Zen and the Art of Expanded Shell Repair

Miracles are manifested with machined money.

Expanded shells have a special place in my heart. My father was very difficult to fool. But when I did coins through the table using a shot glass and an expanded shell, all of a sudden, I had his respect.

For me, they are worth every penny.

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You have invested a sizable sum of funds into an ingenious gimmick known as an expanded shell.

You start working with it, amazed at the magnificently machined marvel in your hands, when OOPS! — it falls to the floor!

You rush to pick it up, and much to your horror, it no longer nests neatly on top of your coin. The pain is real.

What to do?

Fear not, miracle maker. I have a technique that I have used for decades, that may bring your shell back to service. Would you be willing to try it? At you own rock, of course.

Place the coin on the table. Lay a thin, yet strong, silk on top of it. Place the shell on top of the silk, over the coin.

Gently press the shell down, sandwiching the silk between the shell and the coin.

Continue to press gently, until the shell and coin are nested well.

Take two opposite sides of the silk and stretch it out firmly, but gently. The shell and coin should separate. Doing this over a table would be wise.

Check the shell and coin, and see if they still stick when nested. If not, then congratulations, you have repaired your shell!

If they still stick, repeat the above again, and if necessary, use a slightly thicker silk.

One point: depending on the quality of the silk, you may leave a circular impression in it, or tiny rips. So you may wish to use an older silk.

I hope that helps! May your shell serve you and your audiences well for many years to come!