Bending a Steel Spike -- Doug Hepburn (1952)

 

Doug Hepburn showing how to wrap a spike and bend it the "easy way" 

Showing how to bend it the "hard way" 

There are two ways that one can bend a steel spike. The first method isthe less difficult asthe upper thigh is used as a support so that greater leverage is gained when first applying the pressure of the hands, forearms and shoulders in order to obtain the initial bend. 

Unless the performer possesses unusually strong wrists it is essential that the first method of spike bending be perfected before advancing to the more difficult technique of bending by using only the hands, wrists and arms. 

The first group of photos show the correct positions of the first method of spike bending. You will note that a towel is used to protect the palms of the hands from injury. Under no circumstances attempt the second position without a towel as illustrated. 

Although the first method of spike bending is simpler it is still very impressive and the performer will receive satisfaction from his accomplishment. 

I am not adverse to the odd practical joke and on several occasions, upon paying a visit to the home of a friend who was not home at the time, I hung a horse-spike on the door knob. There was no need for an explanatory note ass they all knew who came to visit them during their absence. 

The second method of spike bending requires a greater degree of wrist strength and should not be attempted until the first method can be performed without undue strain. Note carefully the position of the arms and hands at the commencement of the bending. 

You have probably noticed that when holding out a broomstick or other similar object, that a heavier weight can be levered out backwards. The wrist is so constructed that a greater leverage can be applied in this manner. This principle is utilized when bending a spike in the first position of the second method (see photos). 

Bending a spike can be very deceiving, especially when attempting this feat for the first time. There is an unkown quantity involved and this is the degree of pressure necessary to cause the spike to bend. 

A barbell can be loaded to a certain poundage so that one has some conception as to the degree of exertion needed to perform the exercise or feat of strength called for. This is not so when bending a spike as either it will bend or will not bend! 

I will venture to say that many persons who have attempted to bend a spike and have failed could have succeeded by applying just a little more extra pressure. A performer will know to what extent he must exert himself in order to bend a spike only when he first succeeds in doing so.

This is why I recommend perfecting the first method of spike bending before attempting the more difficult second method. By doing so the performer will have some conception of the effort involved in bending a spike with the hands alone. 

When learning both methods of spike bending always roll the spike in a towel. This will facilitate gripping and will also protect the hands until they are sufficiently toughened. As I mentioned, however, always use a towel in position 2 of the first method.

The application of magnesium chalk on the fingers and palms of the hands will also assist the grip. This chalk can be purchased at most drug stores. 

Wrist curling with a barbell, dead lifts, pinch gripping barbell plates and the use of hand grippers are fine assistance exercises where increased wrist strength is desired. As little as 15 minutes a day devoted to these exercises will increase the strength of the grip and the wrists in a very short period of time.

Strange as it may seem, an 8 inch spike is harder to bend than a 12 inch one! The 8 inch spike, being shorter, affords less leverage as the space used by the handgrips will take up almost 3/4 of the overall length. 

Enjoy Your Gripping!