How to Make a Tripwire

A tripwire is an interesting gadget that has been used in the very early forms of combat. It allowed soldiers to rig up anything from an alarm to an explosive device in order to detect or destroy the enemy. A tripwire is fairly basic and this article will show you a harmless and simple way to create a tripwire alarm that could be used to alert you to pesky co-workers or sneaking family members.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Clothespin
• Aluminum Tape
• Red Electrical Wire
• Black Electrical Wire
• Wire Cutter
• Wire Stripper
• Batter Powered Noisemaker
• 9V Battery
• 9V Battery Holder
• Fishing Line
• Sheet of Paper
• Anchor

1. Wrap the aluminum tap around both tips of clothespin, leaving a tab.

2. Cut a piece of black electrical wire and strip both ends.

3. Tape one end of black electrical wire to clothespin.

4. Locate the negative wire from the noisemaker (marked with the minus sign) and connect it to the other tip of the clothespin.

5. Locate the positive wire from the noisemaker (marked with a plus sign) and attach it to the battery holder.

6. Connect the negative wire from the noisemaker and attach it to the battery holder.

7. Fold your paper in half lengthwise, then start folding it into triangles, stopping halfway.

8. String the fishing line across the strongest crease.

9. Tie off the fishing line.

10. Finish folding the paper into a triangle.

11. Put the folded paper inside the clothespin.

12. Tape the wires, clothespin and noisemaker in a inconspicuous place in the path you wish to tripwire.

13. Secure the other end of fishing line to an anchor across the path of travel.

Tips & Warnings

• If your noisemaker does not come with its own wires, cut pieces of your own wire to attach to it.
• Attaching the red and black wires to the battery holder creates a completed circuit. Test it by attaching the battery, then promptly remove the battery.
• Using an eye hook makes a great anchor.
• Keep the device about 1 inch from the floor.
• This is a rudimentary tripwire that can be used for malicious intent, so please take heed to all laws.