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How to Make a Sling Shot Gun

Although it has been uses as a weapon at times, the slingshot remains one of the most popular backyard toys for children. In a time of high-tech toys, video games and never-ending electronic entertainment, this simple toy will keep children (and adults) entertained for hours. Slingshot guns of varying styles and strengths can be purchased in stores, but making one at home is quite easy and much less expensive than a manufactured model.

Things You'll Need

Sturdy Y-shaped branch
Hand saw
Pocket knife with a hole punch
Sandpaper
String
2 long rubber bands
1-by-2-inch piece of leather
2 plastic cable ties

Instructions

- 1
  Cut your Y-shaped branch so that the top ends of the Y are of equal lengths. Cut the bottom or handle part of the Y so that it is long enough to hold, yet leaves a few inches above the top of your hand and the fork of the Y.
- 2
  Carefully cut off any points, stubs or bumps along your Y using the pocket knife. Sand away any bumps that you can't cut off. Make the surface as smooth as possible.
- 3
  Punch a hole in either end of the leather strip using the hole punch on the pocket knife. Push one of the rubber bands an inch through a hole in the leather strip. Take the long end of the rubber band and thread it through the inch long section of band protruding through the leather. Pull the long end all the way through the short end. Pull it tight so that the short end forms a knot where it meets the leather. Repeat this process with the other rubber band through the remaining hole in the leather.
- 4
  
  Rubber band
  
  Attach one of the rubber band ends to one of the Y ends using the plastic cable tie. Pull the tie as tight as possible and cut off any excess plastic. Attach the other rubber band end to the free end of the Y in the same method. Make sure the rubber bands and leather strip are not twisted. Each rubber band length should be parallel to its mate.
- 5
  
  String
  
  Wrap the handle of the slingshot with the string. Run the beginning end of the string up the side of the sling shot and then wrap it around itself to secure it in place. Wrap the string down the length of the handle in a single layer, with each round placed as close as possible to the preceding round. Tie the string off securely when you reach the bottom of the handle.
- 6
  Test your slingshot by shooting a small pebble at a target practice sheet or aluminum can. Make any necessary adjustments to loose-fitting pieces.

Backyard Toys