My Scotch and Soda half dollar gimmick is becoming so loose where it's literally coming apart in my spectators' hands. Talk about embarassing.

How can I remedy this? What did I do wrong to loosen up the shell so much?

Thanks a lot.

It sounds like you shook the set up in a glass to loosen the [ and the insert. I would consider getting a bang ring from Johnson, or Lassen/Schoolcraft of course. The bang ring definitely helps preserve the coins.

Cheers,
SH

Yep...only use a bang ring with the coin set. Could also be you've gotten a LOT of mileage from them and may just need to get another one. I'm not sure of a way to "fix" them.

Mark.

Not to beat a dead horse but it does sound that way. I work at a magic shop and I can't tell you how many times kids bring in a scotch and soda or dime and penny set complaining that it doens't fit anymore or it is broken. The number one cause was the fact they are shaken them in a cup or throwing them against the table to get them loose. Definately invest in a bang ring. Johnson rings are brass and affordable.

I ruined a set once because the real centavo that came with the set got jammed in the ] and stretched it out. It had the same problem yours is having. BUt since it stretched only slightly I still used the coin, just for different effects.

DOn't throw your set because you now have a non locking ] set with a copper insert. Theres a name for type of gaff, but I can't remember. Todd Lassen told me once but I just call it a non-locking scotch and soda... You can do some cool stuff with this gaff and I believe Tommy Wonder used a coin similar to this in his "Socked Coins" routine. It's on his videos and in his Books of Wonder.

The non-locking set, jquackc, is called Sun and Moon...

SH

I believe the coin that Wonder uses has a coin with hole in it for the insert coin.... This gaff is referred to as a china bit coin.

Nathan, it might be possible to "tighten" the set by gently rolling the edge of the half dollar on a table, or by pressing very gently in the center of the bottom of the half dollar. Worth a try -- it can't get any worse than it is now!

And Sahunhong, I believe that a Sun & Moon set consists of a half dollar and an English Penny, although you are correct that it is a non-locking set. SETH

Buy a new one and make sure you treat it right. Throw that away it will never be the same.

I can pretty much guarantee that the issue is the manufacturer. I work in a shop that sells only Johnson coins now after seeing what happens with other companies. The cheaper S&S sets just don't hold up to being beaten to open them.

Always use the provided Band Ring. The one time that I did not use the Band Ring I did damage to the coins. They were never the same again. Had to retire the set.

While I agree that a bang ring is the best way to open things up. IF you need to use a tubler use a plastic one, its less likely to damage things.

Nathan,

Try inserting the [ upside down in a bang ring and pressing in the middle of it with both thumbs. The first time I had this happen this is what my dealer (Wayne at Mingus Magic, Reading, PA) did and it works like a charm.

Whats the make on that ss set. If its johnson let me know and I may be able to help you out. Thanks PT

I have a bang ring and mine gets loose too. It does not fall apart but get to the point were it is not solid and wiggles a tiny bit. I think the Johnson instructions had the following procedure(or some book?) Hold it on it's edge on a table and roll it while tapping it on top with a spoon.

I have never heard of shaking the coin in a glass?

I have a set that was loose out of the bag. I coated the inside of the [ with a liquid bandage and have been happy ever since.

Nail polish would probably work too.