How to Build a Sling Shot

The slingshot is a powerful hunting tool and sporting item that can be made at home or in a survival situation; a slingshot is excellent for shooting small game for food. The ability to make and shoot a slingshot could mean the difference between starving in the wild or surviving until help arrives.

Things You'll Need

  • Small hand saw
  • Woodcarving or whittling knife
  • Y-shaped branch, 1 1/2 to 2-inch diameter
  • Latex surgical tubing, 1/4-inch or larger
  • Leather or strong cloth
  • String or fishing line.
  • Sandpaper
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Instructions

    • 1

      Trim your "Y" shaped branch so the handle comfortably fits your hand. The top ends should be 3 to 4-inches in length and of equal size. Trim off the bark. If you are using fresh wood allow it to dry for a couple of days. Sand the stick to a smooth finish, removing any burrs.

    • 2

      Cut your rubber tubing into two equal lengths. Determine the correct draw length for your arms. Hold one end of the tubing in your hand with your arm straight out in front of you; pull the other end back with your opposite hand. You should reach optimal stretching force of the band when your draw hand reaches your cheek. Cut the tubing to that length.

    • 3

      Cut the leather piece into a 1 1/2 by 3-inch rectangle. This will be your sling pocket. Cut a slit in both ends of the piece, parallel to the short ends. The slit must be large enough to permit insertion of the surgical tube without wrinkling.

    • 4

      Tie one end of each piece of tubing to the leather sling-pouch. Use the same amount of tube in each knot so that they stay the same length. Wrap and tie the knot in string or fishing line so that it does not untie with use.

    • 5

      Tie the remaining ends of the rubber tubing to the ends of the forks on the slingshot base; wrap the knots in string like you did for the leather pouch. The tubes must be exactly the same length to ensure accuracy.