How to Make a Mousetrap Car

A moustrap makes the base for a car.

Are you bored or are trying to think of something to do with your kids? Well, then how about building a mouse trap car?

Things You'll Need

• Board
• Mouse trap
• Screws, nails, u-braces
• Dowel
• Hot glue
• Wheels (use records or CDs)
• Drill
• String
• Wire from a hangar
• Hammer
• Screwdriver

Instructions

1. Gather all of the supplies needed.

2. Take your board (any length and size, but the thinner and lighter the better) and screw a mouse trap onto the top of it toward one end. The mousetrap, when set off, should be situated so that it will snap toward the shortest end. This is the front of the car.

3. Cut a 3-inch-by-3-inch hole on the back of the board (the side opposite the one with the mouse trap on it).

4. Screw down two u-braces on opposing sides on the bottom of the board and underneath the hole you cut. Do the same on the other end of the board.

5. Cut your dowel into two equal lengths, so that it extends an inch or so beyond the side of the board on each side. Slide that dowel into the u-braces.

6. Glue your wheels (preferably CDs or records) onto the dowels. Make sure they are straight. (feel free to use varying sizes of wheels; ie 33's for the back and 45's for the front).

7. Drill a hole into the center of the dowel directly under the 3-inch hole in your board and tie a piece of string through it.

8. Unfold a wire hangar and cut it to size, so that when placed on the mouse trap it extends a few inches past the end of the board. Straighten it out and secure it to the mouse trap with hot glue or wire bindings.

9. Take the loose end of the string and tie it to the end of the wire.

10. With the help of another person, as you set the mouse trap, slowly wind the other end of the string around the dowel.

11. Line it up and let it go. The mouse trap will go off, slowly unwinding the string, which will turn the dowel and the wheels and propel your car forward.