On the use of ductile tabs as a viable strategy to test SMA and other high-strength fine wires

•Tabs made of soft and ductile material are found to be a good practice to test high-strength fine wires.•It is proposed a methodology to select the tabs material to efficiently test high-strength fine wires.•Traditional wedge-shaped steel jaws can be efficiently utilized.•Strain gauge or visual extensometers are not required as the crosshead motion is sufficient for the purpose.•The proposed approach allows testing wires at prohibitive temperatures and inside climatic chambers.