Office Bricolage

Spiked Fist Load

by
Nathan Walton
PsychicGoldfish.com

Materials and Tools

Parts:
  • One Note Pad (or other paper source)
  • One Desktop Tape Dispenser with Tape (sand filled type)
  • One No. 1 (Large) Ideal Clamp
  • One Highlighter
  • Several Paperclips in Assorted Sizes (or other small metal objects)
Tools:
  • One Leatherman Multi-Tool (or similar folding pocket pliers)
  • One Large Paperclip (for boring holes in plastic)
  • One Thumb Tack (for boring pilot holes in plastic)
  • One Lighter (for heating wires for hole boring)
  • One Pen or Pencil (not shown)

Construction


Fist Load: Fully Assembled

The fist load enhances personal effectiveness in melee combat by increasing the weight and rigidity of the clenched fist, as well as concentrating the force of impact onto two penetrating points. The device can be built quickly using readily available materials. Note that the weapon can also be built without the spikes, creating an innocuous appearing weighted fist load. Refer to step two of the instructions for further information.


Fist Load in Use

Operation


Impact Test

To use the fist load, simply grip the handle in a clenched fist, spikes protruding between the fingers, and punch normally. The device can also be held cap-down, to increase the effectiveness of overhand "hammer" blows. (Additional information about the use of similar weapons is available elsewhere.)

The spiked fist load was tested against a sheet of 1/8" Masonite hardboard. The Masonite was placed on a low table, supported by two pieces of scrap lumber. The tester then struck the Masonite a straight, downward blow. Both spikes penetrated the hardboard, as shown in the pictures above. While some minor straightening of the wire spikes was required after the test, the weapon was otherwise undamaged.

This test, while clearly proving the effectiveness of the fist load, should not be repeated. Following spike penetration, the tester's knuckles struck the Masonite at high speed, bending the hardboard until it hit the unyielding table top. Minor swelling, not to mention considerable pain, resulted. The tester strongly recommends that the device only be used against soft targets.


Aftereffects of Testing

Acknowledgements

This project would not have been possible without the inspiration and support of the Bleach Eating Freaks.