How to Escape Chains Like Houdini

The Houdini chain escape is a crowd pleasing illusion that always gets a round of applause.

The world of magic and illusion is filled with dazzling stunts and amazing tricks that defy the imagination. Houdini was a master at mesmerizing his audience with impossible spectacles. His chain escape tricks have inspired generations of aspiring magicians and continue to impress showgoers today. As with most magic tricks, the stunt is fairly simple to perform once revealed. The best part of this particular magic trick is that the materials required are easily obtainable from any local hardware store.

Things You'll Need

• Steel ring
• 4 chains of 4 links each
• 2 padlocks
• Sheet or similar

Instructions

Preparation

1. Choose an appropriate steel ring for the center piece. The steel ring should be oval and have enough separation between the straight sections to allow a hand to pass through easily, roughly 4 to 6 inches maximum.

2. Attach each of the four lengths of chain to the steel ring. Attach one link to the steel ring so the other three links hang free and the chains can slide around the steel ring unobstructed.

3. Place wrist between two of the chains and attach the padlock.

4. Verify that the padlock can be closed easily and that the chains are tight and secure around the wrist.

5. Adjust chain length if necessary. If chains are loose enough to slip the hand out without effort, then remove one link from each. If the lock cannot be fastened without causing pain or discomfort, add one link to each chain.

Performing the Trick

1. Fasten the chains to the wrists. Place one wrist between each set of chains and have someone, an audience member or assistant, fasten the padlocks to secure the chains in place.

2. Hold the "shackles" in front of your body with one hand on either curved end of the steel ring with arms extended to show the audience that the chains are secure.

3. Cover yourself, or the "shackles," with a sheet or similar covering.

4. Bend your elbows to 90 degrees and bring your hands up and through the bottom of the steel ring.

5. Slide the lengths of chain towards the center of the steel ring to increase the distance between each of the sets of chains and slide your hand out from between the padlocked chains.

6. Remove the sheet or covering and show the audience that the padlocks are still in place.

Tips & Warnings

• Asking for a member of the audience to lock the chains in place adds credibility to the escape.

References

• Learn Magic Tricks

Resources

• Shackle Escape Video Demonstration