How to Use Non-Safety Pins in Everyday Magic
By Making Magicians Since 2001 | Published: 2026-10-30
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to perform the Non-Safety Pins routine in everyday settings—from borrowing a shirt to handing out the pins. Practical steps, common mistakes, and honest trade-offs included.
Quick Answer
To use Non-Safety Pins in everyday magic, start with the pins on your shirt, pluck them off one by one, and perform the linking routine right in front of your audience. The key is to master the handling so you can hand out the pins for examination at the end.
Why Everyday Settings Are Ideal for This Routine
Non-Safety Pins shine in impromptu situations because they use a familiar object. When you're at a coffee shop, office, or party, a shirt with pins already on it looks natural—no need to pull out a deck of cards or a coin. This makes the trick perfect for close-up magic where spectators are up close and personal.
The routine's strength is its examinable ending. Unlike many linking pin tricks that require a switch or ditch, these pins are specially made so you can hand them out after the effect. This builds trust and leaves a lasting impression, which is why it works so well for everyday encounters.
Trade-Offs to Keep in Mind
One honest trade-off: because the pins are not safety pins, they lack the clasp. This means you need to be careful with the sharp points, especially when handling them on your shirt. Practice the plucking motion so you don't accidentally prick yourself or your spectator.
Another consideration: the routine requires a bit of setup—you need to have the pins on your shirt before the moment arises. This makes it less spontaneous than a trick you can carry in your pocket, but the visual of plucking them off your own clothing adds to the surprise.
Step-by-Step Guide to Performing Non-Safety Pins
- Prepare the Pins on Your Shirt: Before you engage with your audience, attach the Non-Safety Pins to the front of your shirt, near the chest area. Make sure they are secure but visible enough that you can pluck them off easily. Common mistake: placing them too close together or too low, which makes the plucking motion awkward. Check that the pins are within easy reach and won't snag on your clothing.
- Pluck the First Pin with Confidence: When the moment feels right, casually pluck one pin off your shirt. Hold it between your thumb and forefinger, showing it clearly. Common mistake: hesitating or fumbling, which draws attention to the pin's lack of a safety clasp. Practice the plucking motion until it feels natural and smooth.
- Pluck the Second Pin and Begin Linking: Pluck a second pin off your shirt, then bring the two pins together. Perform the linking motion—melting metal through metal—right in front of your spectator's eyes. Common mistake: rushing the link, which can make it look like a trick rather than magic. Slow down and let the spectator see the pins visibly link.
- Hand Out the Pins for Examination: After the linking effect, unlink the pins and hand them out to your spectator for full examination. This is the payoff—they can inspect the pins and find nothing suspicious. Common mistake: not having a clear 'out' if the spectator asks to keep them. Prepare a simple line like 'Keep them as a souvenir' to end on a high note.
Product Facts
- Non-Safety Pins: These are NON-SAFETY PINS—a 100% examinable linking pins routine that ends with the pins in the spectator's hands. No switches or ditching needed; the pins are specially made and included in every set. You can confidently hand out the pins after the trick, which builds credibility and makes the routine ideal for impromptu close-up magic.
Non-Safety Pins
