Abstract: A method for forming and assembling an apparatus for testing the minimum pullout strength of a ground anchor for an oil well derrick or other towers (as an antenna or guy line) comprises (1) forming an open ended housing, (2) inserting an elongated means in the open end of the housing, (3) connecting a tension means to the elongated means, (4) circumscribing the elongated means with a compression spring for damping movement of the elongated means, and (5) connecting a restraining means or shear pin of a predetermined strength between the housing and the elongated means so that while applying an increasing load to the elongated means, if the anchor does not move prior to breaking of the shear pin, a safe, satisfactory, and reliable anchor is indicated.