Balancing 6 Nails on 1

This activity demonstrates how nails can be arranged and balanced in a surprising way by carefully interlocking them and placing the arrangement on top of a single upright nail. It is a fun puzzle that teaches about balance, center of mass, and stability.

1. Gather several nails of equal size (about 10 works well) and a block of wood.
2. See Links below for how to balance them.

Nails Balancing Act - balance 6 nails on the head of 1 - Creative Crafthouse:

6 Nails Balancing Challenge - Taras Kul:

📄 Easy Nail Balancing Trick - All for the boys: https://allfortheboys.com/easy-nail-balancing-trick/

• Try using more nails to increase difficulty.
• Use different lengths or weights of nails to see how balance changes.
• Challenge friends or family to figure out the trick without explanation.

• Handle nails carefully to avoid scratches or punctures.
• Have adult supervision if younger children are attempting the trick.
• Ensure the upright nail in the wood is secure before balancing.

• Why does the arrangement stay balanced on just one nail? (Because the nails are interlocked, their combined center of mass is directly above the supporting nail.)
• What happens if the nails are not evenly arranged? (The center of mass shifts, causing the structure to tip over.)
• How is this trick similar to balancing other objects, like stacking cards or building towers? (All rely on distributing weight and aligning the center of mass over the support point.)