How to Stick a Pencil to the Ceiling

Last Updated: September 16, 2021

Ever seen a pencil hanging from the ceiling of a classroom? Ever wondered how it got there? Maybe you want to impress your friends with this simple, but fun trick.

Steps

1
Stab the flat end of the pencil (or end with eraser) into a school glue stick, about 1–2 centimeter (0.4–0.8 in) in (up to three quarters of an inch)
2
Take it out and see if there is a "glob" of glue on the end. If there isn't, put it back in, and take it out on an angle to get some glue.

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3
Move the glue onto the end of the pencil, make sure it is on tight and won't come off too easily.
4
Holding the sharpened end with the glue downwards, (preferably just below the height of a desk) check for a teacher, the best time to do this is when a teacher has left the room.
5
Fling the pencil up. Just a quick flick will do.
6
Look for it moving on the ceiling. If it is moving, it may come back down.
7
Another simpler version to complete this task is to sharpen your pencil, and flick it at the ceiling so that it goes in like an arrow. Many classrooms have soft ceiling tiles, similar to the consistency of Styrofoam.

Community Q&A

Question

What should I do if the pencil doesn't stick?

Community Answer

Catch the pencil and try again! It might take some practice to get the hang of it.
Question

Will liquid glue work?

Community Answer

It will not work as well, but it can work. Look out if the liquid glue accidentally flings droplets!

Warnings

Make sure no one is standing under the pencil, in case it falls.

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Try your best to go nowhere near a light. Hitting a light may burn the glue and get you in worse trouble.

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Make sure a teacher is not looking/is not around. This isn't something major, but you may get a detention or be made to stay in after class and take it down.

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