Techniques for Mousetrap Cars

Body Style

• Most body styles for mousetrap cars are along the lines of a rail car. Extending the length of the car keeps it from flipping over once the arm is released. Materials can range from cardboard to wood. The mousetrap also can be used as the body, but doing so requires different specifications for the rest of the car.

Lever Arm

• The lever arm is the moving force behind a mousetrap car. A string is attached to the tip of the arm and then wound around the rear axle. When the arm is released, it spins the rear wheels. It is important not to have the lever arm too long or the spring will not be strong enough to move the rear axle. Do not use a lever arm if the body for the mousetrap car is the mousetrap itself. Using an arm for this type of body will make the car flip. Instead, attach the string to the rear axle and to the snap arm.

Axles and Wheels

• Axles can be made from any rod-like material. Wheels can range in size and material. The most common wheel is a CD. CD wheels are easily attached with washers and nuts. The front wheels should never be larger than the rear wheels, but they can be the same size. If the body is the mousetrap, the rear wheels must be larger than the front wheels. Otherwise, the car will flip.

Efficiency

• Oil any moving parts to help reduce friction within the car. Another way to increase efficiency is to keep the car as light as possible. If the wheels are CDs, wrap the edges in duct tape or any other material to reduce slippage. This step is not advisable to long distance cars.