This is an accurate and portable instrument for the determination of in-situ shear strength of cohesive soil , either on-site or on undisturbed or re-moulded samples in the Laboratory. The instrument comprises of a torque head with a direct reading scale which is turned by hand. A non return pointer assists in reading. Vanes of either 19 mm or 33 mm dia with rods are fixed to the underside of the torque head, and can be pushed well into the undisturbed material below or behind and excavated surface.