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.

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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).

AndyPipkin says: Jan 31, 2013. 8:24 AM

If it catapulted the mouse, I would be impressed!

katiebushbarrett says: Dec 13, 2010. 3:48 PM

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 says: Oct 23, 2010. 9:41 AM

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!