Nails Thru Balloon

By Ickle Pickle Products

Nails Thru Balloon — unavailable from Ickle Pickle

Two chunky steel nails pass straight through an inflated 260 balloon that’s stretched inside a handsome aluminum tube—and the balloon survives. Audience hears the nails clink, sees them criss-crossing inside, and still… no pop. Remove the nails, slide the balloon out, then pop it for punctuation—or go for the kicker and pull the balloon out while the nails remain in place. Visual, noisy, and wonderfully cheeky.

What it is;

A close-up/parlor classic: an aluminum cylinder (approx. 4.5″ long, sized for standard 260 modeling balloons) with cross-holes. You openly insert two solid nails through both sides of the tube and right through the balloon without bursting it; spectators can look through the ends and see the nails.

 

Why performers love it;

• Big visual from a small prop: plays for living rooms or school shows.
• Sound + sight: the “clink” sells the penetration.
• Angle-forgiving and quick reset (swap balloons and go again).
• Works with regular 260s (light colors show the nails best).

Details & specs;

• Maker: Ickle Pickle Products (legacy run; no current production).
• Material: Aluminum tube; two steel nails.
• Size: Tube about 4.5″ long; some runs noted at ~3″ diameter.
• Skill level: Beginner (ages 10+ with adult supervision)

What’s in the box;

• Aluminum tube
• Two nails
• A few balloons to get you started
• Basic instructions

Balloon supply: Use your own 260s (Qualatex, Sempertex, etc.). Light/clear colors make the effect read larger. 

Performance notes;

• Don’t over-inflate—leave a ½–1″ tail.
• After the first penetration, pause and let them look through the ends; then add the second nail for the impossible moment. 

Skill Level: Beginner. Suitable for ages 10 to adult.