How to Make a Blowgun Out of a Pen

A pen drying out can be a frustrating experience, particularly if you don't have another pen handy to continue your writing. Fortunately, a dried-up ballpoint pen isn't without its uses. If you have a ballpoint, hollow tubed pen that runs out of ink, don't throw it out; instead you can turn it into a blowgun in just a few minutes with no additional tools.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Ballpoint, hollow-tubed pen
• Balls of paper or cotton swabs (broken in half)

1. Pinch the pen between your thumb and index fingers about 1/2 inch below the non-writing tip until the rear cap is loose. Spin the pen slightly after each pinch to ensure pressure around the entirety of the cap.

2. Remove the rear cap.

3. Pinch the pen between your thumb and index fingers about 1/2 inch above the writing tip until the narrowed point is loose. Spin the pen slightly after each pinch to ensure pressure around the entirety of the tip.

4. Remove the narrowed point and ink cartridge.

5. Load the pen with the projectile of your choice. Two good choices are cotton swabs broken in half or balls of paper.

6. Place the end of the tube with the projectile in it to your mouth, aim and blow.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't fire projectiles at another person, as you can damage their eyes.