Pocket Sized Minty Catapult

This is my entry for the pocket size contest. This neat little catapult will launch mints or other fun projectiles in a medieval and discrete manner. It only takes about 10 minutes to build, and is really fun. Enjoy.

Step 1: Materials and Tools

All the materials and tools you need for this project can be found around your home.

Materials:

Tin (I used an Altoids Gum tin because it was small and compact)
Coat hanger
Rubber bands
Electrical tape (any tape will do)
Small piece of cardboard
Measuring spoon (or something similar)
Paint (optional)

Tools

Wire cutters
Hot Glue
Scissors
Pliers

Step 2: Freshen your breath...

Get you tin ready, whether that means eating the mints/gum, or giving it a good cleaning as you will be adding glue soon.

Step 3: Making the tension arm....

Cut a piece of wire hanger to your desired length. This will vary depending on the size of the tin.

You are going to bend the wire to fit as flush as possible in the tin, and have two notches on each side to hold the rubber band in place (see picture)

I used a pair of pliers and a small vice to get this step done. You may need to try a couple of times to get it just right.

Step 4: Cutting Spoons?

Take your measuring spoon and cut the handle to the desired length. I found plastic spoons to be the best option as they are quite light. You'll want the spoon to be approximately 80% the length of the tin to allow for movement.

Step 5: Holding the arm in place...

In this step we are going to make an insert that will fit over the spoon and in between the rubber band. This will allow for adjustments to the length of the catapult as well as aid in winding the rubber band.

To do this, cut a small piece of cardboard and wrap it around the base of the spoon. While still on the spoon, wrap a couple turns of tape for added strength.

IMPORTANT: Do not tape the cardboard to the spoon; you want to be able to remove the spoon. You want it to be snug but allow for movement.

Step 6: Getting ready to fire...

Remove the cardboard spoon holder from the spoon. Place a rubber band across the tin on the two notches made with the coat hanger.

Insert the holder between the rubber band and start turning. Make sure you turn in the right direction or the catapult wont fire.

Step 7: Bombs away....

Insert the spoon into the holder and voila, you are finished. Load up the catapult and fire away.

It may take several tries to get your desired settings. Your shots will depend on three things. 1) the size and weight of your ammo 2) the tension in the rubber band and 3) the length of the catapult's arm.

I got some pretty good distance after playing with it for a while, and it is good fun.

I also made some small targets that fit inside the lid for when I can't find anyone to shoot mints at.

Have fun, and please make or suggest improvements and post your pics. Be careful not to hurt anyone or give them fresh breath.

emilolip says: Mar 10, 2013. 1:14 PM

I know it said to turn it the "right" way but which way does that mean?
other than that my catapult seems cool, but it just doesn't work... :(

emilolip says: Mar 10, 2013. 1:14 PM

I know it said to turn it the "right" way but which way does that mean?
other than that my catapult seems cool, but it just doesn't work... :(

madmea23 says: Dec 11, 2011. 10:34 AM

When I made this catapult, it didn't fire very far, I'm not sure if I did something wrong or if it just doesn't fire very far...

kidkid108 in reply to madmea23Mar 3, 2012. 12:17 PM

try winding the spoon part up.

yapoyo in reply to kidkid108Sep 28, 2012. 6:50 PM

Oh, it's you again! hello.

kidkid108 in reply to yapoyoOct 16, 2012. 9:21 PM

hello!

aronmills says: Sep 27, 2012. 6:26 AM

awesome and minty

miky19522 says: Mar 19, 2010. 6:30 PM

im having a very hard time getting the rubber bands on

agent-0008 in reply to miky19522Jul 10, 2012. 4:54 PM

how are you putting them on? all at once or 1 at a time? if all at once, dont. if 1 at a time, try using tweezers.

yousuffarooq says: Jun 7, 2011. 11:04 AM

wait it looks like you live in the uk because of the plug in the glue gun so were did you buy altoids

Mutantflame in reply to yousuffarooqJul 3, 2011. 12:36 PM

I live in the UK and I found them in a pharmacy by chance... So have a look around and you'll run into them soon enough. Hopefully.

I am in the shed! in reply to MutantflameMar 5, 2012. 4:22 AM

Poundland sell them - if you have one near you.

DIYproductions says: Feb 6, 2012. 2:06 AM

Umm...can you use a blinder clip instead?

bfk says: Nov 26, 2011. 6:37 PM

Congratulations on your contest win. This thing is totally cool, and I'm off to get a tin of Altoids:)

Mauigerbil says: Jul 26, 2011. 5:03 PM

Wow. Me gusta. I would use this to launch them in mah mouth. lol

rzheang says: May 12, 2011. 1:19 PM

couldnt find any altoids.
nice post

muberblob in reply to rzheangMay 31, 2011. 5:53 PM

you can get the mints at a guardian drug mart

scooter76 (author) in reply to rzheangMay 18, 2011. 8:44 AM

Tons online for sale, but I tend to put the word out and friends keep hold of them and pass them on to me..... All the best.

snipir says: May 31, 2011. 2:41 PM

This is absolutely adorable!

oanderson says: Jan 4, 2011. 12:45 PM

Love this, even better when you use a stationary tin, and just for those of you like me who don't have a hot glue gun, you can just use thick duct tape along the bottom, I put a roll of cardboard covered in duct tape along the bottom, that worked great as a break.

scooter76 (author) in reply to oandersonMay 18, 2011. 8:48 AM

post some pics, would love to see others take on the project. Thanks for the positive comment. All the best.

oanderson in reply to scooter76May 18, 2011. 12:42 PM

here are my two catapults, as soon as I saw the comment, I took the photo :)

scooter76 (author) in reply to oandersonMay 19, 2011. 1:28 AM

NICE!!!

oanderson in reply to scooter76May 19, 2011. 7:50 AM

Thanks, with inspiration from this, I build a larger one from scratch out of meccano really powerful, I took it into school and it flings a mint imperial across the classroom, really powerful. I'll get some photos if you like.

A flyin muffin says: Feb 25, 2011. 3:31 PM

Can you use the foaming gorilla glue if you don't have hot glue?

scooter76 (author) in reply to A flyin muffinMay 18, 2011. 8:46 AM

Should work fine. give it a go.

terminator300 says: Aug 17, 2009. 8:37 PM

taking it in school might be fun

jwoo2023 in reply to terminator300May 12, 2011. 2:04 AM

hit the teacher or principal!

unrealtron says: Jun 16, 2010. 11:08 AM

Were I live there are no altoids.... But nice post!!

jwoo2023 in reply to unrealtronMay 12, 2011. 2:03 AM

me neither but i used an eclipse tin the long one with a lid on the small side and put a long spring stuck it to a card board rectangle then loaded it in and gave it to my friend.... he opens it.... BAM! The cardboard piece and spring whack him in the face!