Krazy Kan: A classic rollback toy

 by jbogar
Contest WinnerFeatured
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).
MVI_3554.AVI(640x480) 6 MB
 
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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)
landmanr says: Dec 18, 2012. 4:20 PM
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 says: Sep 21, 2012. 5:02 AM
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 says: Jan 18, 2011. 5:38 PM
i had to do this for a school science project. I really wish i'de seen this instructable.
southbaysue says: Nov 22, 2010. 2:10 AM
Holy moly cute kid!

Awesomeness!
eulaliaaaa! says: Oct 13, 2010. 4:11 PM
I made this once! it was awesome! Great job!
iectyx3c says: Apr 25, 2009. 6:57 PM
I am voting for this roll-away and come back toy. I also entered a rubber band powered roll away, but this looks cool.
PICT0001.JPG
jbogar (author) in reply to iectyx3cApr 28, 2009. 5:52 PM
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 says: Apr 16, 2009. 9:56 AM
what does it even do? im confused
jbogar (author) in reply to dragonwarrior3000Apr 27, 2009. 7:48 AM
If you roll it away from you it rolls back.
superjumbo says: Apr 13, 2009. 8:14 PM
That looks like it would be a lot of fun!
pineapplenewton says: Apr 8, 2009. 7:43 PM
i saw this done once with a metal garbage can it was awsome
jbogar (author) in reply to pineapplenewtonApr 9, 2009. 11:42 AM
A super-sized model, excellent! Some bungee cords and ....
NachoMahma says: Mar 23, 2009. 11:17 PM
. 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 (author) in reply to NachoMahmaApr 2, 2009. 11:22 AM
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 says: Mar 23, 2009. 3:36 AM
enter this in the klutz rubber band contest http://www.instructables.com/contest/rubberband/
qwerty29 in reply to qwerty29Mar 23, 2009. 3:37 AM
its pretty awesome :)
jbogar (author) in reply to qwerty29Mar 23, 2009. 5:14 AM
Thank you. I'll enter it in the rubber band contest. Thanks for the suggestion.
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