How to shell macadamias without a special tool? I know you can get tools like the Bonk and MackaWhacka specifically for shelling macadamias but I've very rarely had them handy when I've needed to do it.

In the past I've sat macadamias in a little hole in the cement outside and smashed them with a hammer but it would more often than not damage the kernels as well. I'd ideally like a way which:


doesn't damage the kernel inside
doesn't require a macadamia-specific tool
doesn't take several hours per nut, and
doesn't involve risk of missing teeth and permanent disability
I've used C-clamps before.  You set the macademia in it, then tighten it down 'til it cracks.

You can keep a gloved hand around the nut while turning the screw with the other hand to avoid the risk of flying shell bits.  (but you should be turning slow enough that it doesn't crack explosively)

It does take some time, but it's less than a minute per nut.  It goes faster when they're all similarly sized, so you're not adjusting the clamp signicantly to fit the next one.