How to Make Toy Wooden Pliers
To a chiid, a toolbox is a magical chest. Encourage your child’s sense of imagination and dexterity by making her toy wooden pliers that she can use in pretend repairs. The pliers will simulate the way a pliers works. Adult supervision is suggested as a safety precaution, since the pliers will function in a manner that could pinch fingers if mishandled.
Things You'll Need
- 2 wooden dowels, 8 inches long, 1-inch diameter
- Tape measure
- Pencil
- Power drill, 1/8-inch wooden drill bit
- Metal bolt, 1/8-inch diameter
- Bolt, 1/8-inch diameter
- Foam rubber sheet, 5 inches by 7 inches by 1 inch
- Straightedge
- Utility knife
- White glue
Instructions
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1
Place one of the two wooden dowels horizontally on a table. Measure across the length of the dowel with a tape measure. Make a dot at the halfway mark with a pencil. Repeat this procedure with the other wooden dowel.
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2
Drill a hole through the dots on each dowel with a power drill. Place one dowel over the other so that the two holes line up. Run a metal bolt through the holes. Screw a nut clockwise on the end of the bolt. Tighten the nut with a pair of plier until resistance is felt.
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3
Place a sheet of foam rubber on the table. Draw a 1-inch-by-1-inch square on the rubber with a ruler and pencil. Cut out the square of rubber with a straightedge and utility knife. Repeat this procedure to make a second square of rubber. Dispose of the excess rubber.
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4
Separate the two ends of the now attached dowels on the right side. Apply white glue to the side of the separated dowel facing the other dowel.
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5
Place one side of one of the cut pieces of rubber against the dowel. Press the rubber against the dowel so that the glue can take hold. Release the rubber after two minutes have passed. Repeat this procedure with the side of the dowel that is facing the glued rubber piece.
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Tips & Warnings
You can use a C-clamp to hold the dowels when drilling into them.
Keep the child away when you are using the power drill.
