How to Build a Rubber Band Heat Engine

Step 3: Cutting & Bending Hooks

WARNING!

Using bolt cutters can be a pinch point and will need to be used with caution when cutting.

Aluminum is sharp when cut. Use caution and to not poke yourself when bending hooks.


1. Cut only ONE spoke at the marks you made in step 2.

2. Remove the small aluminum piece near the axle

3. Bend a hook on the small piece of axle you have just removed.


CAUTION! Bending the aluminum piece too much can cause it to break.


Tip: Hold the piece tightly in the pliers and press against a hard surface to make it a little easier to bend.

4. Replace the bent aluminum piece back into the axle.

5. Bend a hook into the small aluminum piece of the rim with pliers or bolt cutters to have a hook at the "cut" end.

Comments

[flamekiller]

Wear safety glasses in this step! Spokes are under a fair amount of tension to hold the rim true. Nothing ruins a day quite like a chunk of metal in the eye.

[Quester55]

At this stage you may want to Letter or Number each set of wires. This will help keep the proper pattern in case of rubber band rot, takes out more than 1 set at a time. It will also help with storage when not in use.