How to Build a Catapult

Catapult, also known as a slingshot, is an aim-and-shoot device. It is less powerful than a pistol, but it can seriously injure someone or kill small animals and birds. It is a great weapon to keep an enemy at bay. A variety of things lying in your house can be used to make a catapult. Here's how you can do it.

Things You'll Need

• Rubber bands
• Soft leather
• Wood

Instructions

1. Remove bark from a "Y"-shaped piece of wood.

2. Sand off bumps or sharp edges from the wood so it becomes smooth.

3. Dry the wood. Cut two big rubber bands to have two lengths of strong elastic material. Each of these lengths forms side-band of the catapult.

4. Use smaller rubber bands to secure one end of the cut rubber band to an arm of the Y-shaped wood. Use multiple rubber bands to secure it properly. Do the same for other side of the catapult.

5. Make a sling or a pocket in which to hold the projectile. Cut the piece of soft leather. The sling should taper down the ends and be widest in the middle.

6. Take smaller rubber bands to connect one end of the sling with loose end of one of the catapult bands. Use multiple rubber bands, if required.

7. Attach the other end of the sling to the second end of the catapult. Use smaller rubber bands to do so.

8. Test your catapult. Hold the handle of the catapult in front of you, load a pebble or a small object in the sling. Pull the sling back as far as possible, aim and release it to see the projectile being hurled away.

Tips & Warnings

• Surgical tubing, or any other sufficiently elastic durable material, can be used in place of rubber bands.

• A rectangular piece of strong, thick fabric can be used to make the sling.

• The catapult's handle can be wrapped with duct tape or fabric to get a good slip-free grip.

• Avoid hurting your eyes by keeping the catapult away from eye level.