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How to Build Your Own Rubber Tubing Crossbow

Creating a toy crossbow is more economical than purchasing one and can be done even by those with short attention spans. In addition, you likely have much of what you need to make this crossbow in a desk drawer, If not, most items can be replaced with an alternative. For example, you can use pencils instead of chopsticks and rubber bands in place of rubber tubing.

Things You'll Need

5 chopsticks
Scissors
Clear tape
Pen casing
Rubber bands
Rubber tubing

Instructions

- 1
  Take two chopsticks and line them up with each other, side by side, so they are touching.
- 2
  Wrap one piece of rubber tubing around the top end of the chopsticks and another piece around the bottom end of the chopsticks. Apply clear tape over each end of the rubber tubing to hold it in place.
- 3
  Repeat Steps 1 and 2 on a second pair of chopsticks.
- 4
  Lay one set of chopsticks on the table so that one end is pointing toward you. Place the second set across the first set, so that the two sets form a "t" shape. The second set of sticks laid should be placed about 2/3 of the way to the top (the end furthest from you) of the first set.
- 5
  Tie a knot using rubber tubing where the sticks are joined and apply tape to keep it in place.
- 6
  Take a pen and remove the top lid and take out the ink and ink head. Discard the ink; you do not need it.
- 7
  Align the pen casing on top of the chopsticks so one end is pointing toward you. The pen casing should sit atop both sticks but be parallel to the chopsticks that point toward you.
- 8
  Apply clear tape around the pen casing and the chopsticks to keep it in place.
- 9
  Attach a rubber tube or rubber band to one end of the two chopsticks that form the cross of the "t." Pull it toward and attach it to the other end. The bands will give the crossbow the spring mechanism needed to push forward.
- 10
  Use your finger to pull the band backward and set it on the hollow part of the pen casing.
- 11
  Stick a chopstick into the tube casing and hold the crossbow with thumb and forefinger. Use your other thumb and forefinger to pull back on the pen casing. Withdraw your thumb and forefinger to launch the chopstick at the intended target.

Backyard Toys