How to Make a Small But Powerful Sling

The sling is an ancient weapon. It is certain that slings were known to Neolithic peoples around the Mediterranean, but it seems likely that the sling is much older. It is quite possible that the sling was invented during the Upper Paleolithic at a time when new technologies, such as the atlatl and the bow and arrow, were emerging. With the exception of Australia, where spear throwing technology such as the woomera predominated, the sling became common all over the world, although it is not clear whether this occurred because of cultural diffusion or independent invention


I will be showing you how to make a simple, small sling. this sling can fire golf balls well over 200 feet with the right technique.

Step 1: Materials

For this project, you will need:

-at least 178 inches of cord of some type with a thickness similar to twine.

-a ruler

-scissors

-a marker

Step 2: Cut Cord

Cut your cord into three 50 inch long pieces. Cut the excess cord into two equal sized pieces for later. Use marker and ruler to note where to cut.

Step 3: Prepare for Braiding

Take the three 50 inch pieces and hold the ends together. fold the cord in half, piching and holding the middle of the cords. (No Picture)

Move your finger exactly 2 inches down from where you kept the midpoint. (First picture)

Tie one of your extra pieces of cord around the three long pieces at the new holding point. (Second Picture)

We will be working with the longer side first.

Step 4: Braid Finger Hole

Braid approximately 4 inches of the longer side, to make the finger hole. (Use first picture to learn how to braid the cord.)

Second picture shows braiding done.

Then, fold the braided part down on itself, retying the extra cord around both sides of the finger hole (third picture)

Step 5: Begin Braiding Retention Line

Divide the strings into 3 pairs of strings that are on the same side (left, middle, and right) [first picture]. Braid the pairs as if they were one cord. Do this until you have 5 inches of braid. (Second picture)

Remove the tie cord and tie it at the bottom of the braid.

Step 6: Braid the Pouch

To braid the pouch, you will take and divide the 6 cords into 2 sets of 3. Take the first set of 3 and braid it 3 inches. Take your other piece of cord and tie it around the end of that braid.

Repeat the same with the other side of the pouch, tying the two sides together at the ends.

Step 7: Braid the Release Line

Braid the release line, just like you braided the retention line in step 5, stopping once you reach 5 inches. Tie the excess cord into a single knot, to hold on to while firing the sling.

Step 8: Fire Away!

Comments

[aristide202]

I have done two slings like that braiding three 20 meters long, ttwo millimiters diameter alpinistic use sinthetic cords. Few meters were in excess. Excess depends on the length of two lines. I made two lines 25-30 inches long from retention ring to the pouch. The end of release line was a diamond knot. I added a leather pouch. Leather was from an old boot. .
A sling made from a normal rubber band is not the kind of thing David or shepards used against lions or he used against Goliath . This braided sling is intended for throwing egg size stones. Try a lot of blank shots before throwing anything and learn how to use the sling safely for your ears and head. Then throw tennis balls. Clay balls could be a good option. When you throw real stones use smooth round stones and go in an open field , no people , cars or any valuable good within the range of 100-150 feet.
A fantastic sling was found in pharao Tutankamon tomb and making a copy of that one can be a stimulating project..

[Monoclecat]

Good idea! It's better than taking a normal rubber band!

[zazenergy]

Great idea, thanks!

[lunius]

Of course ^_^ With not much experience with slinging, and not much power behind it, I threw a rock roughly 60 feet earlier today with the very sling made here.