by Hi C December 1, 2011
A coat hanger modified for the activity of knippling, or the activity itself. To make a knipple, one takes a wire metal coat hanger and flexes it down from the bottom metal bar so that the entire coat hanger assumes a more or less square or diamond shape. This is then inverted and dangled from the index finger so that the hook of the hanger is at the bottom and pointing up. A penny is balanced on the inverted hook. The penny side with the Lincoln Memorial on it has a central indentation to balance the penny. Next, in a smooth yet quick and continuous motion using the muscle power of the arm holding the knipple, one begins spinning the knipple so that centrifugal force prevents the penny from flying off . One gradually elevates the spinning knipple and changes its angle so that the knippler (the person doing this) is rapidly spinning the knipple horizontally, with his arm held up to elevate the knipple above the head. A way to compete is to see who can go the longest without losing the knip (the penny). A proper knippling ends with a dismount: The player gradually brings his knipple down to its original vertical position and gradually slows its rate of spin. One brings the knipple to a complete stop without losing the knip. Then, with a slight jerk, the penny is dislodged and falls into the player's waiting hand.