About the Big Nail
The Big Nail is provided as a public service of Ralph Roberts Realty for the benefit of the Warren/metro-Detroit community and its charitable organizations.
In 1998, to demonstrate how their NailGard® self-sealing passenger tire worked, the Uniroyal® tire company placed an 11-foot high, 500-pound nail into the tread of The Giant Uniroyal Tire that towers alongside Interstate 94 outside of Detroit, Michigan. In the fall of 2003, as part of a $1,000,000 renovation to the 80-foot tire, Michelin, Uniroyal's parent company, donated the nail to the city of Allen Park, Michigan, which a short time later auctioned it off on eBay to raise funds for the Allen Park Historical Society's programs and facilities.
Since placing the $3,000 winning bid for what is now simply known as "the Big Nail," Warren/metro-Detroit, Michigan, REALTOR® and philanthropist Ralph R. Roberts has used the gigantic icon to draw attention to deserving charities, events, and organizations. Roberts wanted to ensure that the local icon remained in the metro-Detroit area, and the fact that its purchase benefited a local charity began what has become the Big Nail's mission of bringing awareness to worthy causes. 
Since retiring from her perch high atop the Giant Tire, the Big Nail has kept a busy schedule. Like any retired cultural icon, she makes frequent guest appearances at charity fundraisers, community gatherings and parades, and sporting events. In addition, a Hummer H2 vehicle affectionately known around town as "The Nail Mobile" always accompanies The Big Nail to appearances.
For more information about The Big Nail, please click here,
If you would like to inquire about booking the Big Nail for your next charity or community event, please click here or call 586-751-0000.