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How to Make a Crossbow Foldable out of Household Items

A crossbow holds a projectile ready for shooting without the intervention of the person carrying it. You can make your own folding crossbow from arts and crafts supplies plus tools most households have on hand. The assembly procedure does not require any special expertise in understanding how medieval weapons work.

Things You'll Need

Ruler
6 craft sticks
Portable drill, 1/8-inch wooden drill bit
Hot glue gun, glue stick
Wooden skewer, 1/8-inch diameter, 8 inches long
Rubber band, 1.4-inch thick, 10 inches long

Instructions

- 1
  Measure an inch in from one end of a craft stick. Drill a hole at the inch mark with the portable drill. Measure the length of the stick. Drill a hole at the halfway mark. Repeat this with a second craft stick.
- 2
  Measure an inch in from both ends of a third craft stick. Drill a hole at the inch mark with the portable drill. Repeat this with a fourth craft stick.
- 3
  Insert the metal screws through the holes on both ends of a craft stick. Place the two craft sticks that have a hole in the center together so that their holes at the ends line up. Place the two holes at the end of the sticks over one of the screws.
- 4
  Place the two sticks that have holes on each end together. Place the holes at one end of the two sticks over the other screw.
- 5
  Angle the two sets of sticks so that their far ends face out at a 45-degree angle from each other. Place the holes on each end of a craft stick over each of the two screws.
- 6
  Run a bead of hot glue around each screw. Let the glue set for five minutes. Pull the stick out from each side so that it is horizontal to the table. Angle the ends of the sticks down at a 45-degree angle. Place the ends of a craft stick over the two screws. Repeat this procedure with another stick. Run a bead of hot glue around each screw. Run a drop of hot glue on the tip of each screw. Let the glue set for five minutes.
- 7
  Turn the sticks over so that the stick with the hole in the end is closest to you. Insert one end of the skewer into the hole in this stick. Run a bead of hot glue around the end of the skewer where it goes into the hole. Let the glue set for five minutes.
- 8
  Measure two inches up from the glued end of the skewer. Cut the skewer at the two-inch mark with a utility knife.
- 9
  Insert one end of the rubber band through the holes in each of the sticks at the end opposite the skewer. Run a bead of hot glue on the stick to adhere the rubber band. Let the glue set for five minutes.
- 10
  Pull the center of the rubber band toward you. Loop the rubber band over the skewer to cock your crossbow. Remove the rubber band from the skewer and fold in the sides of your folding crossbow when you are done using it.

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