The Unofficial SLINKY(TM) FAQ
by adminSlinkys are by far one of the most popular science toys ever made. We get asked a lot of questions about them by folks in the store who are amazed they are still around, etc. Here is a list of the most frequently asked questions and some answers.
Q: Do they still make the metal Slinky?
They sure do! The classic metal Slinky has never been out of production. It is available in the classic size and the junior size.
Q: Where do they make Slinkys?
Metal SLINKYs are still made in Hollidaysburg, PA. We are not certain where exactly the plastic SLINKY is manufactured but it is made in the USA.
Q: Who invented the SLINKY?
According to the manufacturer, Poof-Slinky, the history of the SLINKY is:
“In 1943, Richard James invented one of the greatest toys ever. James, a naval engineer, was conducting an experiment with tension springs. During the experiment, one of the springs fell to the floor and began to “walk.” James took the spring home to his wife, Betty, and asked her if she thought it was something they could pursue. Betty had a vision for a toy and scoured the dictionary, looking for an appropriate name. She came across the word “slinky,” a Swedish word meaning stealthy, sleek and sinuous. Toy history was made.
Since 1945 he Slinky® debuted at Gimbel’s Department Store in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1945. Both Betty and Richard were skeptical about how the Slinky® would sell. All their doubts were put to rest when all 400 Slinkys® for sale were purchased in 90 minutes. “
The Slinky is a classic case of a solution in search of a problem and becoming a toy. It is interesting to note that Slinky has outlasted the store it was first sold in. Gimbels closed in 1987.
Q: Can SLINKYs really go down stairs? I could never get it to work!
Yes, they can go down stairs. It helps to have stairs with smaller treads (the part of the stair you put your foot on). More important is how you start the Slinky. Most folks just stretch the Slinky to the lower stair and let it go, hoping it will start itself. This rarely works. Instead bring the top of the Slinky down to the next stair with some action, almost as if you were throwing to the next stair. Don’t be violent with it, just give it some initial momentum and it should start ‘walking’ down the stairs.
Q: What about a Plastic SLINKY? They can’t go down stairs, can they?
Yes Virginia, the plastic Slinky can walk down stairs:
As you can see, it is not as fast as its metal brother, but it goes.
Q:Can you do anything else with the SLINKY beside make it walk down stairs?
Sure! Besides the fun of ‘waving’ the Slinky back and forth between your hands, you can also ‘drop Slinky’ by holding one end of the Slinky near your ear (metal Slinky only) and letting the rest go. It makes some really cool sounds. It also works if you bite gently on the end of the Slinky with your teeth (no lips!) and drop or giggle the rest. Make sure you know where that Slinky has been before you try that, however.
The Slinky can also do ‘wave demonstrations’ . Have a friend hold one of the Slinky while you hold the other. Bring the Slinky out so it is stretched but not overstreched and wave you hand back and forth until you make ‘waves’ on the stretched Slinky.
The Slinky has also been used in therapy, and in Vietnam Slinkys were even used as radio antennas.
Q: Help! I can’t can’t get the Slinky Song out of my head!
Can’t help you there.
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