A binding machine including a feeding and tensioning device for feeding a binding element in the form of a wire or strap around a space, and a joining device for forming a joint between a first binding element section at the leading end of the binding element and a second binding element section at the trailing end of a piece of the binding element arranged in a loop in or around the space to thereby form a closed loop of this piece of the binding element. The feeding and tensioning device is configured to exert a tensile force on the binding element in order to subject the joint to a tensile test. During this test, a gripping arrangement is configured to keep the first binding element section secured in fixed position by engagement with a part of the first binding element section located between the joint and the leading end of the binding element.