How to Pull a Classic College Prank

This prank needs no formal introduction; it is clever and yet vicious enough to exact revenge on even the most formidable prankster.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• a salt or pepper shaker with a pop-top
• tape of a matching color to the shaker
• tissue
• baking soda
• vinegar
• access to a dining room/hall

1. First you must acquire the shaker. It should be one with a pop-top, and these days they are getting more difficult to locate, but Tupperware used to make vintage shakers that were opaque with pop-tops. You may be able to fine one at an antique or thrift store, or on eBay.

2. Arrange for your victim to have lunch or dinner with you; for more entertainment and laughs, try to have some other unsuspecting friends there as well.

3. 
   The usual suspects...

   Before the meal begins, empty the shaker of its contents and fill it about 1/3 full with vinegar.

4. Place 1 sheet of 2-ply tissue over the opening at the top, and pour baking soda on the tissue (use 1 teaspoon for a small shaker, use 1 tablespoon for a large shaker).

5. Cover the holes in the top from the inside with tape that matches the color of the shaker; close the lid.

6. Carefully tear the tissue away from the edges of the top so that you cannot tell there is paper there. You now have a thinly sealed chamber of baking soda in the top and vinegar in the bottom.

7. Switch the shaker on the table with yours and make sure it is in front of your victim's place. When he tries to put salt/pepper on his food, the vinegar will quickly dissolve the tissue, the two agents will interact, and his continual shaking to get salt/pepper out will further agitate the mixture. The pressure formed will be strong enough to blow the top off with a fair amount of force!

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure the shaker is opaque so that you cannot see what is inside.
• Do not let anyone see you preparing for the prank. If you have to, do this in the bathroom--it always makes a good excuse.
• Do a "test run" to make sure that you have everything right; there is nothing more humiliating in public than a prank gone wrong!
• DO NOT turn your shaker any direction except right-side-up, as that will prematurely begin the process.
• Take caution that your victim does not point the shaker toward his/her face, since the top could come off with more force than you might expect.
• It is a good idea to make sure your victim is not in a bad mood prior to this prank...