In this study uncertainties of measurement are evaluated for residual stresses in coatings determined by the method of measurement of the longitudinal deformation of a tubular substrate, a wire substrate and a strip substrate. Higher uncertainty was observed in the case of applying a thin coating on a strip substrate. The precision of the equipment depends on the elastic element used for measurement of the longitudinal deformation of the substrate. Residual stresses were determined in the galvanic nickel coating deposited on a tubular substrate, a wire substrate and a strip substrate from the Watts bath. Copper and brass was used as the material of the substrate. The investigated experimental system is presented.