zounds, they astound me some days.I have a pen-on-a-string. LIke this: The last 5 adults who have had to use it to sign their paperwork in/out of the room have stood there and tried to lift the counter by the pen-stand.They struggled for long enough for me to inwardly cringe as they tugged...holding the silver base (as opposed to the black pen) and jerking upward mightliy. And they were confused as to why the pen wouldn't release from the holder. as they held it by the holder.I wish I could describe it better.