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How to Make a Clothespin Pocket Pistol (AKA Mini Matchstick Gun)

A hand holding a burning clothespin outdoors.

Clothespins are pretty innocent-looking, but with a mod here and a hack there, that innocence quickly turns into danger. Well, sort of. In this project, we'll be turning an ordinary spring-action clothespin into powerful matchstick and toothpick shooter that can shoot apples and lob fiery darts over 20 feet.

This project was inspired by Instructables author "Samarai" and his awesome tutorial on making a Clothespin Gun.

A matchstick gun is essential to your collection of desktop weaponry.

Wooden clothespins with rubber bands and toothpicks arranged on a table.

This little pocket pistol will shoot a matchstick with power, blast toothpicks into fruit, and lob fiery darts. The best parts is, it can be made fairly easily and for almost nothing!

How to Make a Clothespin Pocket Pistol (AKA Mini Matchstick Gun)

Wooden toothpick dispenser with three toothpicks on a wooden surface.

Red apple with a toothpick inserted, placed on a wooden table.

All you need for this project is some wood glue, a utility knife, and a wooden clothespin. Just make sure it's the kind with the metal spring.

Check out the video above for step-by-step instructions. And if you liked this project, perhaps you'll like some of my others. Check them out here on WonderHowTo or over at thekingofrandom.com.

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