Neal Bakerlis Certifies on the Red Nail

IronMind News by Randall J. Strossen US Army veteran Neal Bakerlis has just been certified on the IronMind Red Nail. “Grip strength has been my addiction since I was 8 years old when my stepfather gave me a CoC [Captains of Crush] gripper. From that day on I was hooked,” Bakerlis told IronMind. IronMind® | Photo courtesy of Neal Bakerlis


Congratulations to Neal Bakerlis, who has just certified on the IronMind Red Nail—earning his stripes in the steel bending world, his name has now been added to the Red Nail Roster.

Bakerlis is 27 years old and got an early introduction to the world of lower arm strength as he told IronMind, “Grip strength has been my addiction since I was 8 years old when my stepfather gave me a CoC [Captains of Crush] gripper. From that day on I was hooked.

“I started bending nails at age 18, approximately 10 years ago: Articles by John Brookfield got me interested in grip and nail bending. The first nail I tried from IronMind was a Blue and it was a tough, but I did manage it.

“I bend once a week. My workouts rotate from bending 20+ nails, some heavy bends and  new Personal record bends.

“I am a machinist and work with my hands all day. On my breaks at work I am bending nails and tearing decks of cards.

27 years old, 5’ 9” tall and weighing 200 lb., Bakeris said, “I grew up in Dudley, Massachusetts. After high school I joined the Army. I deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan.  I bend because it keeps the evil out of my head. I can focus all my anger, pain and sadness into that nail. I honestly do not think there is a single thing on this planet I enjoy more than bending.

“The judge was very respectful and courteous. This whole process was simple and stress free; I am honored to be able to say I am part of IronMind history now.  My future goals are to eventually bend the gold nail and also certify on closing the CoC No. 3, No. 3.5 and No. 4,” said Bakerlis.

IronMind would like to thank Ross Baker for serving as the referee on Neal’s official attempt to bend the Red Nail.

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