Introduction: Building a Cheap $5 Taser

In this Instructable, we will be learning how to build a cheap yet effective taser. Be very careful for this project, and if you are underage get permission and help from your parents. Also do not use this on anyone as a joke, prank, or any malicious (evil) reason, as it can seriously hurt or injure them. This will not last forever, but it will last a reasonable amount of time. I can't predict how long because I don't know how often you will use the taser. For this Instructable, I suggest reading through all the steps before starting though it is up to you.

This is supposed to be used as a way to greater explore and understand the realm of science and electricity (or for self-defense). I also want you to have fun on this project as long as it doesn't harm anybody else in the process.

Again, be careful and have fun!

Step 1: Getting the Materials

These are the materials you will need for your project. You can find this on eBay, or a find a preferable deal for you on another online website:


Step 2: 9V Terminal

If you decide to save some money, use a dead 9v battery to create your 9v terminal.

  1. Basically, you just have to cut off the top of the 9v battery, where the square and circle metal pad is.
  2. Then, solder 2 wires (they should be about 10 cm/4 inches) onto the back of the terminal (smooth side) on the metal you that you will see slightly sticking out.
  3. Make sure to colour code them so you don't get confused on which is which.

Make sure to remember that the usually positive and negative ends on the 9v battery will be switched with the terminal.

Step 3: Start Constructing

Next, get your momentary switch, boost/power converter, and soldering iron. You will notice the momentary switch has 4 "legs." If you look closer, 2 of the legs will be closer to each other than the other legs. Connect the negative boost converter wire (green) to the wire next to the circle on the 9v terminal. Then, connect the other wire of the terminal to a leg on the momentary switch. The opposite leg that is vertical to the already connected should then be soldered to the non-shiny red wire. Then use electric tape to secure the connected wires. Remember as you go to try and keep different coloured wires.

Check out the attached .pdf for a visual image.

Step 4: Final Touches

Congratulations! You are on your last step. We are now just doing the finishing touches, such as cleaning up and making your taser portable.

Now, you want to tuck in all the excess wire that connects your pieces. In the boost converter, there is a perfect place to tuck it in. the momentary switch should just lay in an easy-to-press place on the outside of the boost converter. Don't be too messy and try to limit the amount of wire sticking out. The 9v terminal's circle and square should be slightly sticking out of the boost converter. It should be on the opposite side of the high voltage wires (red and shiny ones). You will notice that the 9v battery can easily piece together with the terminal. By doing that, you are giving energy to the taser.

Finally, you can glue the wires and switch on top of the boost converter. If you want to improve this, I suggest using electrical tape.

Now you are done!! Press the momentary switch and you will see that the high voltage wires (shiny ones) will form an electrical shock/current. It hurts so be sure to not put your fingers or body parts near it.

You can also make the high voltage wires shorter or a little more stable than just 2 wires stick out of the taser.

Good job! You have created your first taser! You might be a little tired of hearing it, but be sure not to accidentally (or purposefully) shock anyone with it.

Hope you enjoyed!

Step 5: How It Works

This is not really a step, but an explanation on why I created this taser the way I did. If you are experienced in this category, you probably already understand it. If you are just starting out, you should probably understand what's happening.

  1. The reason the momentary switch is connected to the positive wire (red) is because when you press it, it allows the energy (positive electrons) from the terminal and9v battery to flow into the positive charge. That would create electricity for the taser shock.
  2. The momentary switch is also connected to the 9v terminal and battery as a type of barrier, so the battery's positive electrons would not constantly flow into the positively-charged wire.
  3. The 9v terminal is connected to the negatively-charged wire (green) so the negative electrons will meet the negative wire.

Good job!