April Fools' Marker Swap

This prank is great for students or worker-bees, so whether you're stuck in a classroom or a boring meeting this prank is sure to get some laughs.

This prank involves swapping the insides of a dry erase (whiteboard) marker with a permanent marker. The markers look the same when applied to the board, but won't erase. It's the perfect prank to break up the monotony of learning discretization or reviewing quarterly statistical analysis based on global distribution deterioration.

You can probably guess how I did this by the pictures and this description, but here's how I did it.

Step 1: Tools and Removal

You need a dry erase marker and a permanent marker with similar diameter tips and ink reservoirs.

After removing the caps I used needle nose pliers to grip the tips of each marker to remove. Then use the pliers to open each marker and remove the ink reservoir. Carefully swap the insides of each and use the pliers to push the new permanent marker tip into the dry erase marker housing.

Step 2: Recap and Replace

Once you've swapped the insides place the marker back where you found it and wait for the class or meeting to start. To ensure that your trick marker is used, make sure to remove all other dry erase markers from the area so that there's only your trick marker left.

Return to your seat and wait for the prank to unfold!

Step 3: Cleanup

Pranks are meant to be fun and not hurtful, so this prank should be cleaned up afterwards. Luckily even permanent marker can be removed from whiteboards.

Method 1 - Acetone:
Nail polish remover can be applied to a cotton ball and gently rubbed into the marker to remove it.

Method 2 - Gum Eraser:
Gum erasers can be used, with plenty of pressure, to rub out the permanent marker.

Method 3 - Dry Erase markers:
By applying dry erase markers over the permanent marker lettering and then using the dry eraser most of the marks should be removed.

Have fun!