Mousetrap Catapult

This is an Instructable on how to build a catapult powered by a mousetrap.  It can shoot a variety of things but I specialized mine to shoot practice golf balls.  I used a weaker mousetrap, and it shot about 15-20 feet.

Step 1 Materials

For this project, you'll need:
-mousetrap
-wire clothes hanger
-an electric (preferably cordless) drill
-screws
-a nail
-the proper drill bit for your screws
-duct tape
-a small block of wood (I used a 10.5x3.5 inch block.) This is mainly to mount the catapult on, and anchor it down.
-needle nose pliers (with a wire cutter).

Comments

[katiebushbarrett]

I removed the entire hammer and substituted a 20" wire hanger. The hanger has a 90 deg. bend that is slid into the spring. This removed some instability with the duct tape attaching wire to the unbent hammer. I'm working on a rubber band restraint of the lever so the ball launches at an upward angle. Pictures on the way.

[tnmomof7]

This a is terrific concept. My physics students would enjoy this as much as, if not more than, a mouse trap vehicle. It may be that if you restrain the lever arm at 90 degrees, maybe less, you will get more distance from the projectile. This would give you a definite launch angle and prevent the projectile from being in contact on any downward swing of the lever arm. Thank you so much for your idea!

[Ninzerbean]

 Can you take a little movie? Please?

[KnexFreek]

SWEET! looks awesome!!

[jpguitardude]

Haha thanks. 

[lemonie]

You've only got 1 photograph of this - could you add another, maybe with the loaded-projectile?

L

[jpguitardude]

Just added it!