Test shaft on returning chopper (7)
I believe the answer is:
examine
'test' is the definition.
(I know that test is a kind of check)
'shaft on returning chopper' is the wordplay.
'shaft' becomes 'mine'.
'on' means one lot of letters go next to another.
'returning' shows that the letters should be reversed in order.
'chopper' becomes 'axe' (something which chops).
'axe' reversed gives 'exa'.
'mine' put after 'exa' is 'EXAMINE'.
(Other definitions for examine that I've seen before include "Inspect, peruse closely" , "Analyse" , "Inspect carefully" , "Inspect; question in court" , "Inspect, study" .)