I love this effect but HATE having to use a rubber sleve to bend it. I am toying with the idea of doing it without the sleve and letting it look like it is bending in my hand. What has been your experience with it? What do you do with the nail?
WR

Okay...I didn't think they were still selling it with that rubber tubing sleeve thing, but try a section of a flexible drinking straw. Just cut the "crinkly" part and use that. The sound of the crinkling will add to the effect.
Steve Thomas

Perhaps I did not clearly identify my concern. I think it is cheesy to place the nail into the sleeve thingy to do the bend. I am looking for ideas where you don't use the rubber sleeve thingy.
WR


Thanks for your reply Steve.

Things appear more magical and more mysterious most often when done under cover. Think about it.

A point to consider. Thank you Pete!
WR

A presentational idea for the sleeve thingy. The nail will get red hot and the sleeve is to protect the eyes of the spectators. Just a thought, don't know how to explain that the rubber doesn't melt.

I like it Samuel. But we won't call it rubber.
Just say that the cover is a special heat deflecting material developed by Dupont or NASA, etc.

It absorbs heat and quickly dissipates it.

How about having the sleeve "contain a highly effective solvent that can actually soften metal without heat" or some such pseudo-scientific mumbo jumbo?

I hold the nail with my thumb and first finger of my right hand. With my first finger and thumb of my left hand I balance the bottom portion of the nail. I twist the nail using the right hand fingers, while the left hand fingers are used to balance the nail.

Another 10 year old thread brought back to life !!!