Shooting a Rubber Band In A Curved Path

Get some real distance when shooting a rubber band. Improved technique means that the rubber band spins like a flat disk when flying (achieving lift?), rather than tumbling aimlessly (at best achieving ballistic flight) as per other methods. I generally achieve 50% increased distance. As an added bonus, the rubber band follows a curved trajectory (like a curveball) -- you can hit targets around corners.

The following instructions assume you'll be firing right-handed. Feel free to swap left for right and vice-versa if you'd prefer to shoot left-handed.

The picture below *isn't* the technique. It's just a step along the way.

The movie shows the whole process. You might learn everything just from watching it, but I hope you'll read the instructions anyway.

Legalese: This instructable is for educational purposes only. Use of the techniques taught in this instructable is at the sole risk of the user, and provider is in now way responsible for its use.

Step 1 Materials

You need a rubber band and your hands.

I prefer a rubber band about 1/8 inch wide and 3-1/2 inches long. I prefer the tan colored ones due to size, stretch and a slight camouflage advantage in office environments.

OK, the illustrations use a red rubber band, but it's what I had. Camouflage isn't everything.

Consider buying a big bag of them. More about that later.

Nothing else. No clumsy guns, nothing made out of rulers and paper clips. After you shoot, your hands are empty -- you're clean.

Comments

[randofo]

Hey, this is a great instructable and is very informative. Just one thing is missing... pictures! It really helps a lot when trying to follow directions so you should consider taking some photographs. Once you do that and leave me a message when you have so that we can publish your work. Thanks! Thanks for the cool instructable and we hope to publish this soon!

[GEEK1]

This is awesome!!!!!

[Fizzxwizz]

Ouch! I've shot myself in the face a couple times using this method! I need to be more careful.

[alames]

Sorry to hear that. Can you describe how the "shot in the face" incidents occurred? Maybe I can add a couple of comments about safety.

[Fizzxwizz]

I lowered my index finger instead of my thumb, so it went backwards.

[dunnos]

thats kind off dumb.. dont you think? lol

[Hold_out]

Well done, a nicely written instructable. A very good technique. Goes from one end of my house to the other.

[alames]

Thanks. Glad to hear it's working for you.

[Thelonelysandwitch]

isn't this the way to put rubber bands through paper

[alames]

I'm not sure exactly what you're referring to, but this is a way to get some serious distance and precision with a rubber band.

[Thelonelysandwitch]

I meant shooting the band through the paper.

[alames]

Seems to work, although it's not my first thought of how to use this.