Abstract: A contact assembly is described for testing a storage cell with a probe configured to flex in an outward direction, in response to a vertical application of force, to scrub a tab on the storage cell at a zero insertion force. The contact assembly comprises a contact structure configured to flex in an outward direction to scrub and to pierce a tab of the storage cell; a board, wherein a juxtaposition of the board to the contact structure defines an opening configured to receive the tab of the storage cell; and a device configured to move the contact structure, to a position in which the opening is closed, to cause the contact structure to scrub and to pierce the tab on the storage cell.