Clinching is a representative of the mechanical joining processes defined by form and force closure. Traditionally, clinched joints are tested destructively, for example using shear tensile tests and metallographic sections. Transient dynamic analysis (TDA) offers the possibility of rapid non-destructive testing in addition to the established methods. TDA can be used during and after joining as well as during operational loading. In previously performed investigations TDA was carried out at discrete points and allowed the detection of defects in clinched joints. Utilizing a new approach, continuous measurement is made possible. First, the characteristic frequencies of the specimens are determined. The specimen is then excited harmonically with one specific determined characteristic frequency and the response is evaluated. The investigations were carried out on clinched shear tensile specimens made of aluminum. This allows the detection of emerging defects my means of TDA during the ongoing experiment.