A system may include a strain gauge bar securable within a puck recess formed in an outer surface of a downhole drill bit. The strain gauge bar may be configured to collect data indicating a downhole force applied to the downhole drill bit during drilling operations. Further, the strain gauge bar may have a body portion and at least one wedge feature protruding from the body portion. The at least one wedge feature may be insertable into at least one wedge recess formed in the bottom surface of the puck recess. The system may also include a strain puck cap securable within the puck recess. The strain puck cap may be configured to apply pressure to the strain gauge bar to drive the at least one wedge feature of the strain gauge bar into the at least one wedge recess and pre-load the strain gauge bar.