Artificial Harmonics question

Hey, I'm new to these forums and finally got the darned account working with much trouble. But anyways, I've got a question about artificial harmonics. I noticed that when I use my fingernail, I can produce an artifical harmonic that sounds pretty good. Does anybody know about this and is it a good technique?
Almost I'm curious as to how to make artifical harmonics on the low E string. I keep trying (using the pick and thumb method this time) but it never comes out as a squeel. Its always really low and muffled. The lead guitarist for the band I'm in was doing them with realative ease, making loud squeals, but I never got around to asking him how the hell he was doing it. I believe high distortion and and gain will help achieve it, but am wondering if anybody else knows how to do it.

Maybe they were natural harmonics in the region of the 2nd and 3rd fret... They do come out good with lots of distortion.
Just try to see what Van Halen does on his videos (rent 'live without a net')

If your a right handed player Left hand posisition is important. The closer you you get to the bridge the higher in pitch the harmonic will become. Hope this helps

Try this: http://www.blacklabelsociety.net/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=5&t=000042