The double-cantilever-beam test is typical of traditional fracture tests used to determine critical stress intensity factor or critical energy release rates. In its basic fixed-grip configuration, it should allow a number of data points to be taken during a slow controlled crack propagation. Machine compliance and initial machined-notch bluntness may, however, cause the crack to propagate catastrophically in brittle materials. This letter deals with the use of externally applied closure forces to improve the crack growth stability in brittle materials.