The invention relates to a method for deep rolling the passes or radii on the transitions between journal and cheeks or flanges of crankshafts by means of a deep rolling device (1) of a deep rolling machine, said deep rolling device having a lazy tongs-type design. The deep rolling device (1) has two tongs arms (2, 3) that are articulated to each other via a pivot joint (24). The corresponding outer ends (4, 5, 9, 10) of the tongs arms (2, 3) are provided with a deep rolling tool (6) or a force generator (11) for generating the deep rolling force. A measuring tape (18) and a sensor (19) which are provided on the pivot joint (24) are used to measure the impression depth of the deep rolling rollers (12) under the effect of the deep rolling force. A measuring device (22) mounted on the exterior (21) of a tongs arm (2) is used to measure the degree by which the tongs arm (2) bends under the effect of the deep rolling force.