A simple apparatus has been developed to measure frictional forces of small magnitude. It provides a continuous recording of tangential forces ranging from below 0.01 dyne to about 50 dynes. Details of the stick-slip characteristics are thereby recorded. The small normal forces required are applied and controlled by passing a current through a meter movement. The basic element for sensing frictional forces is a d'Arsonval galvanometer system. The frictional force applied to a lever arm produces a torque about the axis of the galvanometer system. A dual photodiode-servo amplifier system provides a correcting current to the galvanometer so that the mechanically imposed torque is automatically balanced. The correcting current is directly proportional to the tangential force. This apparatus has been extensively used in friction studies of individual textile fibers and for fine wire samples. It has also been used for measurements of stylus friction on flat surfaces under small loads. This paper includes a detailed description of the apparatus and illustrations of its application.Presented at the 24th ASLE Annual Meeting in Philadelphia, May 5–9, 19691Supported in part by U. S. Dept. of Agriculture SURDD Grant No. 12-14-100-7661(72).