If you are playing with your siblings or want to organize an "office war", homemade guns are a great excuse to get creative and deliver some well-aimed shots. This article describes some ideas but the possibilities are endless, so remember the most important rules: be creative and don't stop trying! Read on to build your own weapons, from a battle ax to deadly nunchucks!
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Paper Crossbow
Step 1. Get the materials
You will need several sheets of A4 paper, masking tape, electrical tape, popsicle sticks, pencil, heavy duty string, ruler, utility knife, and scissors.
Step 2. Build the arms
Take 4 sheets and cut them in half vertically. Roll 4 halves into a tube with a pencil in the center, from the shorter side to the other, and then tape it in three places. Remove the pencil and repeat the same process with the other 4 halves. You will need to get two tubes.
Step 3. Prepare the keg
Take 5 sheets of paper, stack them neatly and roll them from one short end to the other using the pencil as a center pin. Secure the tube with several pieces of masking tape and remove the pencil.
Step 4. Insert the weapon into the holder
Cut a 4 cm piece from the popsicle stick and place it on the end of the tube so that it is flush with the opening. With a marker make a mark 4 cm outside the barrel. Finally insert the stick at the opposite end so that it is perpendicular to the first stick. Cover the entire barrel with electrical tape to make it sturdy and prevent it from breaking. Fold the arms at the 4 cm points you marked.
Step 5. Secure the arms
Pinch the end of the barrel and then put the short section of the arms on its sides. Secure everything with electrical tape. Make sure the joints are strong and tight.
Step 6. Put the rope on the crossbow
Tie a bow tie knot to connect the furthest ends of the crossbow to the string. Tie the first end and tape everything together. Extend the twine about 2.5 cm past the other end and tie this side as well, then securing it with masking tape.
Step 7. Add the trigger
Pull the bow back until it is almost perpendicular to the arms. Mark on the barrel with the felt-tip pen the point where the center of the string arrives. Make a hole in the barrel with the utility knife. Cut the end of a popsicle stick, open it halfway, and insert it into the hole to create the trigger. It should be able to move slightly back and forth and be long enough to pop out of the barrel.
If you are a child, ask for the help of an adult for this step. It is very easy to get injured with the utility knife
Step 8. Build the guides
Cut a single sheet of paper in two halves and roll them both into tubes. Flatten them and tape them to the sides of the trigger. Take another strip from a single sheet of paper (it must be ¼ of a sheet), roll it up and place it between the arms of the crossbow. Make sure a pencil fits easily into the scroll.
Step 9. That's it
Arm the string by pulling it back and attaching it to the trigger, put the pencil and fire!
Method 2 of 3: Cardboard War Ax
Step 1. Gather what you need
You will need a large, thick piece of sturdy cardstock, some glue, paint, a bow, and a flat corner bracket (optional) which you can purchase at the hardware store.
Step 2. Create the model
Draw the shape of the ax you want, the blade and the handle, on top of a piece of paper. The simpler the model, the better it will work.
Step 3. Cut out the pieces
Trace the shape on at least 4 sheets of cardboard (better 6) and cut it out with a cutter.
If you are a child, get an adult for help at this stage. You could cut your finger
Step 4. Reinforce the center of the ax
Take a piece of cardboard to act as a center. Glue the angle bracket in the "L" between the blade and the handle. You can also put a stick or wooden pin in the handle if you wish.
Step 5. Glue all the pieces together
Layer by layer glue all the pieces you cut out with the reinforced central area.
Step 6. Add the finishing touches
You can use a cutter to finish the edges of the blade. Once finished, line everything up with duct tape, paint it to make it look real, or wrap it with tape around the handle for a true medieval weapon look.
Step 7. Finished
Have fun with your war ax!
Method 3 of 3: Masking Tape Nunchuck
Step 1. Get all the necessary materials
You need to have two cardboard tubes, like the ones found in the center of kitchen paper rolls. You will also need electrical tape and aluminum foil. If you wish (but it's optional) you can make the nunchucks a little more dangerous and put some weights on (butter knives are ideal).
Step 2. If you use weights, you have to put them in the center
Take two butter knives, line them up on top of each other with opposite ends, use duct tape to secure them so that they become one object. Do a careful job to keep them from coming off and cutting you.
Step 3. Fill the cardboard tubes
Close one end of each tube with an aluminum foil ball. Continue to fill the tubes with balls of this type or (if you have decided to weigh down the weapon) coat the knives with aluminum and put it in the tube. Continue until the aluminum foil reaches the opening of the tube. Close it all with duct tape.
Step 4. Create the rope
Cut a long strip of masking tape into small sections and then fold them in half to make strings. Weave them together to create a rope. This must be about 15 cm long and will connect the two pipes together.
Step 5. Connect the hoses to the rope
Unwrap one end of the rope lightly and tape it to the tube. Try to space each strip evenly so that they all embrace the diameter of the tube. Repeat the same thing with the other end and the second tube. By doing so, the central part of the rope will remain intertwined.
Step 6. Cover the outside
Wrap the pipes completely with insulating tape. Do a thorough job and don't miss any points.
Step 7. Done and enjoy
Be careful though especially if you have added weights.
Advice
Be creative and find alternatives that best suit your needs
Warnings
- Never point your "weapons" at someone's face or body.
- Be very careful while preparing these toys. It could be dangerous for you and others.
- Do not bring these items to school or work, as you may be reprimanded.
- Since these items can harm people, play them carefully. Alternatively, make latex or foam weapons that don't hurt but look real.
