How to Make a Pocket-Size Crossbow

Originally, the crossbow was designed as a weapon to be used on the battlefield or the hunting grounds. The bow string is capable of storing an impressive amount of energy, and sometimes it requires the aid of a machine to draw back. Making that sort of crossbow takes mastery, woodworking skills and shop space. You can build your own pocket-size crossbow out of household items. All that is needed is some time, tape and rubber bands.

Things You'll Need

  • 2 Bic pens
  • Felt-tip marker
  • Ruler
  • Drill
  • 13/64 drill bit
  • Duct or electrical tape
  • Knife
  • Rubber band
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Instructions

    • 1

      Pull the two Bic pens apart with your fingers. Pull the writing head off by digging your fingernail under the base, and pulling it away from the body. Do the same with end cap, and make sure to pull out the ink tube from the middle of the pen.

    • 2

      Mark the center of one of the pen tubes. Use a ruler to find the exact center, and make the mark with a felt-tip marker.

    • 3

      Use a 13/64 drill bit to drill a hole on the mark. Drill straight through the body of the pen.

    • 4

      Slide the other pen tube through the drilled hole. Push it through until is is about two-fifths of the way through. When you hold up the assembly, it should resemble a cross.

    • 5

      Hold the pens in position, and tape the assembly together with duct or electrical tape. Tape the joint in a tight, criss-cross fashion. Overlap the tape many times for stability.

    • 6

      Prop up the assembly so it looks like a cross sitting up on the table. Hold a knife next to it so the knife is standing straight up on the table as well. Drag the sharp edge of the knife over the ends of the un-drilled pen to score notches; each end will have two notches on the rim.

    • 7

      Weave a rubber band into the notches so the rubber band sits tight, stretched across the length of the un-drilled pen. The length of rubber band that sits nearest the bottom of the cross will be the draw string. Secure the band by taping the length of band on the top of the cross to the assembly.

    • 8

      Insert a skewer or Bic ink tube into the firing chamber; the hollow tube running up the center of the cross. Secure one end of the projectile to the draw string by pulling the exposed length of band with your fingertips, aim and fire by letting go of the rubber band.