Introduction: Credit Card Grappling Hook

About: I've worked for Instructables off and on since 2006 building and documenting just about everything I enjoy doing. I am now the Creative Programs founder and manager for Autodesk and just finished building out…

The credit card grappling hook is a whimsical little project that combines a credit card, some simple hardware, fishing line thread, and a sewing machine bobbin.  It's functional for light grappling duties, but is mostly just meant to be used as a toy and for entertainment.

Step 1: Materials

The first step is to gather the materials.
  • 2 credit cards
  • fishing line
  • rubber band
  • sewing machine bobbin
  • bolt
  • 2 nuts
  • wing nut
  • 3/16" binding post to fit bobbin

Step 2: Attach Fishing Line to Hook

Using a larks head, attach one end of the fishing line to the grappling hook.  Assemble the grappling hook so it matches the one in the photos below.

Step 3: Wind Bobbin

Wind the fishing line around the sewing bobbin just like you would wind thread on the sewing machine.  This is a fast, clean and easy way to load up your spool with many feet grappling line.

Step 4: Tape Two Cards Together

The structure for the grappling hook is basically just the credit card itself, so in order to keep it stiff and strong, I used double sided tape to stick two cards together.

Step 5: Drill Holes

Drill holes in the card for the hook launcher (rubber band) and the binding post that will hold the cable spool (sewing bobbin).

Step 6: Attatch Spool to Card

Attach the bobbin to the card using the binding post and then loop the rubber band through the top hole to create the elastic launcher.  I made a slight dimple in the back edge of the card that the rubber band fits into which allows me to easily stow the grappling hook when it's not in use.

The last steps are to go shoot at stuff, try to real it in, and to have fun!