Bed of Nails, 1K30.10

Location:

• Floor Item [:MechanicsCabinet:Mechanic (ME)]

(attachment photo showing the fully set up demonstration)

Description:

A 2′ by 4.5′ bed of nails is made up of 80d nails placed in a 1" grid. The bed contains 1375 aluminum nails which have been leveled and dulled. A second bed of nails (1.5′ x 2.5′) made up of 425 aluminum nails placed in a 1" grid can be placed on top of the person lying on the larger bed of nails. For extra excitement, break a cinder block that is placed, centered and stable, on top of the small bed of nails.

Important Setup Notes:

1. This demonstration requires three people: One brave volunteer and two people to assist the volunteer onto and off of the bed.

2. Even though the nails have been blunted, they are still extremely sharp and will cut skin.

3. The large bed is awkward and heavy.

Setup and Procedure:

1. Place larger bed of nails onto level floor.
2. Have volunteer stand with back to bed, feet about 6" from base
3. Have two people, one on either side of the volunteer, grab the arms of the volunteer and slowly lower volunteer onto bed
4. After volunteer is laying on bed, place the pillow beneath his or her head

When Breaking a block:

1. Put face shield on volunteer and put safety glasses.
2. Gently place smaller bed of nails nail-side-down on top of the volunteer so that it is stable, centered on the volunteer's torso
3. Place a board, leaning with its bottom on the volunteer's lap leaning onto small bed so that ones groin is covered from falling debris.
4. Place cinder block vertically-oriented in a stable position, centered on the back of the smaller bed of nails
5. With a lite overarm stroke, use sledge hammer to smash cinder block
6. Remove any debris from the bed and the volunteer
7. Gently remove small bed from volunteer's torso
8. Have two people, one on either side of the volunteer, grab an arm and gently assist the volunteer off the bed of nails

Cautions, Warnings, or Safety Concerns:

1. Be careful not to drag the nail bed along the volunteer or drag the volunteer along the nail bed. This could scratch the volunteer or tear his or her clothing!
2. Demonstration may require practice.
3. Be sure to get permission from the volunteer to perform each stage of the demo
4. Be sure proper face shield and eye protection are worn.

Demonstration:

Video of demonstration: http://youtu.be/mQZIkO1f7Xg

References:

1. N/A

[:Instructional:Home]