Shear Testing determines the shear strength of the tested material. Usually performed on fasteners, such as bolts, machine screws and rivets, shear testing applies a lateral shear force to the specimen until failure results.

The test specimen is placed in the shear set up of the tensile machine. A knife edged wedge presses down upon the specimen forcing it into a v-shaped cavity on the test mandrel. The applied forces are recored by the computer, and plotted on a graph.

Shear testing is performed per NASM 1312 Fastener Test Methods.