Bourdon tube effects can be a serious problem during fiber‐spinning experiments. Tubing distortions resulting from pressurization of fiber‐spinning devices can cause offset of the zero force readings. Consequently, the measured extensional forces are erroneous, and the effect on the computed axial stresses can be disastrous. The importance of Bourdon effects has been given very little attention, and in several fiber‐spinning studies the problem has not even been acknowledged. The present work reviews steps that were taken to construct a fiber‐spinning apparatus for use with concentrated suspensions of rod‐like particles. With an existing apparatus, offset of the zero force reading was quite large at relatively low pressures (<50 psig). Sources of the offset are examined in detail, and results are presented to illustrate the improvements made with modifications of the apparatus. Although not entirely devoid of offset at high pressures, the final modified apparatus represents a substantial improvement over the earlier versions, especially when high viscosity fluids are used. Of great significance is the fact that the measured offset is very consistent and reproducible, even after completely dismantling, cleaning, and reassembling the apparatus. These improvements have been made while retaining a sensitivity to forces as low as10−4 N,with a linear torsion constant capable of handling forces of order10−2 N.