How to Tear a Phonebook in Half

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Feats of Strength

Grip Stregth and a little technique can help you pull off this classic strongman trick. 

Get a Grip

STEP 1:

Once you locate that abandoned phone book on your doorstep, get the binding of it as straight as possible. If it’s a big phone book, push your palm against the pages so the edge is really straight. Once it’s straight, clamp down on the top of the binding side of the book with your left hand.

SEE ALSO: How to Snap Wood With Your Hand

Begin to Pull

STEP 2:

With your right hand, pull the opposite side straight back toward your body so the pages flip over (leave the corner uncovered). As you pull, you’re going to create a seam—a straight line where the pages will rip. Once you get that seam, you’re going to pull really hard.

SEE ALSO: Get a Grip and Open that Water Bottle

Follow Through

STEP 3:

After the pages have torn a good amount, continue pulling hard by grabbing the inside of the book with your right hand. Take short breaks and pull in bursts if you need to, maintaining a firm clamp with the left hand. Continue pulling until the book is torn completely in half.

SEE ALSO: Strengthen Your Grip

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