How to Make a Child's Top With a Screw & Nut

Many people buy children expensive toys, only to find that they push them aside to play with objects like cardboard boxes or other inexpensive items. Spinning tops are enjoyable for children to play with because of the rotational movement involved. You can make a spinning top cheaply by using a screw, nuts and other household products. Create more than one and watch children make up games, such as who can spin their top the longest or the fastest.

Things You'll Need

• Screw (1 1/2 to 4 inches in length and 1/2 inch or less in diameter)
• Two nuts that fit the screw
• Old CD or DVD
• Washers to fit the screw (optional)
• Acrylic paint and craft paint brush (optional)
• Colorful stickers (optional)

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Twist the nut onto the screw so it is approximately 1/2 inch from the top of the screw.

   • 2

     Place an old CD or DVD onto the screw underneath the nut.

   • 3

     Twist another nut underneath the CD snugly.

   • 4

     Place the spinning top in an upright position onto a table top, floor or other surface and demonstrate for the child how to spin it correctly.