Introduction: Pocket Sling (sling Rocks Over 100 Feet)
Ah the sling, a primitive weapon still used to this day. In the ancient days, the Romans used this weapon as a siege weapon for naval battles and land battles alike. The sling is mentioned throughout history including the Bible.
-This is a simple way to make this fantastic weapon costing less than 5 dollars.
In this instructable we will go through the process of making an all leather sling.
Materials-
-scrap leather - can be found at the dump on an old leather couch or pocketbook or bought for around 3 dollars
-leather lace - can be found at craft stores for as little as 99 cents
-Altoids tin - 99cents
= about $4.98 before tax
Tools-
-scissors
-nails
-board to hammer on
-hammer
-pencil with graph paper
***************SLINGING IS DANGEROUS so be careful*********************
Step 1: Make the Pouch
It helps to make a pattern on graph paper.
1) make a rectangle 5"x2.5"
2) make points how I show in the picture
3) connect the lines a-b c-d e-f g-h
make holes .25 inches into the shape
4) cut it out (no picture)
5) trace it with a pencil onto the leather
6) cut out the leather
picture 7- done for this step
-Save the paper pattern in case you want to make another sling afterward.
Step 2: Make Some Holes
Use the nail and hammer to punch holes for the lace.
1) -line up the paper template with the leather cut out over the board
2) -hammer holes in the two dots
3) -take out the nails and then admire how much easier that step was
Make sure you nail on the board.
Step 3: Add Lace
Get your leather lace.
1) Cut two lengths of lace that extend from the tip of your fingers to your foot while letting your arms down.
-a lengthy explanation for something so simple, so look at the pictures if you are confused.
2) Next tie knots like a figure eight to the pouch.
3) Make a bowline knot with the loop about the size of your pinky.
4) Put the loop on your pinky then hold the other lace.
5) Tie a knot that when held, makes the pouch level.
***check pictures***
Step 4: Use
Put the bowline on your pinky and hold the knot.
Place a rock (I demonstrate with an eraser) in the leather, swing the sling around, then let go of the knot.
To store/carry fold the pouch, wrap the lace around it, then place into an altoids tin or directly into your pocket!.
Tips-
-Timing is everything so concentrate and use common sense.
-There are many techniques for slinging. Check online on youtube.com, slinging.org, or Wikipedia.com
For farther slinging make the laces longer.
Participated in the
Pocket-Sized Contest