How to Make a Lightsaber Hilt

The lightsaber is the most iconic weapon of the Star Wars Universe. The lightsaber is a sword made of focused light and wielded by the powerful and mysterious Jedi knights. Creating your own lightsaber hilt is a create idea for a Star Wars costume. Perhaps you are going as a Jedi for Halloween or attending a comic book or Star Wars convention. A lightsaber hilt can be easily constructed from a few basic items that you can find at your local hardware and automotive stores.

Things You'll Need

• Automotive electrical hazard switch 8 inch long metal or PVC pipe tube 2 inch wide PVC coupler 1 1/2 inch wide PVC end cap Silver spray paint Newspaper Ribbed rubber car floor matting Hot glue gun Exacto Scissors

Instructions

1. 

   Measure the rubbed rubber matting to fit snugly around the metal pipe. Do this by rolling the pipe in the rubber matting and marking with pencil where the mat fully enrolls the pipe. Cut the matting out with a pair of scissors.

2. 

   Place four vertical lines of hot glue from your hot glue gun lengthwise on the pipe. Quickly wrap the pipe in the ribbed rubber matting.

3. Set the PVC coupler and end cap on sheet of newspaper and spay them silver. Let the paint dry and hot glue these items to both ends of the covered tube.

4. Place the electrical switch on the tube in the center and trace around it with a pencil. Cut away the rubber matting with an Exacto.

5. Hot glue the electrical switch to the lightsaber hilt where the rubber has been cut away. Place a rubber band running lengthwise and holding the top and bottom of the lightsaber together while the glue sets. Place a smaller rubber band around the electrical switch to secure it in place while the glue dries.

6. 

   Remove the rubber bands. Using a small paintbrush and black acrylic paint. cover up any exposed areas of metal pipe on the handle.

Tips & Warnings

• Browse the electrical section of your local hardware and automotive shops. You can find a wide variety of nobs, switches and bits to add to your lightsaber hilt for a reasonable price.

• Be sure to use the spray paint in a well-ventilated area.

Resources

• How to make your own robotic Anakin Skywalker arm