How to Make Walkie Talkies Out of Slim Jim Cans

Can walkie-talkies are a fun way to learn science.

A popular and fun way to explain some of the principles of science related to vibration and sound is by making a tin can walkie-talkie. You can use two Slim Jim cans to fashion an unusually long set of can phones and put a modern twist on a traditional experiment. Talking across the room or across the playground, you will be amazed at how well your creation works.

Things You'll Need

• Slim Jim cans
• Nail
• Hammer
• String
• Paper clip

Instructions

1. Empty the Slim Jim cans and clean them with water. Allow the cans to dry.

2. Place one of the cans, open side down, on the ground or work table. Place the tip of a nail in the center of the bottom surface of the can.

3. Tap the nail lightly with the hammer. Tap hard enough to make the tip of the nail barely pierce the bottom of the can. Repeat the process for the second can to make a matching hole in the bottom of two Slim Jim cans.

4. Place the end of a piece of string onto the hole you made on the bottom of the can. Press the string with the an opened paper clip to force it through the hole. Force the opposite end of the string into the hole on the bottom of the other can.

5. Pull the string from the inside of each can and tie a knot at either end to stop the string from being pulled back through the holes in the cans.

6. Pull the cans so that the string is taut. Speak through the Slim Jim can while a friend listens to the other can.

References

• Indiana Public Media; A Moment of Science -- Tin Can Phone; Don Glass; December 2005
• Dallas Symphony Orchestra Kids: Tin Can Telephone