Suture-tying forceps have been designed to enable surgeons to tie consecutive sutures to the same tension to create an evenly compressed wound. The tensioning effect of the forceps was tested by tying a suture to the end of a cantilever beam strain-gauge device. Three sutures were used: 10/0 nylon, 8/0 polyglactin (Vicryl) and 8/0 virgin silk. The tests were repeated, coating the tips with citrated blood, sodium hyaluronate and saline. Adjustment of the forceps altered the suture tension in 0.015-N steps. Sterilization of the forceps by ethylene oxide or by an autoclave caused no obvious regression in the forceps performance. When the suture and surface lubricant remain constant, there is a linear relationship between forceps setting and the tension induced in the suture.