Pocket Crossbow

This is my first Instructable so please leave constructive criticism and stuff like that so I can improve on future Instructables.

This will be entered into the pocket sized contest so please vote for this instructable if you like it.

In this Instructable I will show you how to make a small but effective crossbow that shoots harmless projectiles (or harmful, if you happen to be in a bad mood) approximately 15 feet. It is fairly easy to make and can be custimized to a persons likeing.

Step 1: Supplies

Here are some things you will problably need:
- sandpaper
- rubberband
- 4-5 popsicle sticks
-1 tack
- paper clip
- glue
-1 paper clip
- pliers
if you would like to make the projectiles i did you will also need:
- straws
- play-dogh

Comments

[greymatter21]

im soooooo makin 1 o' these (when i get tha materials).also,i would like to see a c/bow that acually uses torsion to propell tha bolts. but nice job!


=D

[Slurpee801]

I believe torsion is a twisting force? I have a torsion crossbow, but it's more like a ballista. Unless you meant tension, which I have posted here: http://www.instructables.com/id/Tension-pocket-crossbow-No-rubber-bands-or-cloth/
It's not a guide, but it gives you a pretty good idea on the triggering mechanism. It'd be easy to recreate just by looking at the pictures. I'll have a guide up soon.

[rhelton]

They said to cut off an inch at each end so probably.

[nachozombie]

the bullets don't fly straight...they kind of flip while in the air...

[the master...]

I Know this is your first Instructable but its not that good the item I'm shooting allays falls of and the power and range are bad pleas improve

[nachozombie]

allays=always?

[loplop352]

use a tighter rubber-band and use a small iron rod or large needle (filed down of course) instead of a paper clip

[greymatter21]

*please* imrove your spelling...>.>

[mashedpotato13]

Improve all spelling... Tsk Tsk teens...

[greymatter21]

whatever...

[nachozombie]

this is one of those rare ibles that i can actually do!

[knexsniper123]

all four ends of just 2 on step 3 that u cut off?

[yoyi22]

It dosen't works....

[Chowman]

A good alternative to play-doh is duct tape and a small piece of tissue paper, wadded up. What you do is put the wad of tissue on the duct tape and then tape it on the end where the play-doh goes. I haven't tested this out yet, but it might work if you don't have play-doh. :D

[Boppo3]

why not use stiffer wire for your front bending part of your crossbow/ it would definitely last a lot longer

[jake walker]

 very good job, but in the future make a trigger you pull back too shoot and not one you let go of. but like i said very good job

[origamic12]

Thanks for the vote! For those people who are not satisfied "Cough cough THE MASTER", you can improve the range by shorting the length of the rubber band. if your projectile keeps falling off, then maybe the top of your Popsicle sticks are not leveled. if you wish, you may add a handle in the front for easier loading and shooting. i did that w/ mine.

[mashedpotato13]

YOu can use bamboo skewers lopped in half and use the sharp bit.

[ilikepie=)]

gee i'd love to make it but you found my weak spot...popsicle sticks

[mashedpotato13]

Actually you can find "popsicle sticks" at dollar stores; they are just called "craft sticks".

[greymatter21]

lol

[Theagentslayer]

WIN! I am totally jacking Popsicle sticks to make my own!

[greymatter21]

lol u used that same reply on a different c/bow 'ible...

[Robot Lover]

its funny cause on everyone else first they say not to be harsh in the comment yet you want them to point out the problems. Great ible 5*

[chrispaintball]

made this, and it works FANTASTICALLY!!! lol i added more paperclips to the bow for more power and im trying to mod it so it has a real trigger. very good crossbow for its size and simplicity. 5 stars!!!

[Tobz1122]

Screw the quality! i'm definatly trying this! This gets my vote when voting opens! well done!