Hidden Crossbow - version 2.0

A while back I found instructions for a clever office supply bow and arrow and was inspired. I decided to step things up a notch. In the end I had a nifty little "crossbow" that straps to the inner arm, perfectly concealed by a loose sleeve. With just a flick of the wrist, your classmates won't know what hit them!

This is the second incarnation of the design. The first was held together entirely with gorilla tape and I only had enough pictures for a slide show.

**Careful!**
Though not as powerful as other designs, this thing can still do some damage. Do not point it toward the face, it could easily take out an eye. Do not aim anywhere that can potentially damage something, it's awkward aiming with the forearm, so its accuracy can be hit or miss (pun intended).

Step 1: You Will Need...

Materials:

At least three Bic ballpoint pens
A thin rubber band*
A clothespin*
Several craft (Popsicle) sticks
A length of strong thread*
Duct tape (No project is complete without it!)
A ring (optional)

*take care selecting these items. Too strong a rubber band can't be held back by the clothespin. Too strong a clothespin will break your thread. If everything is too strong you risk yanking the whole thing off your arm when you go to fire.


Tools:
I was able to rig one of these with mostly scissors and a roll of gorilla tape in the back of class, so don't sweat the details. However, I have found these to work quite well:

Scissors
A hot glue gun
A small-bit drill
A fine-tooth saw
Duct Tape (So important it deserves to be named twice.)

Comments

[lbramwell]

Something I'm looking forward to getting sent to the principal's office for c;

[Gentlemen...]

I realised why it needs sturdy string,i keep flicking my wrist hardly and the string just breaks

[Blorph]

I want to find an Instructable that is a K'nex version of this crossbow.

[Kyw Yw Yw]

I don't understand how to tie the string to the clothespin and connect it to the ring...

[DucttapeNinja]

Drill a hole through both both tabs on the end you pinch together. Tie the string through the hole on the outside tab, then run the loose end through the hole in the inside tab and underneath the whole crossbow.

[memorris027]

HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!

[makuze]

thanks!!! it works perfectly its very comfortable! and at the first shot i accidently  shot my finger and it hurt alot but evrybody was afraid of me with that thing :D

[firehawk109]

It's the same for me with a blowgun I made.

[DucttapeNinja]

Outstanding! Spread the fear! >:D
And hey, now you know it works really well.

[lromo1]

fake hand

[jmirus]

Well, of course it's fake, lol. You try taking a picture of your own hand while holding your arm flat down on the table xDDD

[jmirus]

With a crossbow strapped to it lol

[DucttapeNinja]

Actually that's my hand. It's directly under the light which is flattening out the features or something. Though it was a little tricky getting this shot.

[ducktape.mac]

i just got finished making something similar to this. it's like one of those spring loaded spears, but it is a down sized version that you hold exactly like this. it only took 3 k'nex, a rubber band, and some gorilla tape. I'm actually surprised at how well it works when i use it right. i do plan on making the crossbow shown as well too.

[qwerty403]

i took the seemingly obsolete remainder of the pen from step 3 and put it in the roll.

[DucttapeNinja]

Ooohh... that was smart.

[qwerty403]

as i said before, i didnt cut another pen; i used previously cut ones.

[d3mond00d]

Err... I made mine and it shot the ink cartridge a foot or less, and it just dove down... Any solutions to make it shoot further and stronger?

[DucttapeNinja]

I'd just tighten the rubber band. I usually loop mine around the nose piece.

[TheInventor1997]

can you use cardboard?

[Delo97]

Yes, I think, but this wouldn't be so resistent

[Delo97]

Can you use also skewers for ammos?

[DucttapeNinja]

If it fits I don't see why not. I wouldn't point that at anybody, though.

[Delo97]

Thanks! Anyways, I think I would tape the end.
We love duct tape!
We love this proyect!

[macboy98]

hey ducttapeninja could u make a hidden blade like this instructable

[knexsniper123]

oh and about how long are the strips of tape you use for the rubberband holder?

[knexsniper123]

oh im sorry the cap i mispelled

[knexsniper123]

is the larger side of the can on the bottom or top?

[DucttapeNinja]

I'm sorry, what do you mean by "the can?"

[knexsniper123]

i got the shafts i cant make the rubber band holder it keep breaking please reply

[DucttapeNinja]

If the tape is splitting where you made the cuts you're probably cutting too far into the center.
Either that or you'll need to add more layers of tape. The pictures make it look like I only used one, but there are actually at least two or three.

[knexsniper123]

bye the way awesome job of creating this!

[knexsniper123]

hey im having a problem with splitting the pen any tips?

[instruct39]

you could fasten the straps with velcro, just a suggestion.

[qwerty403]

what if you put the elastic in the roll?

[-KungPow-]

holy crap... your amazing. thats so freeking awesome its incredible. *bows down*

[RunsWithExplosives]

Here's a thought. Why not use fishing line instead of thread?

[ghost6626]

I cant really shoot anything because the launcher keeps going everywhere. Got any tips?

[DucttapeNinja]

Is it falling off the track? The most frequent problem I've had can be solved by making absolute sure the ink cartridge is loaded properly.

[Rickiebobby]

For the straps part, using a wrist support with velcrow tapes would make a good wrist base. All you have to do is glue it into the hidden crossbow using a glue gun.