Abstract: A station for performing a lapping method to achieve tight dimension controls for both read and write elements of magnetic recording heads is disclosed. A recording head having a read head stripe height and a write head throat height is lapped using a plurality of lapping forces. At least one of the plurality of lapping forces includes a torque force. A lapping wedge angle is controlled using at least one torque force, which controls the offset between the recording head read head stripe height and the write head throat height.

Abstract: A device for handling and testing individual sliders in a row-like format utilizes an elongated, row-like holder having a series of small pockets, each of which receives a single slider. After the sliders enter the holder, a clamp is moved to a closed position to retain the sliders in the holder. The holder is placed in a test fixture such that permanently mounted probes precisely engage the small pads on the sliders for multiple testing purposes. Enlarged probe pads on the test fixture are electrically interconnected with the probes to provide an operator with easy access to the slider pads. The sliders are tested in a row-like format, side by side, to reduce handling-induced electrostatic discharge and mechanical damage.