Hot Construction Toys How-Tos
How To: Build a K'NEX AK-47 gun
K'NEX is the world's most famous constructive toy, which means you can build just about anything. You can take the K'NEX plastic pieces and build all kinds of contraptions, everything from boats to airplanes to robots to weapons.
How To: Build a simple robot with the Lego Mindstorms NXT kit
These how-to videos provide an introduction and tutorial to LEGO Mindstorms NXT. Topics discussed are (1) what is included with the NXT robotics kit (2) how to build a simple NXT robot (3) programming an NXT robot and (4) testing an NXT robot. Watch this video tutorial series and learn how to build a simple robot with the Lego Mindstorms NXT kit.
How To: Make a paper clip bow
This how-to video demonstrates building the simple paper clip bow designed by instructables.com. All you need is a paper clip and a rubber band. This little toy bow will keep you from getting bored in class or at work, as you shoot whatever you can find. Follow along with this instructional video and learn how to make a paper clip bow.
How To: Hack a VHS tape into a toy pinball machine
For about a buck, you can make a fun Mini-Pinball machine out of a VHS, just follow the steps in this how-to video. This is a great toy for kids, or anyone that wants to make a cheap version of the arcade favorite. Bring the VHS pinball machine into the car to stay entertained during long car rides. Watch this video gaming tutorial and learn how to convert a VHS tape into a toy pinball machine.
How To: Make a pop gun from a chapstick tube
Next time you run out of chapstick, don't throw away the tube. This is a simple and fun way to make a pop gun from a regular chapstick tube. No extra tools are needed.
How To: Make a mini parachute
Watch this instructional video to form the structure of a mini parachute using a loop of string. Pay close attention to the hand motions, and weave the string into a knot. Do no be shocked when this string formation looks very similar to a mini parachute. You can then attach a plastic bag or thin piece of fabric to give your mini parachute a more permanent structure.
How To: Make a sling shot with a stick and soccer ball
This video demonstrates how to construct a sling shot out of a soccer ball. You will need an old soccer ball or tire tube, a "Y" shaped stick, and a pair of scissors. Slice the soccer ball open to remove the rubber lining. Next, cut two thin strips of the rubber lining. Cut out one hexagon shaped piece of leather from the deflated soccer ball. You can use this for the sling shot pouch. These visual guidelines depict how to use these materials to construct a sturdy slingshot in a matter of min...
How To: Make a bone handle
Learn how to make a bone handle including materials, necessary tools, and construction in this free homemade tools and crafts video series.
How To: Make an animatronic hand
Ever feel like you don't have enough hands? Build a third one! You will need a 3 foot aluminum rod, a piece of 2 inch by 4 inch wood, a 25 pack of 1/8 in by 2 inch toggle bolts, #6 by 1/2 inch metal screws, an electric drill, drill bits, 14 inch cable ties, and a hacksaw or chop saw. Watch this video tutorial and learn how to build an animatronic robot hand.
How To: Make a water gun for under two dollars
In this video tutorial you will learn how to make a water gun, and a watering can for under 2 dollars! You will need a water bottle and a pin. It's that easy. Watch this instructional tutorial and learn how to build a simple water gun or watering can.
How To: Build an eco-friendly birdhouse
This video tutorial is a step by step guide to building an eco-friendly birdhouse. These easy materials are things that you already have sitting around the house. This mini carpentry project is a fun way to spend an afternoon, and will provide more hours of bird-watching fun in the future. Watch this instructional video and learn how to build an ecological birdhouse out of recycled materials.
How To: Make a Lego balisong butterfly knife
Balisong knives, or butterfly knives, are folding pocket knifes with two handles that can counter rotate. People love performing tricks with them because of the balisong butterfly knife's flipping ability. Since knives aren't toys, make your balisong butterfly knife out of Legos. You still might hurt yourself, but not as badly as with the real thing. Learn how to build a Lego balisong butterfly knife by watching this video tutorial.
How To: Build a Hovercraft with Plywood and a Leaf Blower
This tutorial video will show you how to build a hovercraft using plywood, a leaf blower, and various other materials. This hovercraft works best on a smooth, flat surface.
How To: Make a bottle blast off with a simple rocket launcher
This tutorial video will teach you how to make a bottle blast off toy, which will fly into the sky with the aid of a very simple rocket launcher. This activity is great for children, and can help them learn about flight and flying. Make a bottle blast off with a simple rocket launcher - Part 1 of 4.
How To: Make a moving jitterbuig toy
This tutorial video will show you how to make your very own jitterbug moving toy. This toy moves around and is quite colorful. Make a moving jitterbuig toy - Part 1 of 3.
How To: Make an adorable match rocket
This tutorial pyrotechnic video will teach you how to modify matches in order to make an adorable rocket. Be careful, though, this match rocket can be dangerous.
How To: Make an automatic Lego crossbow
This video tutorial shows how to assemble an automatic Lego crossbow. Learn how to build and operate an automatic toy crossbow made out of Lego bricks.
How To: Use a semi automatic Lego gun (S-22)
This video tutorial shows how to use a semi automatic Lego gun (S-22). Learn how to operate and shoot Lego bricks with this semi automatic Lego toy weapon.
How To: Use the S-31 Lego gun
Learn how to use the S-31 Lego gun from this video tutorial. This video shows how to make the Lego brick bullets, grease the S-31 Lego gun, load the toy weapon as well as how to fire it.
How To: Build Lego Elites from Halo
Watch this video to learn how to build Halo Elites out of Lego bricks. This easy to follow tutorial will show you which bricks to use then how to put it together.
How To: Build a Lego hover board
Watch this how to video to learn to build a Lego hover board. This tutorial will show you the Lego bricks you need then how to put them together.
How To: Build a Lego car
Watch this how to tutorial to learn to make a Lego car. This Lego car is very simple and doesn't use many bricks, but it is used as a base for more advanced models.
How To: Build a Lego race car
Watch this how to video to learn how to make your own Lego race car. This tutorial will teach you how to make the Lego race car brick by brick.
How To: Make a larp shield out of foam and cardboard
This tutorial shows you how to make a fun boffer shield out of foam and cardboard. You'll need four pieces of corrugated cardboard cut into 18 inch diameter circles, a craft razor, spray adhesive and paint.
How To: Make a clockwork orange
You’re not a social deviant, you just have a taste for the unusual. And fruit. In this how to video you will learn to make a clock out of an orange.
How To: Make stick puppets
Learn how to make stick puppets in the classroom -- even if you're not in the classroom. Check out this really fun video for making a pumpkin stick puppet, an elephant stick puppet, or any other stick puppet you want.
How To: Modify your Nerf gun darts
See how to mod your Nerf gun's darts to be a little more painful than they should be. Those darts could either be just the foam they are, or the foam and pushpin they could be.
How To: Improve your Nerf Nitefinder gun with modifications
Watch this informational video on how to improve your Nerf gun by removing the air restrictors and replacing your spring. With a stronger spring you get better air flow, so why not make this mod to your Nerf gun? Don't you want the best Nerf gun around?
How To: Modify a Nerf Longshot CS-6 gun
Watch this informational two-part video on how to improve your Nerf gun. With a simple mod, you're Nerf gun will be better than all of the rest.
How To: Build a spy periscope
This video is to show you how to construct a super cool spy gadget! You'll need some toilet paper tubes, tape, scissors, glue and an old CD. Then, just like that you'll be able to make home made spy gear in no time.
How To: Build lego pacman ghosts
Check out this video to learn how to build two Pacman ghosts (inky and blinky) out of legos!
How To: Make a lego samus
Make a lego samus with tips from this helpful lego video.
How To: Make a lego Pikachu
This is a lego tutorial on how to make the #1 most recognized Pokemon of all time, Pikachu!
How To: Build a lego Link from Zelda with a master sword
Make a lego Link from Zelda with a master sword, just use the lego pieces in this video.
How To: Build the lego wii "zapper"
Build the lego wii "zapper" with tips from this three part video. Part 1 of 3 - How to Build the lego wii "zapper".
How To: Make a motor from a plastic cup
This is an amazing experiment! Make a motor from a plastic cup. What is needed? Use two empty cola cans, a plastic (paper) cup, a ball-point pen, and more!
How To: Make a condom gun
Make a condom gun that shoots hard enough to leave bruises if you actually decide to shoot someone.
How To: Construct a clothes peg gun
Check out this video to learn how to build the clothes-peg-gun. Here's the answer to all of your clothes peg gun questions! Fortunately, this video is divided into steps.
How To: Make a peg gun with a clothespin
Check out this how to video that shows you how to make a peg gun. You need a clothes-pin to make this peg gun (funny, huh?)
How To: Build a Rube Goldberg machine with kids
You want to spend quality time with your children but you want your afternoon to be fun and educational as well... Why not build a Rube Goldberg machine? A Rube Goldberg machine can be about anything so watch this video to get you started and bring your creativity with you.