Homemade Crossbows Using a Bungee Cord

The crossbow was the most feared weapon of the middle ages. A knight in armor, once a human tank, becomes little more than a large target with the crossbow on the field. Today the crossbow is largely archery equipment for target shooting. Making homemade crossbows is a hobby that is rapidly growing. Medieval reenactors, fantasy role playing gamers and people who participate in Renaissance fairs all are making crossbows and other missile weapons from bungee cords, wood and PVC pipe. These fire soft blunt projectiles at low velocity to make them safer.

  1. Planning

    • Making a bungee crossbow requires some technical skill with tools and a good plan. If you aren't using a plan made by someone else, sit down and draw up a plan showing all you'll need to build the crossbow. Gather wood, PVC pipe, bungee cord and other materials you will need before you start to build

    The Stock with arrow guide

    • A simple piece of 2-inch square wood about 36 inches long will do for the stock. The bow and release mechanism will be attached to the top of this. Sand down the corners to round them off and smooth the finish of the stock. Glue two 1/4-inch-diameter by 18-inches long wooden dowels on top of the stock. Place them about four inches down from the front end of the stock in the center about 1/2-inch apart. These will center the arrow.

    Attach the PVC and bungee cord release

    • Connecting the 1/2-inch-diameter PVC pipe bow arm to the stock securely is very important. Place the pipe on top of the stock about 2 inches from the end and attach it with 1/2-inch steel tubing strap and inch-long wood screws. For some added strength and an authentic look, wrap hemp twine around the area in an X pattern and seal with some carpenter's glue.

      The bungee cord release mechanism is simply a large spring-type wooden clothespin. Use carpenter's glue to fasten it about an inch from the back of the stock. Now wrap heavy hemp twine around the bottom arm of the clothes pin and the stock to make it look more authentic and to ensure the clothespin stays still.

    Finishing up

    • Attach the bungee cord to each end of the bow by drilling a hole an inch from the end of the pipe. Push the bungee cord through and then secure the end with tape. The finished crossbow will fire a regular arrow or you can make your own.

      If you plan to make a crossbow, remember that this is not a toy. It is a projectile weapon and can seriously injure someone. Think of all those dead knights when using it and never fire a crossbow at another person.