A downhole tool having opposing interfaces for incorporation of the downhole tool into a downhole tool string. A housing extends between the opposing interfaces, and a bore extends longitudinally through the housing between the opposing interfaces. An accelerometer is disposed within the bore of the housing for detecting acceleration of the downhole tool in response to a mechanical impact generated elsewhere within the downhole tool string. The accelerometer generates an output signal indicative of the acceleration. The downhole tool also includes a processor for processing the output signal, a memory device for storing the output signal or data generated by the processor, and an electrical energy source powering the processor and the memory device.