all day in a scrubs pocket or a kit bag, that does make a difference. They're also the more affordable option, which is why a lot of students start with an aluminium set.
A few things to keep in mind:
- They're softer metal. Drop one on a hard floor or knock it against a bed frame and the prongs can pick up nicks or dents more easily than steel.
- Light weight cuts both ways. Easy to carry, but some people find a heavier fork feels steadier when they're holding it in place.
- Good for building a full range. Because they cost less, you can get several frequencies in one set without spending a fortune.
Our Medical Tuning Fork Set of 5 in aluminium is a good example. You get five forks in a case, with the option to add an activator, which makes it a sensible choice for teaching, practice sessions and anyone who wants a spread of frequencies to learn with.
Stainless steel tuning forks: heavier and harder wearing
Stainless steel forks have more weight to them, and that's the first thing most people notice when they pick one up. Many clinicians prefer the solid feel. Steel is also tougher, so it copes better with being carried, dropped and handled day after day over the years.
- More durable. Steel resists knocks and dents better, so it's the one we'd point you to if you want a fork to see you through training and into practice.
- Easy to keep clean. A smooth stainless finish wipes down well between uses.
- Costs more. You're paying for the material and the weight, so expect a higher price per fork.
Our Gardiner Brown Tuning Fork Set of 3 covers 128 Hz, 256 Hz and 512 Hz in stainless steel, with zip cases. If you need the higher frequency too, the Gardiner Brown Set of 4 adds a 1024 Hz fork.
So which one should you buy?
Here's the honest rule of thumb we give people in the shop:
- Go aluminium if you're early in your course, you're on a tight budget, or you want a wide range of frequencies for practice and teaching.
- Go stainless steel if you want one set that'll last, you'll be using it most days, or you simply prefer the weight in your hand.
- Not sure which frequencies you need? Check your course reading list first. We've also written a separate guide on choosing between 128 Hz and 512 Hz, which is worth a look before you decide.
If you only want a single fork alongside a reflex hammer, our 128 Hz Medical Tuning Fork and Reflex Hammer Kit pairs a brushed stainless steel fork with a hammer in one zip case.
Looking after your forks, whatever they're made of
A tuning fork is a simple instrument, but a bit of care keeps it working properly:
- Don't strike it on hard surfaces. Tapping a fork on a desk or metal rail can damage the prongs and change how it sounds. Use a rubber activator or a soft surface instead.
- Hold it by the stem. Gripping the prongs stops them vibrating.
- Keep it in its case. Loose forks in a bag rattle against keys and pens, and that's how dents happen.
- Wipe it down and dry it after use, following your clinical setting's cleaning policy.
Several of our sets come with an optional activator for exactly this reason, so it's worth adding one if you don't already have one.
Still deciding?
You can see every fork we stock, aluminium and stainless steel, in our Medical Tuning Forks collection. If you're unsure which set suits your course or your clinic, just drop us a message. We're happy to talk it through and point you to the right one.