How to Stick a Skewer Through a Balloon Without Popping It

Yes, it sounds impossible, but you can you stick a skewer through a balloon without popping it. Try it first on your own to see what happens. Then try following these steps to stick a skewer through a balloon without causing it to pop.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Balloons
• Skewer
• Petroleum jelly

1. Blow up a balloon so that it is not too full, about half size, and tie the end of the balloon into a knot.

2. Coat the tip of a long, sharp skewer with petroleum jelly. Touch the sharp end of the skewer right next to the end of the balloon where it is knotted.

3. Push the skewer up gently through the balloon. Continue to push as it goes inside the balloon and up toward the top. Twist the skewer gingerly as you push it through.

4. Puncture the top of the balloon at the spot where you see a small dot or circle in the very center of the top as you push the skewer through. Keep pushing it as it exits the balloon and out the top.

5. Continue to push until the skewer is even on both sides of the balloon.

Tips & Warnings

• The balloon is made of a rubberized material called polymer. When the skewer is slowly pushed into the balloon, the chains of the polymer are pushed aside but remain bonded together so the balloon does not pop. The petroleum jelly helps seal the hole as the skewer is pushed through.
• You can also soak the skewer in mineral oil, baby oil or cooking oil if you don't have petroleum jelly. You can also push it from the top of the balloon down as long as you do so through the recommended above-mentioned areas.
• You may not get this the first time. Practice until it comes out right.
• Be gentle as you push the skewer in or you'll get a pop.