As the name simple machines implies, the setup is not complicated. To actually measure forces, spring force gauges can be attached to the ends of levers and to the pulley strings. Forces can be created by attaching masses to the ends of the levers and strings. It is possible, however, to make a slightly more involved calculation by bootstrapping two of the machines. One example would be to attach the end of a lever to a pulley string, with an extra pulley in the system. Then a weight on the other end of the lever could balance another weight attached to the pulley.