A multi-parameter controlled pinch test was developed to study the occurrence of internal short circuits in Li-ion and Li-ion-polymer cells. By tuning the control parameters (i.e., cell voltage as well as pinching area, load, and speed), the pinch test can reproducibly create an internal short between a cell jelly-roll's inner layer electrodes as small as 1-mm wide. This recreates conditions similar to those that may occur during service. In this paper we demonstrate the use of the pinch test as a means to assess design and manufacturing changes in Li-ion-polymer cells on their thermal stability and to identify features or characteristics that lower risk of potential thermal events created by internal short circuits. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.