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How to Make an ARC Reactor Out of Glow Sticks

An ARC reactor is the power source used to fuel the exoskeleton-type armor worn by superhero Iron Man. The ARC reactor allows Iron Man to take shelter within his suit, keeping him from harm while fighting his enemies. When making an Iron Man costume, the ARC reactor is key. There are many types of ARC reactor devices available at costume stores and on the Internet, but they can be expensive. It is fairly easy to complete a costume by making a simple, inexpensive ARC reactor at home using glow sticks.

Things You'll Need

10 to 15 glow sticks
Black electrical tape
Thin, sleeveless undershirt
Duct tape
Lamp

Instructions

- 1
  Bend the glow sticks to activate the glowing gel inside them. Form the first glow stick into a circle, attaching the ends with the hollow plastic clasp.
- 2
  Line up the second glow stick with the first so that the ends align on top. Grasp the two glow sticks in the center of the bottom. Grab the right end of the second glow stick and wrap it over, then under the first. Wrap the left end of the second glow stick under, then over the first, so that the second glow stick is wrapped around the first glow stick. Attach the tails of the second glow stick together with the hollow plastic clasp.
- 3
  Repeat Step 2, wrapping the glow sticks around the coiled loop, until the circle is a couple inches thick or all the glow sticks have been used up.
- 4
  Create the Iron Man ARC reactor pattern on the glow-stick loop using black electrical tape. First, use the tape to line the inside of the circle. Then, divide the circle into 10 sections by wrapping tape around the loop at even intervals. Finally, line the outside of the circle with a piece of tape.
- 5
  Turn the undershirt inside-out and center the ARC reactor about two inches below the neckline. Use duct tape to attach the ARC reactor to the shirt.
- 6
  Turn on a lamp and hold the ARC reactor about two inches away from the bulb for about a minute to charge up the glow sticks. Turn the shirt right-side out and put it on.

Character Toys