How to Make a Prop Grappling Hook Out of Cardboard

No ninja is complete without a trusty grappling hook.

Grappling hooks are an integral tool for ninjas, spies and Batman, who use them to climb unreachable heights with ease. You can make your own grappling hook out of cardboard that you can swing and throw just like the real thing. It won't actually hold your weight, but if you need a prop for a movie or costume it will work well. Experiment with embellishing the design with your own twists for a unique creation.

Things You'll Need

• Paper
• Pencil
• Scissors
• Cardboard
• Razor blade
• Glue
• Brush
• Hot glue
• Rope
• Primer
• Spray paint

Instructions

1. Draw a grappling hook shape on a piece of paper. It should be shaped like an arrow that is 10 inches long and 6 inches wide at the points.

2. Cut the shape out with a pair of scissors.

3. Trace the shape onto four sheets of cardboard with a pencil and then cut out the four copies with a razor blade.

4. Brush the surfaces of one piece with school glue and then place another piece on top of it to form a double-thickness. Do the same with the other two pieces and let the glue dry.

5. Cut a slit in each double piece. Start at the top of one and go halfway down the center and then start at the bottom and go halfway up the center.

6. Slide the two double pieces together along the slits to create a three-dimensional grappling hook. Glue the pieces together.

7. Attach the end of a black piece of rope to the base of the grappling hook with hot glue.

8. Paint the hook with two coats of primer and then two coats of black spray paint. Allow each coat to dry completely.

References

• "Make It Yourself: Paper & Cardboard Projects for Kids"; Green Tiger Press; 2007