An apparatus for characterizing the performance of air turbine handpieces including high speed dental handpieces and chucking devices in terms of speed, torque, power, and air consumption include an air or fluid supply source for the handpiece and various sensors to measure input, flow rate, temperature and pressure and output speed and forces on the output shaft of the handpiece. Data from the sensors is collected, collated, processed and recorded to continuously provide a record of the handpiece characteristics for purposes of evaluating efficiency, quality control, safety and compliance with standards.