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

Question

Iv'e always wondered why its not like the person inside can climb out!

Answer 1

Maybe to hinder anyone from trying to access it from the outside...

good question

Answer 2

I always thought it was to prevent an embarrasing situation should one of the pall bearers slip and fall, but I think they weld metal caskets shut to preserve the mummified (embalmed) remains.  Actually, it's probably just another way for the mortician to collect some money.

Answer 3

To discourage the grave robbers nicking the gold teeth/jewelry

Answer 4

it's more so thieves can't steal the valuables inside the coffin as opposed to the dead person inside becoming a zombie and climbing out.

Answer 5

coffins actually 'move' underground, nailing it down is just a precaution for when it has to be dug up (exhumed) or another added on top

a few nails wouldn't deter a grave robber, after all they have just dug down 6 feet!

Answer 6

So it doesnt fall off when it is being lowered into the grave.

Answer 7

Nailing doesn't prevent grave robbery, it speeds up decomposition and once the lid is closed there isn't any concern why the things carried inside would fall out.

Everyone feels more assured when what is inside is kept inside, things can go wacky.

Answer 8

"Hello, What's that knocking?"............"No mother in law, You can't come out".

Answer 9

Its more so the people on the outside cant get in and steal things

Answer 10

its harder to get in plus if they tip it while carrying it, a person could fall out

Answer 11

Well, my mother made sure she watched as they screwed the lid closed on her ex.  She wanted to be positively sure that bast@#$# couldn't escape!

Answer 12

I always thought it was to secure the lid in case it may get shifted. Water some times moves coffins around in the grave. also some graves are stacked and it would help secure them.

The professional answer would have to come from a funeral employee.

Answer 13

Grave Robbers maybe

or maybe part of a tradition

and also, earthquakes or tornados that might tear up the ground. no one wants to see a dead body or skeleton that is fresh from a coffin.

Answer 14

Dead people are fun and so are the worms that eat them. Nails arenreally used on coffins these a days. But back in the old west, let's just say that not everyone that got buried was dead.

Answer 15

I guess so it won't fall off??

I don't know... I've always wondered more: why do we waste thousands of dollars on coffins that are going to be buried and never dug back up for re-use? I hope I never get buried, I want to be cremated!!

Answer 16

To make a seal, and keep the smell contained, before the funeral and burial is another important reason in addition to those given here.

Answer 17

Now a days they s***w and bolt them on.It's to keep moisture and creepy crawlies out.I'm not sure why people want to look their best in the grave.It must be vanity.