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HOW TO BUILD A TINKERTOY CATAPULT

By Tinker Toy INC
Introduction
A tinker toy catapult, when built correctly, can be a fun project for people of all ages and requires
no prior knowledge. With four simple steps you can be launching things in no time.
Caution: Make sure to follow all instructions exactly to avoid bodily harm.
Overview
The Tinkertoy catapult consists of a base and an arm which, when put under tension by a
rubber band, can launch a projection multiple feet. The trigger mechanism was incorporated to
make the catapult safer without inhibiting its effectiveness.
Equipment and Material Needed

6 wheels (yellow)
(Figure A1)

5 medium beams (red)

(Figure A2)

2 long beams (pink) (Figure A3)

1 launch wheel (blue)

(Figure A4)

3 small beams (red)

(Figure A5)

2 rubber bands
(Figure A6)

1 purple cross
(Figure A7)

2 wood pieces (brown)

(Figure A8)

2 wood bars (green) (Figure A9)

1 wood wheel (brown)

(Figure A10)

Instructions
1. Back Wheel. (Figure B1)
a. Place the purple cross (Figure A7) on a red medium
beam (Figure A2) via the shorter ends.
b. Place two yellow wheels on both ends of the red
beam via the center hole on the wheels.
c. Attach long beams (Figure A3) to each yellow
wheel facing the same direction.
d. Attach 2 small beams to the yellow wheels 3 holes
away from the long beams. (Figure B1A)
2. Building the Base. (Figure B2)
a. Attach two yellow wheels to each end of the large
beams from part 1.
b. Attach a medium beam to the center hole on the
inner side of the left yellow wheel.
c. Add two wood pieces through the center hole onto
the red bar.
d. Finish the base by attaching the red bar to the other
yellow wheel.
3. The Arm. (Figure B3)
a. Insert two green bars (Figure A9) into the two
brown pieces (Figure A8) making sure they are secure.
b. Insert the other ends of the green bars into the
wood wheel (Figure A10).
c. Insert a rubber band into the closest hole on the
wooden wheel to the front section. Then holding one side of the rubber band; pull
the other side through the first side. (Figure B3A)
d. Insert one small beam (Figure A5) into the center
top of the wood wheel.
4. Hitbox. (Figure B4)
a. Insert two medium beams into the top of the front
section where the arm is located.
b. Attach two yellow wheels to a medium beam.
c. Attach the wheels to the two medium beams from
part a.
d. Wrap the rubber band from the wooden wheel
around the wheels at the top of the hitbox.
e. Take the last rubber band and place it sideways
into the slit at the top of the small beam on the arm. Then loop the rubber band to
place it through again. (Figure B3B) This will prevent the blue wheel from drifting
too far down the small beam and allow it to launch.
Using the toy
1. To use the toy, take the rubber band that is attached to the small red beam and
wrap it around the purple cross at the back. Then place the blue wheel (Figure A4) on
the red beam.
2. Rotate the purple cross away from the front until the arm is fully pulled back.
3. Release the purple cross to launch the blue wheel.