I have heard folks talk about a Maule fabric tester, but I have never
seen one in action. Apparently it puts a set amount of pressure
against fabric and if the rod goes thru, then the fabric fails.

Can someone please describe the action - especially, how does the
device keep the fabric from being deflected away from the pressure? It
doesn't grip the fabric does it?

Second - anyone built a homemade tester? Is there such a thing as a
calibrated thumb? - Mike