Introduction: Multiple Water Balloon Filler - Refilling Tool

By
About: I'm a designer - I started off working with commercial Architecture/Interior design and transitioned through to Graphic, Product, and Industrial Design. I love making things, especially trying new techniques.

Link to video

Whoever invented the multiple water balloon filler is a genius. I think they're awesome. The only problem is that once they're used, they're done.

Luckily you can buy refills (from AliExpress, for instance). The refills come with a tiny rubber O-ring and water balloons. They do NOT, however, come with a tool to help you refill them quickly.

I decided to make one to help the summer fun continue!

Step 1: Materials Needed

  • A used water balloon filler
  • A thin drinking straw (larger ones won't work as well)
  • A small amount of Polymorph - a thermoplastic that can be formed using hot water
  • Superglue
  • Water balloons
  • Small O-rings

Note 1: The thinner drinking straws work best because the O-rings can break if stretched too far. That's the reason I simply didn't use a BIC pen tube, for instance.

Note 2: You can buy Polymorph online or at your crafts store. It's REALLY handy and I've found lots of uses for it.

Step 2: Cut, Melt, and Form

  1. Cut the straw to a little longer than the water balloon when placed on the filler.
  2. Boil some water and heat the plastic. That small glob made about 6 tools.
  3. When the plastic is ready (it becomes transparent, roll them into thin points on both ends. These rolls should be a little thicker than the straw, but not by too much.

Note 1: I would make a few of these. You can have someone roll on the O-rings on one while you use another to refill the filler

Step 3: Cut to Length, and Then Superglue

Once you have let them cool completely, insert it into the straw. Cut off any excess so that the straw and plastic overlap about 1 cm (or 1/2").

Dab a small drop of superglue on the side of the plastic tip and insert it back into the straw. Twist it around to distribute the glue and leave to dry.

Step 4: How to Use

Watch the video again or follow these steps:

  1. Place a few of the O-rings onto the straw. Space them apart so that they do not touch - otherwise, rolling them down will be difficult.
  2. Place your balloon onto the end of one of the filling tubes.
  3. Place the tool will the O-rings on top of it.
  4. Pinch and hold the filling tube, balloon, and tool. This helps you roll the ring down easier.
  5. Slide off the tool and move on to the next balloon.

You can easily refill a few of these in minutes. As mentioned, having another couple of people to help makes it go a lot faster. One to put the O-rings on the tool, one to slip the balloons onto the filler tubes, and one person to place the O-rings to lock it.

Have a great time this summer playing with water balloons! They are one of the best childhood memories (and adulthood if you have fun friends).