How to Tear a Phone Book in Half

You might be surprised that you might be able to rip a book in half. It just takes a little practice with the right technique.

Try Ripping a Phonebook in Half
By Tim Archbold

Most everyone knows about or has seen demonstrated the tearing in half of phone books. It is a pretty tough thing to do and requires strong forearms and grip. But there is a technique to use that will make it easier to do. If you are new to grip strength training or you know you are not yet ready for a phone book you can start with something smaller. Tearing magazines, small paper books etc. will help build some strength and give you chance to practice technique.

To start tearing a phone book or any other book you may try, grasp the book at the top with your hands far enough apart that your little fingers is out near the edge. Place your thumbs onto the book at the center and push down and grip the book with the last two fingers of your hands. With your thumbs push the book so it forms a U shape. Now grip the book with all of your fingers really tight and bend downward on the book.

As you bend the book this way you can see how the pages thin out on top. Bend down really hard and those pages should rip apart, as they do continue bending, shifting your grip if needed. As more pages tear you can start to pull up with one hand and down with the other to rip on through, a strong grip is needed here.

You may need to practice on something easy at first to get the method down but you will get. It. Once you start to be able to rip books it feels pretty good.

You need to check out "Grip Experts!" Discover how you can develop hands of steel!