Some years back there was a amateur nutcracker on the market that was
used to crack macadamia nuts. I had one and it may even still exist here someplace.
It involved a place to seat the nut, and by stretching the rubber band back and
tensioning a hammer along a slotted wood side, once the rubber band released it would
propel forward the wooden hammer piece that would strike another wood piece that had a
bump bedded in it (like a half marble) so that the bump would cause the nut to break if
given a sharp blow. The inertia was transferred from one piece to the other where the
impact of the second piece would break open a nut.
Macadamia nuts are extremely difficult to break. It takes over 2,000 pounds per square
inch of compression to break the macadamia shell. That is why you seldom see them for sale
in grocery stores except in Hawaii. They are extremely difficult to open.
So the preferred method for opening is a sharp blow to the nut shell in a way that the
hammer will not bounce off the shell (which is fairly common) ... That is why the force is
transferred through the striking surface to another fixed hammer.
This device worked better on pecans and walnuts which have a natural seam to break open
on.
By the way - the invention worked extremely poorly. I could only get a few nuts to
crack and it was quite difficult ... The best way is to retort or bake the shell, drying
it out. Then it becomes brittle and is more friable.
~ Gene
Mr. Cohen, I found this inertia nutcracker at Evers Hardware store, family owned and
operated since 1885. Phone number is 940-382-5513.
The cracker is made by
Texas Native Inertia Nutcracker, PO Box 584, Louisburg, NC 27549.....!-800-461-8716
or call Bill Price at 1-919-496-8000
"It comes with a ten year money back guarantee. Now how it can be called a Texas
Native and be made in NC is beyond me, but that's where its made" Jan Gandy The
Nut Factory wrote: "Jan I wrote on the inertia nutcracker on our
website a year ago and you can look at it by clicking on "
http://www.thenutfactory.com/kitchen/facts/facts-inertia-nutcracker.html
"I guess I was wrong and they are sold in Denton, Texas. Please give me the
name and phone number of the store carrying them and the firm making them and
I will put it on the website and correct my website to mention the way people can
find it". gene cohen
Original Message From: Gandy Jan [ sent: Tuesday, December 07, 1999 6:12 AM > To: The
Nut Factory
"Found the inertia nut cracker in downtown Denton, TX.. Tell Gene they
have not stopped making them. Thank you for your response, and Happy Holidays
to you also". Jan Gandy The Nut Factory wrote:
"Hello... Sorry we do not carry inertia nut crackers. I
talked to our owner Gene Cohen and he used to have them years ago but they stopped making
them. Good Luck in your search.. Seasons Greetings The Nut Factory
-----Original Message----- From: Gandy Jan sent: Monday, December 06, 1999
10:17 AM To: Nuts@TheNutFactory.com
"I am looking for an inertia nut cracker....does your factory sell them? A prompt
reply would be appreciated". Jan Gandy
Also found them at
Mt States Pecan Company
505-623-2216 phone
Another letter read:
To Whom This May Concern:
Thank you for the catalog you sent, however I was really looking for the real Inertia
Nut Cracker. Years ago I bought one at Brendle's, which is out of business as well as
Tad's. The nutcrackers are really old but still working. Do you know if they are still
sold or if they are still made? If so I need the information, any news will be welcome.
Thanks, Jan Parks
Another letter I received was
Bill
This inertia nutcracker is as elusive an item as smoke.... I will post your comments on
the web along with the many others from other people and maybe we can get to the bottom of
the puzzle. It is certainly hard to find a real source. Anyway, hope you have the local
rubber band source. If not, perhaps you could slice up an inner tube to make the stout
rubber bands you need.
Warmest wishes and keep me informed.
Gene Cohen
From: William Tanner Sent: Tuesday, December 05, 2000
I have an Inertia Nutcracker, called the Texas Native, that was made by The Charter
Company, PO box 10938 Raleigh, N.C. 27605 Phone 919-821-7675. I have searched for
them in the yellow pages with no success so I am not sure if they are in business. I have
the catalog which came with the nut cracker which I would be glad to
scan and send to you if you would like. I purchased the cracker at a garage sale
several years ago so I know nothing of its history or where it was purchased. It
works great and the catalog indicates that a Macadamia nut conversion can be
purchased. I have not tried to crack any Macadamia nuts. I need some of the
rubber bands which power the 'knocker stick's tried the net and hit upon your site
and the discussions about the cracker. It looks like I will have to find substitute
bands locally.
Bill Tanner
