Silly Putty Tricks

Running Silly Putty

• Though we think of it as a solid, Silly Putty is actually a slow-flowing liquid. As a result, Silly Putty will "run" like a liquid in slow-motion. Make a tower out of Silly Putty, and it will gradually fall down over the course of a day. Or, make a Silly Putty ball, flatten one side and attach it to the side of your refrigerator. Over time, the ball will slowly roll down to the floor.

Unsquishable Silly Putty

• Silly Putty reacts differently to a sharp, sudden force than it does to lesser and more gradual forces. If pulled or pushed slowly, it can be stretched or squashed easily. Bet a friend that he can&'t smash it with a hammer--due to its chemical properties, it will either shatter or freeze, but it will never squish.

Instant Camera Trick

• Press a flattened ball of Silly Putty against any picture, such as in a newspaper, to instantly capture its image, just like an instant camera. Likewise, press it against or around any object to capture the object&'s pattern. Try guessing a friend&'s hidden playing card by hiding a small amount of flattened Silly Putty in your palm and pressing her card against it before "guessing" which card she has.

Practical Tricks

• Silly Putty&'s practical uses include using it as a contact lens finder, a lint remover, a pen grip, a money-counting aid, a grip-aid for opening jars or a stress reliever ball. The Apollo 8 astronauts used Silly Putty to hold down their tools during weightlessness. It can even be used as an insulator for cold drinks or fishing bait!