Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing electric motor armatures includes a non-metallic chuck for supporting each armature during testing. The chuck includes three major components, namely, a lower saddle, an upper saddle, and an armature positioning mechanism. The lower saddle is attached to a lifting cylinder and carries each armature from a conveyor to a testing station. The upper saddle is permanently associated with the testing station. The armature positioning mechanism is attached to the upper saddle and includes a spring loaded metal dog which engages each armature as it is being lifted into position to rotate the armature into the proper position so that electrical contact wires extended from a test head will contact the contact bars of the armature commutator. Both the upper and lower saddles are made from a non-magnetic material, such as Nylon, but are provided with ceramic rollers which engage the armature to prevent wear. A cylinder retracts the metal dog during surge testing.