Tension testing tool

Abstract

A hand tool for tension testing of flexible elongated members and connections thereto comprises a drawn cup roller clutch having a shaft and a bearing assembly. The bearing assembly and the shaft are coupled for relative concentric rotation about an axis through the shaft. First and second plier-like handles are connected for affecting unidirectional rotation of the shaft with respect to the bearing assembly and are arranged in opposed relationship whereby movement of the handles towards one another effects relative rotation of the shaft and the bearing assembly in a preselected direction. A compression gauge is attached to the outer surface of an extended portion of one of the handles disposed oppositely from the handles. The gauge includes a U-shaped compression beam and a dial indicator calibrated to read force as a function of relative displacement between opposed arms of the U-shaped beam. The hand tool further comprises an apparatus attached to one of the arms of the beam for holding an end of a member to be tested for tensile strength. Another device is attached to the shaft for holding another end of the member, and is rotatable with the shaft upon closing motion of the handles to place the member in tension. The dial indicator provides a continuous indication of tension force exerted on the member.