How to Make a Toy Rocket Launcher

From Nerf guns to potato cannons, launchers are great ways to have fun. You can easily build a toy rocket launcher with a few inexpensive items for a hardware store.
Toy rocket launches are inexpensive and easy to build.

Things You'll Need

• PVC y-junction
• PVC elbow
• PVC screw cap
• PVC plug piece
• One 5-foot PVC pipe
• One 2-foot PVC pipe
• PVC glue
• Duct tape
• Handheld barbecue lighter
• Drill
• 2-foot long dowels

Instructions

1. Connect a PVC screw cap onto the Y-junction's base end. You will use this to cover the igniting chamber as well as open it for putting in the propellant gas such as hairspray.

2. Dismantle the handheld barbecue lighter and take the igniting mechanism. This should be a small device covered with wiring and having an exposed metal tip connected to its pressure switch.

3. Drill a hole into the center of the PVC plug piece. It should be big enough to fit the wiring of the igniting metal tips, but small enough to keep the switch exposed outside. Cement the igniting piece onto the PVC plug. Leave the igniting tips dry.

4. Attach the PVC plug piece with igniting mechanism onto the other opening of the Y-junction piece. Glue and tape this piece securely to prevent any air from escaping. Otherwise, there will no propulsion to your shots.

5. Glue and tape two pieces of dowel onto the 5-foot PVC pipe. Attach these pieces one foot from the ends of the pipe, as these function for the base of the launcher when placed onto the ground. Connect this to the final opening of the Y-junction.

6. Secure the PVC elbow on the 5-foot pipe, then insert a 2-foot long PVC pipe on the other end of the elbow connector. Make sure that this section is the most airtight piece, as the force of explosive air pressure will travel upwards into the 2-foot pipe.

7. Insert your toy rocket onto the barrel of the 2-foot pipe. Make sure that your rocket is secure enough over the opening to create a temporary seal. Open the PVC screw cap and squirt some hairspray into the Y-junction. Push the trigger to launch your rocket.

References

• Air Rocket Launcher