How to Make Tin Can Bongos

You don't have to know anything about music to create your own set of bongos. They are easy to construct out of tin cans and a few other materials.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• 3 tin cans
• Can opener
• 1 nail
• 3 wing nuts
• 3 bolts
• Plastic lids
• Rubber bands

1. Wash 3 tin cans of different sizes. Carefully remove their ends with a can opener. A coffee can, soup can and dog food can are good choices.
2. Use a nail to poke 2 holes in each can so you can line up the holes one on top of the other.
3. Put the bolts through the holes so you can connect the cans and secure them with the wing nuts.
4. Create a drum head for the tin can bongos. Use the plastic lid that came on the can. You also can create your own drum head with a paper sack, heavy plastic, or any material that provides a good drumming surface. Cut the material 1 inch larger than the drum and secure it with a large rubber band.
5. Decorate the tin can bongos with markers, paint, construction paper or other ornamentation.

Tips & Warnings

• Use drumsticks to vary the sounds that your tin can bongo produces. Chopsticks or pencils make good drumsticks.
• Make taller tin can bongos by taping same-size cans together end-to-end with masking tape. This will create a different tone.
• Although most can openers will leave a smooth edge, be careful when handling the cans. Younger children should be supervised.