In this episode of Make: Inventions I build an elevator and reenact the death-defying stunt that Elisha Otis performed at the 1854 World's Fair.
Otis had invented a safety break for elevators, but couldn't find any buyers. Everyone knew that elevators were only for cargo and were too dangerous for people to ride. To prove that his invention was safe he built a four story elevator and boarded his car in front of curious attendants. When he reached the top his assistant cut the rope with an ax. The crowd looked on as his elevator fell only a couple inches — and stopped.
In this video I show how I built one of Otis's original safety elevators and then see if it will keep me safe when the rope lets go.
Read all about it on MAKE: /