The disclosure describes an apparatus for measuring the static and kinetic friction properties of sheet materials. The apparatus comprises a sled, moving table, means for creating and measuring the friction force between sled and table, and lift mechanism which places sled on table, and removes sled from the table. Novel aspects include a lift design which causes the sled to be maintained in positive contact with the force measuring means, friction force creating means which integrate a small displacement static forcing means with a mechanically stiff kinetic drive, and sled construction which securely clamps a flat test-piece on a flat plate.