Pocket Sized Spring Loaded Dart

This is my first instructable, so any feedback (positive or negative) will be welcomed.
This is a spring loaded dart made of common items found in my local hardware store. My son and I saw something similar to this on a National Geographic special about the Chinese weapons. I don't remember what they actually called it, but from what I remember it was considered to be an assassin weapon. A low powered spring loaded dart that was typically dipped in poison. The weapon was easily concealed, and powerful enough to break the skin which in turn administered the poison. My version will shoot about 35 feet. I imagine that if I put a tip on the dart it would travel further due to aerodynamics.

Step 1 Material and Tools

Everything I used to build this was found at my local hardware store.

Parts Lists:

1 - Shut off valve with chrome sleeve
1 - Short length of 1/2" copper tubing (2-3/4" long)
1 - 1/2" copper cap
1 - Strike plate
1 - Washer #10 I think
2 - Set screws 6-32 thread 1/8" long
1 - Length of aluminum solid tube 1/4" diameter
2 - Springs (#11 at my hardware store)
2 - Bronze bushing (5/8"O.D. 1/2" I.D.)
2 - Bronze bushing (1/2"O.D. 3/8" I.D.) Not pictured sorry
2 - Bronze bushing (3/8"O.D. 1/4" I.D.)
1 - tube of Locktite

Tools:

Solder iron
Torch
Dremel
Hammer
pipe cutter
Various files
Drill
Allen wrench

Comments

[skimmo]

does the screw hit the spring?

[lemminggenocide]

i cannot believe that nobody else has commented on this, it is such a well designed and thought out piece, it is somewhat reminiscent of some of the more dangerous zip guns, which require bullets to fire. I am planning to make an instructable on a small steel crossbow soon, if I do, i will definitely include a link to this i'ble, because I think that it is highly unjustified that this has received less views than other really basic, boring weapons, like the ten thousand "skewer launching" items that even the average ten year old could make without any instructions. 5/5 please make more instructables, you obviously have a very comprehensive understanding of the technical side of things (and some awesome dremel skills) keep up the good work LG oh also, you are my first subscription

[ClayChip]

Thank you so much. I haven't even seen my instructable posted on the main site yet. I've been looking everyday for almost 2 weeks. How did you find it?

[Slicerr2]

look at page 76 on offbeat thats one place though i stummbled across it on a search to

[Slicerr2]

or page 98

[lemminggenocide]

i think it came up when i searched "metal dart"

[Slicerr2]

this is great right now i am working on one of these out of pens and house hold materials

[Slicerr2]

so in the end i could not get any pens to fit over top of each other and fit my spring but i have started making one of scrap steel from behind our shop and so far i have the spring and the tubing for the spring ready i found that i did not need a end cap i just cut a cross into the pipe and bent the sides down it worked really well

[tdwp1122]

Thanks so much for the instructable. I finally was able to build mine. I changed it so instead of using a steel pipe i used another copper one. it gave it more of an "old" feeling to it. Great Instructions!

[tdwp1122]

(removed by author or community request)

[ClayChip]

I've never made a video before, but I guess there's a 1st time for everything. I'll work on it this week.

[prabhjot999]

how much money did this cost

[tdwp1122]

 where do you get the shut off valve? I have looked everywhere for it. If you could help me out that would be great.

[ClayChip]

My local hardware store sells them, but you can also get them at any plumbing supply house. I hope this helps. If not let me know and I will try to locate 1 for you.

[weaponscollector94]

so...this is sorta like a ballistic knife! this is awesome i am going totally make one! ya i have built several ballistic knives so i guess it is the same concept!

[taterkiller]

how much does cost to make

[ClayChip]

I had most of the parts already, but I think if I were to buy them new it would be around $20 to $30.

[pyroninja21]

you could increas its aro dynamics by super glueing a rubber tip in the end its an ok idea hope it helps

[history323]

WOW! I CANNOT believe this has so little comments! It is so cool! I am going to make one right now!!!!!

[ClayChip]

Thank you, I'd love to see a pic of yours if you do.

[moo of the cow]

could you make this with a camping spring????

[ClayChip]

I sorry I'm not sure what a camping spring is, but as long as it is a compression sprig and it will fit into 1/2" copper tubing I don't see any reason why it wouldn't work.

[moo of the cow]

this is pretty awsom im gonna make the its probly better then my crossbow with is like 2m wide (bow) and is very annoying to carry

[ClayChip]

Let me know how it works out for you.

[sjonahm16]

This is great, and the weapon you're talking about is called the "Chinese sleeve arrow dart".

[ClayChip]

That's what it's called. Thank you Pretty cool aren't they?

[Genises]

i fully agree with lemming genocide this deserves more views!!!!

[ClayChip]

Thanks, I hope more people see it!

[zoogigle]

so how far does this thing shoot?

[ClayChip]

I can hit a target accurately about 20ft away, but It can shoot a little further than 35ft. I'm sure I could increase the range and accuracy with a stronger spring, but I don't think I'd let my son play with it if I did.

[lemminggenocide]

cool!