tuning fork question

Does a tuning fork NEED to be hit by a "striker", or can you hit them against the edge of a table or each other to make a sound? I know the answer is yes, but will this ruin them? I borrowed someone's and want to make sure I use them properly! TIA! :)

Re: tuning fork question

we used tuning forks in our science unit (3rd grade) this year and a few lessons called for hitting the tuning fork against a block of wood. does that help you?