Rubber bands are made to be fired. Yes, maybe its real use is to “tie things in place”, but, let's admit, rubber bands are really fun to play with. If you're excited to shoot rubber bands at your sibling's back, try to learn how to be a rubber band shooting machine that others will envy. Have fun and stay safe.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Using Your Hands
Step 1. Shoot the rubber band with your index finger
The easiest way to shoot a rubber band out of your hand is to attach it to your index finger and then pull and release it. The steps are:
- Place the rubber band on the tip of your index finger, then point your finger in the direction you want.
- Pull the rubber band with your other hand, over your raised thumb.
- Remove the rubber band to shoot it, or attach it to your thumb.
- If you attach the rubber band to your thumb, move your thumb forward and let the rubber slip off.
Step 2. Shoot the rubber band with your thumb
Shooting the rubber band with your thumb is the best way to keep the rubber from getting stuck on the back of your hand when you shoot it. Also, the rubber band shot will be stronger this way. The way to do this is:
- Hook the rubber band on your thumb, then point it where you want to shoot the rubber.
- Point your thumb forward so the rubber will easily slip past your thumb.
- Grab the other end of the rubber with your other finger, pulling it back as far as you want.
- Remove the rubber band using the finger to fire it.
Step 3. Use your index finger like a slingshot
One creative way to shoot a rubber band is to engage your index finger as a pivot, where you can pull the rubber back and release it with your other finger. To do this, you can:
- Point your palms facing up.
- Tie each end of the rubber band around your middle finger and thumb.
- Use your index finger to lift the rubber forward a few cm, pointing where the rubber is going to be fired, then pull the rubber as hard as you can.
- Shoot the rubber band by releasing the middle finger and thumb at the same time.
Step 4. Make your hand into a gun
The most complicated, but classic way to shoot a rubber band is to form your hand into a gun and wrap the rubber around the finger you formed, then release. To do this, you can:
- Make your hand in the shape of a gun, with your thumb as the trigger and your fingers as the barrel. Point the index finger in the direction of the rubber to be fired.
- Wrap the rubber band around your little finger, then pull it back across the inside of your wrist.
- Tie the rubber band around your thumb again.
- Hook it on the tip of your index finger.
- Remove the rubber band with your little finger.
Method 2 of 3: Using Other Objects
Step 1. Shoot with a pen
Tired of putting rubber bands on your hands and leaving welts afterward? Stop using hands! Attach a rubber band to the end of a pen or pencil, pull it back and release it. For greater accuracy, point the tip of the pen toward the rubber band to be fired.
Step 2. Use whatever objects you have
If you want to be more creative, use a ruler, the tip of a book, and other objects to shoot rubber bands. Using a head from a WWE wrestler action figure toy? Just thought about it now, right?
Ideally, use something suitable to stabilize the rubber band as you pull it, but you can also experiment with bendable objects. Look for any objects that might work
Step 3. Use a rubber band to throw other objects
A rubber band functions the same as a throwing machine. Therefore, use a rubber band to fire:
- blobs of paper
- Paperclip
- Skittles and other sweets
Step 4. Don't point hard objects at someone's face
Warning to the ignorant: Be careful every time you shoot rubber or other objects, and make sure you don't aim it at someone's face. It's best not to point the rubber band at anyone at all, especially if you're in class. In general, shooting something around a classroom can get you into trouble with the teacher, so be careful.
Method 3 of 3: Making a Rubber Band Gun
Step 1. Look for a strong wood, try a curved one
If you want to make a simple rubber band gun, all you need is some good wood. Good wood should be big and strong, as well as shaped like a gun with a curve that you can hold like the butt of the gun itself. Therefore, find an appropriate length of wood measuring 6-8 inches (15, 2-20.3 cm), then, if possible, about an inch (2.5 cm) wide. If it looks like the shape of a gun, then you've got the right wood.
Step 2. Sand the wood
Ask an adult to help with this, if necessary, also ask to remove bark and other debris from the outside of the wood. Grind the wood clean all the way down, and also take time to sand the wood with sandpaper. If you are willing to go through the trouble of making a gun, then you can make it look amazing too.
Step 3. Glue a clothes pin with glue over the created “gun”
To fire a rubber band, you must attach the rubber band to the "barrel" of a gun, trying to position it exactly where you can activate the gun with your thumb while holding it. Here's how to attach a clothes pin:
- Position the clamp in an upright position, so that the bottom surface of the clamp will be flush with the top of the gun barrel.
- Use wood glue to line the patch with clothes pins.
- Secure it in the right place and hold it until the glue dries.
Step 4. Make a notch on the end of the front of the gun
Ask someone for help, then use a knife to make a small notch in the front of the rifle, large enough to place the rubber band firmly.
Step 5. Tie the rubber band between the notch and the clothes pin
To fire a rubber band with a gun, you must attach the rubber band to the front of the gun's barrel, then grab it into the clothes pins that are on top of the rifle. When ready, point the gun in the desired direction, then press the top of the clothespin lever down. After that the rubber band will come off.
While it would be cool to paint your rubber band rifle, avoid making your gun look so much like a real gun that it creates problems. Don't let someone call the police because they see a child carrying a gun. Have fun swimming, but be careful
Tips
- Use a medium-sized rubber, not too small or too big.
- The more you stretch it, the farther the rubber will fly.
Warning
- If the rubber comes off your index finger, it will bounce off and hit you.
- Do not aim directly at people or animals.
