How to Do the Magnetic Pencil Magic Trick

People have enjoyed magic for thousands of years. Some tricks are easy to learn but still take work to pull off. To learn the magnetic pencil magic trick, first try it by yourself. Practice in front of a mirror until your sleight of hand doesn’t appear obvious.

The magnetic pencil magic trick is simple to learn. With one hand, hold a pencil. Grab your wrist with the other hand, extending your index finger to secretly press the pencil against your palm.

Now it’s time for some showmanship. Slowly lift each finger of your first hand until all are extended. This gives the illusion that the pencil is floating behind your hand. Don’t turn your hand over or your audience will see your finger holding the pencil against your palm. To maintain an illusion, don’t share the secret of how you did the trick.

If you want to go one step further, tape the pencil to your palm. That way, if a suspicious audience member asks that you let go of your wrist, you can, and the pencil should stay in place. You can wiggle your fingers and wave your hand up and down to wow your audience even more.

Find more than 200 other magic tricks, stunts and puzzles in the Cub Scout Magic book, available at the Scout Shop.