Why is it considered necessary to nail down the lid of a coffin?

Answer 1

Well, obviously, it's not necessary anymore since we have metal coffins. But I would think it was so that if one of the pallbearers had butterfingers and dropped the coffin then the deceased would not be unceremoniously dumped out.

Plus, think of it, back then they didn't have good embalming methods and you'd want to keep the stench IN the box. And you wouldn't want a good breeze to flip the box open like a "jack in the box" would you?

Answer 2

We haven't *nailed* down the lids for over 50 years. Caskets have had metal hinges and locking mechanisms for years and years now. We use what is called a crank or casket key, which will fit into any type of casket, they are all the same, to close the lid.

Answer 3

My brother in law is a funeral director and he says they don't nail the lid down. Why would they? They come with latches that hold them shut.

Answer 4

To stop roots from getting inside and pushing the skeleton out through the ground 30 years down the line. Plus in case it's dropped on the way to the graveyard and your deceased starts piling out of it in the hearse.

Answer 5

I have a funeral director friend, and he says he uses a framing nail gun and 16 penny nails.

Answer 6

To prevent interference with the body, or to stop it falling out maybe.

Answer 7

Just in case they decide to jump out, of course.

Answer 8

In case they are a vampire, It makes it harder for them to get out.( use silver nails)

Answer 9

so nothing will disturb it and vice versa

Answer 10

so no one will go in to steal the corpse
:D