Krazy Kan: A classic rollback toy

You may recall your father or grandfather making this toy for you. Science classes often use it as a discussion springboard for an inquiry into how such a "mystery" can works like here in NY state and this document from the Resource Area for Teachers (RAFT).

Step 1: Gather materials

Key Materials:
Can
Rubber band
Weight
Nails, rod or pencil
1/4" plywood for can end cap
Tape

Tools
Drill with a bit larger than 1/8th inch diameter (hard to stuff rubber band through 1/8"hole)
Sander
Hammer (just in case)
Pliers

Non-essential items:
Paint
Markers
Hot glue gun (decided not to glue on the end cap to make it easier to inspect the can "guts" and be able to easily modify as necessary)
Dental floss/Wire (potential weight securing materials - not used)

Comments

[landmanr]

Woo! I never even knew how that thing worked, and now I know, plus I can make a really big one myself. I am totally make one.

[BillBiker]

Hi, this is absolutely a fantastic toy! The only thing I am concerned about is the safety! I do apologize if I missed something along the way but the pencil to a certain age child would be considered a choking hazard right? You think if the wood end cap and the pencils were glued over that would eliminate possibility of them pulling it apart and chewing on it? Just some thoughtful ideas, REALLY LOVE this idea though :) .

[Hibatchi cow]

i had to do this for a school science project. I really wish i'de seen this instructable.

[southbaysue]

Holy moly cute kid!

Awesomeness!

[eulaliaaaa!]

I made this once! it was awesome! Great job!

[iectyx3c]

I am voting for this roll-away and come back toy. I also entered a rubber band powered roll away, but this looks cool.

[jbogar]

Thanks Bruce. I admire the elegance and efficiency of your designs. They are really great for making with kids. I will be making some of your Altoid Cars. My kids will love them!

[dragonwarrior3000]

what does it even do? im confused

[jbogar]

If you roll it away from you it rolls back.

[superjumbo]

That looks like it would be a lot of fun!

[pineapplenewton]

i saw this done once with a metal garbage can it was awsome

[jbogar]

A super-sized model, excellent! Some bungee cords and ....

[NachoMahma]

. That's great. . I've seen the plastic lid used for an end cap. Probably not as good as a stiff piece of wood, but you'll probably have it handy and you don't have to worry about cutting it to the right size.

[jbogar]

Yes, the project would be easier (especially for kids) to construct if the plastic cap was used. I'll try it with a smaller diameter can and/or try to reinforce a plastic cap in some way without using all the power tools. Thanks for the suggestion.

[qwerty29]

enter this in the klutz rubber band contest http://www.instructables.com/contest/rubberband/

[qwerty29]

its pretty awesome :)

[jbogar]

Thank you. I'll enter it in the rubber band contest. Thanks for the suggestion.