Rubber Band Catapults

TIC TAC CATAPULT

As war drums sound in the distance and resources run scarce, this ingenious catapult design could be the kingdom's only salvation. It's the Tic Tac Catapult, and it's awesome! Despite its small size, it has an impressive range and has proven to be very effective during warfare. Plus, it can be quickly constructed without the aid of tools. All the materials needed for assembly can be purchased in bulk, making it easy to mass produce these little siege engines — and doing so won't cost you the royal treasury!

Supplies

1 medium binder clip (32 mm)
1 Tic Tac container
13 rubber bands
8 craft sticks
Duct tape (optional)

Tools
Safety glasses

Ammo
1+ soft candies or small, hard candies

Step 1

Begin construction with the catapult arm or beam. Locate one medium (32 mm) or similar sized binder clip that can clamp onto a Tic Tic container — test fit it now. Use one rubber band to fasten one craft stick onto the inside of the metal handle attached to the binder clip. Duct tape can be substituted or added for additional strength.

Step 2

To lengthen the arm, add an additional craft stick to the far end of the fixed stick using one rubber band to secure it into place.

At the end of a catapult arm is the projectile basket, which is fashioned out of a Tic Tac container door. Carefully snap the small door off the lid as illustrated above. Place the door smooth side down at the end of the second craft stick and secure it with a rubber band. The throwing arm is now complete.

Step 3

It's time to build the frame out of the Tic Tacs' main container. Fasten two craft sticks to the opposite sides of the container using two rubber bands. The elastic pressure from the two rubber bands may cause some warping at the open end of the container, but minimal warping won't affect the catapult's performance.

Step 4

This step requires four craft sticks and six rubber bands. With the foundation of the frame complete, fasten each of the four craft sticks to the endpoints of the container assembly as shown. Once fastened, rotate the sticks to form a triangular frame, then fasten each pair together with one rubber band each. The round ends of these crafts sticks should extend slightly at the bottom to create four feet.

Step 5

It's time to combine both assemblies. Clamp the arm assembly onto the end of the Tic Tac container frame. Once fastened, the swing arm assembly should move back and forth between the two triangular wooden supports.

This catapult will be powered with one rubber band. Place the rubber band around the swing arm and then slide one end between the two attached craft sticks.

Finally, place the remaining part of the Tic Tac container lid between the two triangular frames to create what is called the padded beam or bed. Fasten the lid to the frame using one rubber band. Then wrap the rubber band fixed to the arm around the cap.

The catapult is complete! When firing, place your hand on the frame for support. Remember to use eye protection! Never aim this catapult at a living target and use only safe ammunition. Soft mints, hard candies, and mini marshmallows work nicely.

CARD BOX CATAPULT

Game night just got interesting — this MiniWeapon is engineered from laminated playing cards and ballpoint pens. When it's your turn, break out the Card Box Catapult for the ultimate game changer!

Supplies

2 plastic ballpoint pens with caps
1 playing card box
7 playing cards
3 thumbtacks
1 rubber band
1 plastic bottle cap Duct tape

Tools
Safety glasses
Pliers or thin dowel (optional)
Large scissors or hobby knife
Hot glue gun
Pencil
Single-hole punch
Paper clip (optional)

Ammo
1+ soft candies or similar objects

Step 1

Disassemble two plastic ballpoint pens into their various parts. Dislodge the rear pen-housing cap on both pens. You may need a tool — pliers or a thin dowel — to dislodge the rear pen-housing caps. Also remove the pen-tip caps. Lay out all the components of the pen and do not discard anything at this point.

Step 2

Using large scissors or a hobby knife, shorten one of the pen housing tubes to the width of the playing card box; use the box as a guide before cutting.

Take the newly shortened pen housing — the width of the card box — and attach one rear pen-housing cap to each end. Push the caps in completely. The pen housing should now be sealed from both ends.

Step 3

Use a hot glue gun to attach two sets of three playing cards together. These combined sets will make up the two side supports of the catapult. Let both glued card sets dry completely before proceeding to the next step.

Step 4

Both card stacks will now be transformed into the sides of the catapult. This wedge design is only for aesthetics, so exact measurements are not essential. The following measurements are provided only as a guide.

To create the wedge, establish the bottom of the card supports and pencil a mark roughly 1/2 inch up on both sides. On the opposite end of the cards, divide the width into three equal sections, and mark each third with a pencil. These marks will be the guide for cutting. With the scissors or hobby knife, use these marks to remove both wedges from the card assembly.

Next, measure 21/2 inches up from the uncut end of the card, then punch one center hole using a single-hole punch. A hobby knife can be substituted if needed.

Repeat both steps on the second card stack. You should have two identical card stacks with aligned holes when completed.

Step 5

Apply hot glue to both sides of the card box and place both card stacks flush with the bottom of the box. It is important that the punched holes line up.

When the glue is dry, place the modified pen assembly between the...