The following is a step-by-step guide on how to take a skin fold (pinch) correctly:

Step 1	With the thumb and index finger 3-4cm apart (thumb and finger will be roughly parallel to each other), press on to the skin making a depression on the skin surface.
Step 2	Draw the thumb and index finger together. This will result in the skin and subcutaneous fat becoming a small fold which is lightly held (pinched) by the thumb and index finger.
Step 3	Once the thumb and index finger have been drawn together, perform a small, light tug on the skin fold whilst simultaneously rolling the thumb and finger tips slightly inwards. This small tug will help lift the skin fold allowing for the calipers to be applied more comfortably for the client. The tug is so soft and small that the client should not even register it has occurred.
Step 4	While still holding the skin fold between the thumb and index finger, apply the calipers to the skin fold 1-2mm above the surrounding skin surface.

Once the reading has been taken, REMOVE THE CALIPERS BEFORE RELEASING THE SKIN FOLD FROM THE THUMB AND INDEX FINGER, otherwise the client will suffer an uncomfortable pinch from the calipers.

NOTE:

The steps 1-3 all occur as one motion. It is only broken up into three steps to make it easier to understand.