How to Make Rainsticks With PVC
Rain sticks are popular musical instrument projects in classrooms, where the teachers often supply the students with cardboard paper towel tubes to make them. However, if you'd like a more long-lasting, professional-quality instrument, using durable ABS or PVC pipe would be a better option. If you put in the time and effort required for making a quality rain stick, the instrument can last you for years.
Things You'll Need
- ABS or PVC Pipe, 3 to 6 feet long and 2 to 2 ¾” in diameter
- Electric drill with bit
- Bamboo skewers
- Needle nose pliers
- Hammer
- Sandpaper
- Filling material such as rice, popcorn seeds or dry beans
- Superglue
- Rubber end caps
- Water-based polyurethane
- Paint brush
- Tissue paper in desired colors
Instructions
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1
Take the ABS or PVC tube and drill holes in a spiral pattern along the tube. Make the holes about ¼ inch apart.
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2
Cut the skewers into pegs using the needle nose pliers. The pegs should be long enough to fit through the holes and across the inside of the tube without touching the opposite side of the tube. These pegs will allow the filling material to make more sound. Hammer the pegs into the holes.
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3
Cut and sand down the outside of the pegs so that they're flush with the tube surface.
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4
Experiment with the different types of filling material and different amounts to see which one you like best. This might be a bit time consuming, but take your time so that you get a sound you like.
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5
Place some superglue around the inside of each end of the tube and glue the end caps in place. You can typically find rubber end caps at a hardware store.
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6
Take small bits of tissue paper and lacquer them onto the tube with the polyurethane for decoration. Use as many coats of tissue paper as desired.
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Tips & Warnings
ABS pipe is similar to PVC, except it's black, lighter in weight and produces better sound. Plumbers and hardware stores often have scrap pieces of ABS or PVC, so call local businesses to see if you can acquire any.
