Do the iPod Cord Cut Magic Trick
Want to look like you're cutting your friend's iPod earbuds, then magically sealing the cord back together? Follow this step-by-step guide to learn how.
Steps
- Obtain a decoy. Cut a loop of white wire approximately {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}} in length. Hold this in your right hand with the ends pointing towards your fingertips, so that no one can see it.
- Hold a pair of scissors snugly under your left arm.
- Set up the trick. Walk up to your friend and tell them about a new iPod feature: it can now regenerate! You can skip the story if you just want to surprise them, but a good magician always has a mystical story to back up the trick.
- Grab the iPod cord and make a loop in your left hand (the hand without the secret cord loop). Assure your friend that no harm will come to their iPod, because you know what you're doing.
- Insert the decoy cord. Simultaneously stuff the ends of your secret loop into your left hand, which is now holding your victim's real cord. Make the fake loop stick out, and tuck the real loop into your hand, so that it looks like you're holding their cord, but you're really holding the secret cord.
- Cut the cord. Hold up the "fake" loop and, using the scissors, cut it quickly. If you move too slowly, your friend will likely go to great lengths to protect their precious iPod. Show them the cut cord and take a moment to revel in their complete loss of hope for the future. Keep both the cut cord and the real cord tight in your fist.
- "Reseal" the cord. Sneak the broken cord back into your right hand as you pretend to "fix" the cord. Make a show of it, so that they don't notice you make any kind of transfer. Explain to them that Apple has now developed self-sealing electromagnetic particles, that react and fuse from the pressure and heat of being held tightly in your fists.
- Reveal the "fixed" cord. Pull your hands apart, holding their unharmed cord taut, and show them that it has mysteriously put itself back together.
- Hide the evidence. The secret cord (now cut) should be tucked away in your right hand again. Stick it into your pocket or another hiding place as soon as you're able.
Tips
- Tell your friend about the trick afterward, so that they don't try to cut and "reseal" the cord later.
- Practice makes perfect! As with all magic tricks, practice them by yourself, with a friend or family member, in front of a mirror, and any other way you can. You may want to practice with different colored wire, so you don't accidentally ruin perfectly good ear buds.
Warnings
- Don't do this trick while they are listening, because their music will not turn off. Or, tell them that their iPod is now "wireless."
- Whatever you do, do not cut the real cord. If you do, be prepared to deal with a very angry friend.
- Don't let them see the ends of the secret cord at any time.
- Be very careful with scissors. Don't, under any circumstances, run with them.
- This trick won't be much of a trick if they have a different color cord, (obviously) so make sure that the fake cord is the same color as theirs.
Things You'll Need
- A pair of sharp scissors
- 6–{{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}} of white wire(or the color of the wire from the iPod)
- A friend with an iPod
