Many stress measuring instruments use overcoring stress-relief principles but adopt different sensing techniques. Every technique is subject to certain limitations of rock types and conditions._x000D_
To investigate the performance and reliability of the instruments in field measurement, a simple and practical approach has been developed to allow comparable laboratory results to be obtained which simulate in-situ rock and stress conditions. Four commonly used devices, the USBM deformation gauge, the CSIRO HI cell,the CSIR triaxial cell and the UNSW SI cell were thoroughly tested in the laboratory. Some conclusions have been drawn as to their suitability and reliability in different field conditions._x000D_
Recommendations are provided for the choice of an appropriate technique for a given rock type and condition. A new thin- wall cell that overcomes the disadvantages of earlier devices has been developed and tested. Its laboratory performance shows that it has good prospects.