Mini Weapons of Mass Destruction: Build Implements of Spitball Warfare (1)

PopularMechanics.com selection for one of The Best DIY and Home Improvement Books of 2009  We€ve come a long way from the Peashooter Era: with the advent of modern household products and office supplies€"binder clips, clothespins, rubber bands, ballpoint pens, toothpicks, paper clips, plastic utensils, and (of course) matches and barbeque lighters€"troublemakers of all stripes have the components needed to build an impressive, if somewhat miniaturized, arsenal.  Toy designer John Austin provides detailed, step-by-step instructions for each project, including materials and ammo lists, clear diagrams, and construction tips, for mayhem-loving MacGyvers. The 35 devices include catapults, slingshots, minibombs, darts, and combustion shooters. Build a tiny trebuchet from paper clips and a D-cell battery. Wrap a penny in a string of paper caps to create a surprisingly impressive €œbomb.€ Several of the projects even include variations where combatants mount laser pointer sights to their shooters to increase their accuracy.  Finally, once you€ve built your armory, the author provides plans for a Top Secret Concealing Book to hide your stash, as well as targets for shooting practice. Never let your personal space go undefended again!