Simple Mechanical Claw
In this tutorial, I'll show you how to turn everyday waste into a working mechanical claw! Using simple discarded materials like scrap cardboard, rubber bands, this eco-friendly upcycling project demonstrates the basic principles of mechanical linkage and lever control. It's a budget-friendly, fun, and educational STEM project that proves you can build amazing machines out of trash!
Supplies
- Cardboard
- Paper Tube
- Hot Melt Glue Gun & Glue Sticks
- Wire
- Glue
- Wire Cutters
- burin
- Rubber band
- ;paper
Making Thin Paper Tubes
Roll the paper into a hollow tube using a thin rod (like a hot glue stick) as a core, then secure it firmly with glue.
Fabricating the Housing
Cut off one-third of the paper tube.（Be careful not to cut your hands）
Make a Fixing Device
Draw a ring (or washer) that fits tightly inside the larger paper tube while allowing the smaller paper tube to pass through. Cut it out and glue it to the inside of the larger tube.
Making the Linkage Mechanism
Cut out four rectangular pieces of cardboard. Flatten them, and then glue them together.
Drilling
Pass the smaller paper tube through the larger tube, then flatten both ends.
Drill holes in the locations shown in the image.
Installing the Claws
Cut the cardboard into claw shapes and drill holes at the marked positions to make six identical pieces. Then, glue them together in two sets of three.（Make two）
Then, thread wire through the holes to fasten them together, as shown in the diagram.
Securing the Claws
Make two U-shaped pieces out of wire and glue them onto the larger paper tube as shown in the image.
Securing Elastic Band
Cut two centimeters off the trimmed paper tube, then drill two holes at one end; loop the rubber band onto the wire and thread the wire through the holes to secure it.
Then, flatten the paper tube in the gap
Install the Trigger
1Cut the cardboard into the shape indicated in the photo and drill two holes (one near the top and one near the bottom).
2Connect the upper hole to the inner paper tube using wire.
3Attach the lower hole to the side cardboard piece to complete the linkage.
Accomplish
Wrap it in a layer of paper and draw your favorite patterns on the surface to complete the project!