Abstract: Testing machines for appyling a loading to a test specimen are required in the electronics industry for tensile testing fine wire and tape peel force. Suitable machines are known but have been cumbersome, slow to re-set and also rather expensive. By the invention load testing machines are provided e.g. for tensile testing of fine wires or tape peel force testing comprising first and second clamp means (6, 10), one fixed the other moveable linearly, between which a specimen is clamped, and a motor (32) arranged to move the moveable clamp means (10), conveniently through a rack (46) and pinion (44) system and a clutch (42). The machine further comprises means (18) to return the moveable clamp means (10) to an initial position in which the clamp means (6, 10) are spaced apart by a predetermined initial spacing when the clutch (42) is disengaged. This provides rapid re-setting of the machine for a further test.