Abstract: This application discloses press brake testing apparatus of a self-contained independent form which can be quickly applied to any usual form of press having electrical controls to check the stopping distance or time, or both, after the power has been cut off and the brake simultaneously applied, the testing apparatus comprising a ram-attached flexible indicia strand, automatic take-up means for the flexible strand, means for quickly attaching the end of the flexible strand to a press ram, means for cutting off the power of the press and concurrently applying the brake, means responsive to the movement of the flexible strand for digitally indicating time and distance of stopping, means for initiating the operation of the digital indicating means when the press power is cut off and the brake applied, means for halting the action of the digital indicating means when the ram and strand stop, means to return the press ram to normal stop position after a test, and means for re-setting the digital indicating or read