Abstract: Method and apparatuses are disclosed for testing various characteristics of an elastomeric weatherstrip such as seal load, stress relaxation, and the recovery rate. One embodiment of the invention is an apparatus including a member defining a surface for exerting a force to deflect a portion of the weatherstrip a selected distance. The surface is oriented to be parallel to an edge defined by the portion along the weatherstrip's longitudinal axis in order to ensure that the exerted force is evenly distributed. The apparatus further includes an adjustable support for positioning the weatherstrip with respect to the surface and for bringing the edge into contact with the surface sufficiently to cause the portion to deflect the selected distance. The apparatus also includes a device for measuring the force exerted during deflection on the surface by the portion of the weatherstrip.