Here is how you can make your own water balloon launcher. We use heavy duty surgical tubing unlike many of the blasters you can buy online that don’t shoot very far. Materials cost is approximately $18. This instruction covers only the launcher. See the Water Balloon Launch Pad Instructions for the frame.
Step 1: Materials
Necessary materials:
(1) small roll of duct tape
(2) 8 inch lengths of 1/2″ vinyl tubing
(2) 6 foot lengths of latex rubber surgical tubing
Vinyl tubing can be purchased at a hardware store. Latex rubber tubing can be purchased online. A good source is McMaster part number 5234K75 . It must be 3/32″ thick wall (not 1/16″ thick). Surgical tubing sold at hardware stores is typically only 1/16″ thick and not strong enough to launch a balloon 300 yards. If you are in a pinch and don’t have time to order the thicker tubing, then you can double-order. top the 1/16 inch of tubing, but that is quite expensive.
Step 2: Bag Design
Pin together 5 pieces of duct about 18 inches long. Fold the top and bottom edges 1/2″ to create a hem. Take 2 pieces of ribbon 7 inches long and fold over a 1/2″ edge to create a hem. Place the 2 hemmed pieces facing each other about 3 inches apart on 5 pieces of tape.
Step 3: Add Pipe Channels
Place the two 8″ pieces of pipe through the 5 pieces of masking tape about 8 inches apart. (The threaded rod in the picture is only used to keep the pipe straight during this step.) Bend the ends of the 5 Tape pieces through the vinyl tube and stick onto themselves.
Step 4: Handle
Make a handle by placing 2 pieces of duct tape about 22″ long lengthwise. Then fold or roll them lengthwise into a 1/2″ wide strip.
Step 5: Insert the Handle
Cut two 1/2 slits 3 inches apart in the middle of the bag. Don’t cut through the tape enclosed in the bag, cut something right next to it. Insert the handle through these slots. Leaving a handle loop that’s large enough to easily fit your hand in.
Step 6: Secure the Handle
Wrap the handle ends around the bag, overlapping the handle loop created in the previous step. Attach the overlapping parts of the handle together by wrapping them with tape.
Step 7: Install Surgical Tubing
Insert the surgical tubing through the vinyl tubing channels and tie each with a square knot.
Step 8: Bomb Away!
It’s a 3-man launcher but we’ve added a water balloon launch pad that only requires one person to load and launch. Have fun!