Card Splitting & Magnets
Why Most Magnetic Cards Look Fake
Most people try to make magnetic cards by just gluing a magnet between two full playing cards. This makes the card look twice as thick and leaves a weird bump that anyone can see. It feels clunky and looks like a "trick" card immediately.
Why Card Splitting Changes Everything
When you split the cards first, you can hide the magnet inside the paper itself. This gives you a card that looks and feels like a single, normal card. You can let people see it up close, and they won't notice anything is hidden inside. It gives you the power to make cards stick together or vanish instantly without your audience suspecting you're using a special prop. You'll feel much more confident performing when you aren't worried about someone spotting a bulky gimmick.
How to Hide Magnets Inside a Card
Julio Montoro shows you how to peel a card into thin layers without tearing the face or the back. You'll see exactly how to use a standard hole puncher to create a "nest" for your magnets. This makes the magnet sit perfectly flat so there's no bump on the surface. You can finally stop buying expensive gimmicks and start making your own that look even better.
He also walks you through the assembly process. You'll learn how to keep the card’s orientation right so the magnets line up every time. Whether you use double-sided tape for a quick build or glue for a permanent finish, you'll end up with a professional-grade gimmick you made yourself for just a few cents.
About Julio Montoro
Julio is a pro at making "workers"—tricks that actually work in the real world. He developed this specific magnet method for his own released effects because he needed them to be invisible under close scrutiny.
What You'll Learn
- The "snap" technique to start a clean split
- How to peel a card without ripping the paper
- Using a hole puncher to hide magnet thickness
- Aligning magnets so they lock together perfectly
- Choosing between tape and glue for your gimmick
- How to use a Sharpie to mark magnet polarity
Frequently Asked Questions
Is card splitting hard to do?
It takes a little practice to get the feel, but Julio shows you how to use the corners to get four chances on every card. Once you get the "click," it's easy.
Do I need expensive tools?
No. You just need a deck of cards, a hole puncher, some small magnets, and basic glue or tape. You probably have most of this at home.
Will the card look thick?
If you follow the splitting method, the finished gimmick is about the same thickness as one regular card. It's much thinner than the "sandwich" method.
How do I know if the magnets are facing the right way?
Julio shows you a simple trick using a marker to make sure your magnets always attract each other instead of pushing apart.