In establishing the repetitive pattern of transient tearing that creates the saw-toothed curve, it is not uncommon to have the initial or final peaks, or both, be inconsistent in magnitude with those in the center of the curve. Such peaks can be abnormally low or high depending on the physical properties of the compound and how quickly the transient tear pattern is established or ended. For any complete trace, individual peak force values that deviate from the mean by 20 % or more should be discarded and a new mean calculated to correct for abnormal values.