Pin-through Pin

Effect: You separate two linked safety pins without opening them – proof that solid can penetrate solid.

Secret: Link two large safety pins together. Hold them as shown. Pull them apart with a sharp downward movement on the right hand pin. There is a knack to getting this movement exactly right but with practice you will be able to do it every time – and the pins will separate. What actually happens is that the pin on the right opens the left pin for a moment. The left pin closes again and it appears that you have caused metal to penetrate metal.