Capacitor Gun

This is a great way to celebrate Forth of July and is really fun. This is a simple gun that uses the explosion made from a capacitor to send a projectile flying. The process is simple and only requires a few cheap/free parts.

The way I did it is not the only way and I only did it this way because these were the only parts that I had. I used a 100 uf capacitor, an extension cord, a switch, the end of a plug, and a metal airsoft barrel. Just try to find a barrel, a combustion chamber (if necessary), an extension cord, and a way to connect them all together.

Step 1: Load the Capacitor

All that you have to do is connect the capacitor to the plug head while the capacitor remains inside the opening. If the capacitor is in the hole as shown and the leads are touching the plug terminals then you are OK.

Step 2: Plug It In

Now just plug the plug head that has the capacitor into the extension cord making sure that the capacitor wires are still touching the terminals. See video

Step 3: Put in the Barrel

Now just snap in the barrel and make sure that it is snug. If you need to you could use tape to hold it better.

Step 4: Flip the Switch and Kaboooom!

Now flip the switch to power the extension cord and boom!

Don't forget to clean it afterwards.

Have fun!

Thanks for reading!