1F30.40 - Drive a Nail by Hand

You will probably be able to penetrate the board completely if they are not too old and dried out.  Watch out for the knots
Place a pine board in an elevated position on two supporting blocks.  Also add a back stop to protect the table in case the nail completely penetrates the pine board.  Put on a leather glove, grip the small block in your hand, and place the head of the nail between the 3rd and 4th finger with the point sticking out and the nail head against the block in your fist.  Swing your hand in a large overhand motion and drive the nail into the board.
Code Number:
1F30.40
Demo Title:
Drive a Nail by Hand
Condition:
Good
Principle:
Inertia
Area of Study:
Mechanics
Equipment:
Leather gloves, small block of wood, 3 to 4 inch nails, Pine boards.
Procedure:

Place a pine board in an elevated position on two supporting blocks.  Also add a back stop to protect the table in case the nail completely penetrates the pine board.  Put on a leather glove, grip the small block in your hand, and place the head of the nail between the 3rd and 4th finger with the point sticking out and the nail head against the block in your fist.  Swing your hand in a large overhand motion and drive the nail into the board.  You will probably be able to penetrate the board completely if they are not too old and dried out.  Watch out for the knots.

References:
  • Dennis P. Zicko, "Demonstration: A Nail Driven into Wood", TPT, Jan 1980, p. 50.

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