A repetitive gripping test for the evaluation of neck and shoulder pain and disability was standardized and validated in a population study. Repeatability of the endurance of gripping was acceptable (correlation coefficient 0.74). Out of 49 women without neck and shoulder pain during the preceding seven days, 18% showed low endurance (endurance time less than 7 min); out of 19 women with disabling pain during the preceding seven days, 58% showed low endurance; and of 10 women with disabling pain at the time of examination, 80% showed low endurance. Low endurance was related to disability especially in some critical functions of the arms as e.g. working with the hands overhead. Endurance was not affected by age. In men, low endurance did not correlate with neck and shoulder pain. The test provides a tool for the evaluation of patients, but the applicability of the test to men needs further research.