Cars powered by mousetraps are unique, novel, and can result in hours of entertaining races. Follow these instructions to make a simple model of a mousetrap car. Experiment with different sizes of wheels and other features to determine for yourself which is the most aerodynamically superior design possible. Use paints, markers, or decals to add a creative flair to your new set of wheels!
Required Materials
- Wooden Mousetrap
- 2 steel rods, 4mm in diameter, about 6cm long.
- 4 eye-hole screws, identical in size. The eye hole should be 5mm in
- diameter
- Plywood, 3-ply, 16 inches square.
- Rubber bands that easily stretch to form a circle three inches in diameter
- 18 inches string
- 24 washes, 4mm inner diameter
Required Tools
- Drill
- Drill bit, 1-1/2” in length.
- Jigsaw
- Compass
- Vice
- Hacksaw
- Super glue
- Epoxy glue
- Sandpaper
- Pliers
- Jeweler’s file
- Hammer
Instructions
- Use pliers to remove the bait holder as well as the wire catch for holding the trap open. Also remove the staples that attach these pieces to the mousetrap.
- Gently push the end of the first eye hook into the end of the trap, approximately 5/16” from the edge of the wood. Position it so that the eye of the hook faces outward from the mousetrap.
- Position the three remaining eye hooks at the three remaining corners of the mousetrap edges.
- Use the compass to draw four circles, each 3” in diameter, on the plywood.
- Use the drill to make a hole in the middle of each circle.
- Use the jigsaw to cut the circles out of the wood.
- Sand the edges of each wheel until completely smooth.
- File the end of each rod until it is completely smooth.
- Place the rod in the vise. Cut halfway through the rod approximately 2cm from the end of the rod.
- Use a jeweler’s file to increase the size of the rod’s cut just enough to slip the wire catch from the mousetrap securely inside.
- Trim the wire with the pliers so that it is 7mm long. One end of the wire should be flush with the outer edge of the rod. File the edges of the wire so that they are smooth.
- Use epoxy glue to keep the wire in the groove. Allow the glue to dry completely, overnight.
- Place the rod in the eye hooks at the rear end of your mousetrap. (This is the end at which the jaws would lie if the trap were set.)
- Put a few washers on either end of the car’s axle.
- Use the vise to gently force a wheel onto either end of the car’s axle.
- Following steps 14 and 15, attach the wheels to the front axle.
- Attach the string to the center of the jaws of the trap.
- Tie the other end of the string into a small loop. The end of your loop should just reach the car’s rear axle. Trim the ends of the string.
- Place one rubber band around each of your car’s back wheels. These will provide the wheels with needed traction against smooth surfaces. Glue the rubber bands firmly in place with super glue.
Warnings and Tips
- Operate power equipment only with adult supervision.
- Wear safety goggles when cutting or filing wood or metal equipment to protect your eyes.
- Use caution when operating drills and saws.
- Experiment with different sizes and materials of wheels for optimum speeds.
For more information on How to Build a Mousetrap Car read:
How to Build a Mousetrap Car
How to Build a Mousetrap Car
How to Build a Mousetrap Car
How to Build a Mousetrap Car
How to Build a Mousetrap Car
How to Build a Mousetrap Car
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