How to Make a Tin Can Phone

Some people think that Alexander Graham Bell himself experimented with a tin can phone. This old-fashioned device is easy to make and use. It's also a remarkably rewarding project, because it works so well. Sound causes each tin can to vibrate, and this vibration runs along the string connecting the two tin cans. You will be surprised at how much fun a tin can phone can be.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 2 clean tin cans
• Hammer
• 1 medium-sized nail
• 1 20-foot piece of string

1. Remove one end completely from each of two tin cans, and leave one end intact. The end that has been removed will be the phone's "receiver," and the intact end will hold the phone's "wire."

2. Turn one can upside-down, so that its intact end is facing up.

3. Drive a nail through the center of the intact end using a hammer. The nail should make a neat hole in the end of the can. Repeat with the other can.

4. Thread one end of the string through one of the nail holes. Make a knot in the string on the inside of the can, so that the string remains attached to the can. Repeat with the other can and the other end of string. The tin cans should now be tied to either end of the string.

5. Hold one tin can, and give the other tin can to someone else. Walk away from each other until the string between the cans is taut.

6. Speak into the open end of one tin can while your partner listens to the open end of her tin can. Switch roles, and listen to the open end of your tin can while your partner speaks into the open end of his.

Tips & Warnings

• Cover the open ends of each tin can with duct tape if the edges are sharp.
• Try using materials other than tin for the phone "receivers." Some scientists think that paper cup phones produce a better sound than tin can phones.
• Make a tin can phone with 3 receivers. Tie a second string to the middle of the first string, and attach a can to this new string. A third person should be able to join your original conversation.

Resources

• See a photograph of a tin can phone on www.tailoredtime.com.