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The House of Nails Trick

Wednesday, June 24th, 2009 – running time 07:07
This week a puzzle (involving nails) that stumped Brian!

The Challenge: Grab 10-13 nails. Hammer one nail into any surface (in a pinch, you can just have someone hold it solidly), and challenge your mark to balance ALL the remaining nails on just the head of the first nail. Assure them it can be done, and without any other external apparatus of any kind.

The Method: once they give up (and of course, buy you a drink for the answer), lay down one of the nails flat on the table and begin setting the remaining ones side by side, pointing opposite directions, with the heads resting on the first laid-flat nail. Then, set the very last nail pointing the opposite direction directly over the first. You should now have a "nail sandwich" (see the video for a more direct explanation).

When you lift your "nail sandwich", you'll find that the weight of the opposing nail heads will pinch then against the top nail, locking them in place. As long as you carefully set the structure on the original, planted nail, you'll be home free.

Don't forget to submit your Scam School Domain Smack!

Play along and have Brian introduce your Domain Smack in a future episode! Find out more atdomainsmack.com.