Since the dawn of creation, humans have continuously striven to utilize their environment to better themselves and to make life more livable. Armed with a passion, and a few other tangible products, in this Info Barrel article, I will teach you exactly how to make a slingshot. While technology has rendered the slingshot obsolete, as far as our reliance on it for survival, that doesn't mean that we can't make one for fun and enjoyment, or, perhaps, even to hunt, if we so like the challenge. Take head, however, to the warnings I have placed at the tail end of this Info Barrel article. While it may seem like fun to pelt your little brother with a stone, as he runs at a distance, your manufactured slingshot should not be used as a weapon, to harm another human, in any way, shape or form.Materials
- A “Y” shaped stick. (or something else “Y” shaped but it has to be sturdy.)
- A thick and stretchy elastic band. (this will be cut so try to get a long one.)
- 2 normal rubber bands.
- A piece of leather. (approx 5cm by 5cm)
- Scissors.
- Get the piece of leather and fold it in half to form a rectangle
- Get the scissors and make 2 slits around the width of the thick rubber band 1cm from the edges. Don’t cut off any leather. Make sure the edges you cut are the shorter side of the rectangle and the cuts go through to the other side.
- Cut the rubber band so you get one long piece. Thread it through the 2 cuts. Make sure you thread behind the leather as well.
- Attach one side of the rubber band at the top of the forks on the “Y” shaped stick with another rubber band. Then do the same with the other side of the band except attach it to the other fork of the stick.
- You have completed your slingshot
Tips
Surgical tubing works better than rubber bands. It is much stronger due to its shape, and can be bought online or even at some hobby or hardware stores.Tightly wrap the handle with tape or twine to provide a surer, more comfortable grip.
You can make slingshots of just about any size. Try varying sizes to find out which work best.
Dried wood works better for slingshots. Make sure it’s dried slowly or it may be prone to cracking.
To protect your eyes, don’t raise the slingshot to eye level. With practice you can be just as accurate (or more) by holding the loaded pocket in a fixed position close to your body (near the hip for example), and moving the body of the slingshot to aim.
Head bands can be used in the place of rubber bands as they don’t break as easily and they’re longer.
