How to make air muscles!

Step 2 Making the small muscle

First cut a small length of the 1/4" silicone tubing. Now insert the small bolt into one end of the tubing and the hose barb into the other end.

Now cut the 3/8" braided sleeve about two inches longer than the silicone tube and use a lighter to melt the ends of the braided sleeve so it doesn't fray apart.

Slide the braided sleeve over the silicone tubing and wrap each end of the tube with the safety wire and tighten it.

Now make some wire loops and wrap them around each end of the braided sleeve. As an alternative to using wire loops on the ends of the muscle, you can make the sleeve longer and then fold it back over the end of the muscle, forming a loop ( you have to push the air fitting through)- then tighten the wire around it.

Now connect your 1/4" high pressure tubing and pump a little air into the muscle to make sure it inflates without leaking.

To test the air muscle you have to stretch it to its full length by putting a load on it- this will allow it maximum contraction when it's pressurized. Start adding air (up to about 60psi) and watch the muscle contract!