Introduction: Kite String Winder

About: I am a retired chemistry and physics teacher of 35 yrs. I also retired from teaching paramedic school at University Hospitals after 10 yrs. I umpire high school softball and I like to build and fly kites.

Here's what you will need:

1.An empty plastic sugar or coffee container

2.A light duty pull handle [cost around $2.50]

3.A 4 1/2" x 2 1/2" piece of scrap wood

Step 1: Install the Handle Using the Scrap Wood As a Backing

  1. Place the 2 1/2" x 4 1/2" block of wood in the bottom of the plastic container.
  2. Using a cordless drill/driver, screw the handle on to the outside of the bottom of the plastic container by running the screws through the plastic and into the block of wood.

Step 2: Tie the Kite String

  1. Tie the kite string on to the container.
  2. This is done so when the kite is fully deployed the kite doesn't escape into another county.

Step 3: Deployment of String

  1. When you want to deploy the kite and let out more string, simply point the end of the string winder at the kite.
  2. The string will come off the end of the plastic container.
  3. Turning the kite string winder back at 90 degrees will cause the string to cease coming off the end.
  4. You can wind in the string by rotating the handle and holding the open end of the winder with your other hand or you can just wind the string around the winder.

Step 4: Kite String Winder Finished Project

Ready to go have fun.

  1. A little math here because I can't help myself.
  2. The diameter of the plastic container is 6 1/4". Since the circumference of a cylinder is pi x the diameter, every time you wind string around the winder you get 19.6" of string back to earth.