How to make a Mousetrap Car Cheap & Easy Tutorial (Fast & Long distance) - Science Project
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 1 ธ.ค. 2024
- Science Project that cost only $7
Mouse trap car's frame is made of Wooden rulers glued together by super glue, with CD wheels & mousetrap as the motor.
It can travel a distance of about 55 feet.
Bro thank you so much, physics project due thursday😂😂😂😂
otgggggggg
Same g
Same 😂
Bruh
sameee😂
This is my aunt's account so ignore the picture but you have the best mouse trap car on the internet. The music is great and it's the perfect science fair project!😁👍👍👍👍👍
I’ll speak for all the high schoolers and jus say, thank you.
not even in high school and forced to do this
just*
Ima get an a because of this
Mines due in 2 days and I’m just starting💀
@@cyb3rpearl same
NOTE: If the car won't move forward after you set off the mousetrap, add tape to the back axle to make it thicker. This will help increase the torque and make it move forward (at a faster speed). Please please don't give up on it if it won't move! Just wrap masking tape or painters tape around the back axle to make it thicker!
WOW! Thank You Molly!
I get the feeling you’re a teacher
When you mean around the back axle as in the zip tie right?
The same axel as the floss is going around?
My girlfriend’s son (8th grade) has an assignment where he needs to make a “car that moves without battery assistance or manual (student) assistance”. I remember making one outta a rat trap in high school so I told her I’d be happy to help him w the project. This was a perfect refresher, ty.
people who are doing this for school--
A
Me
bro my project due in 20 hours, i’m just not looking at what to do
I would want to do that :(
If you’re going for distance, I would remove the rubber. Rubber is great for a faster acceleration, but adds too much friction for your coasting phase. The reason the world record holder did not have rubber on his wheels was because cds alone allowed for a longer coasting phase because of less surface friction on your wheels.
I would also add another axel with a pulley with a diameter the same as your 120mm cds, and put it slightly higher so that it clears the ground in the middle of the car. Now attach a thick rubber band to the pulley and your drive axle (might need a pulley here to make the axle larger) to act as a belt, and the string of the mousetrap arm to the pulley’s axle.
This spreads the power over a longer time, and gives the mousetrap mechanical advantage on the drive axle by amplifying the force. It essentially acts like a fear box, and adds more rotations to your drive axle.
Kinda like this but with pulleys
m.th-cam.com/video/vHd659JSR8w/w-d-xo.html
The world record is around 600ft, and uses this method.
Light Show, thanks for your very informative comment.👍
wait so if i need it to get to 5 meters should I remove the balloons?
@@joybidros3948 good question, but it depends on what you mean by having it get to 5 meters. I'll try to answer it for both cases. I'll label them so you can skim to which case applies to you.
1. If you are having to try to make it go as far as you can and it has to pass with a minimum of 5 meters I would remove the rubber from the CDs.
*Explanation* -Rubber adds friction and takes away energy from the mousetrap car. Since the car's spring has a set amount of potential energy you have to transfer as much as you can into kinetic energy. So it would be Ke=Po-f
The less *friction* (f) you have the more movement/kinetic energy (Ke) you have. The potential energy comes from the energy of the spring when it's wound.
I can bring in more advanced math to explain this and talk about static, and dynamic friction, but there is no point in it. The easiest way to look at it is you're transferring the energy from the spring to the axel of the car with the least amount of friction.
2. If you're having to make the mousetrap car stop at exactly 5 meters, then I would use the rubber on the wheels. This will allow you to add friction to the wheels so when your mousetrap car stops it won't slide due to the CDs. Think of the CDs like sliding ice on a table if you try to stop.
Tip also if you want to make it stop, put a peg on your axel so that you can wind the string in two different directions. First, count how many times you have to wrap the axel for your car to go slightly past 5 meters, then now starting your wind in the opposite direction you did before and putting you're the previous number of winds on the other side of the peg. Now experiment with reversing the direction of the remaining string on the axel to make it so the wheels rotate just enough backwards to stop it from rotating. If you get the force equal to the force going forward the mousetrap car will stop where it is.
Thanks for the reply, just sometimes it won’t start, but when it does it gets around 10 feet, took me a while to make, thanks for uploading
ah yes, mousetrap car time of year. kill us all.
I don’t want to sound weird but... I LOVE YOU!!! YOU got me a 100/100.❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
thats kindasus
Is anyone else watching this because their teacher told them to make one for a science project?
YES
Yes
What place did you get?
Yeah 🤦♀️
what a tutorial! the music really sets the mood! 😼👑
Hey! I'm not too sure how youtube works, but I think it would be cool if you could add a materials list to the description
thank you for this video it rlly helped me with my science project
This helps so much thanks I gotta project due Friday ‼️🥲
Same
got a*
Great car, got me 65 feet
Great!
bruh you deserve more subs
For those needing to do any mods to get their car to go further here’s some
broscience: use ball bearing/wheel bearings for the axles, larger wheels to cover more distance for same leverage, and minimize weight where possible (have three wheels)
Wow thats cool im using this for a school project and this really helps
it’s due tomorrow.... THANK U
SAME!!
Did you win?
I followed the instructions as if they were the word of god. Due to a local lumber shortage and having no cds i had to use steel bars instead a rulers and 3.5 inch floppies instead of cds. My cars forward motion was a disappointment. Any advice?
Steel bars are heavy. Wooden rulers are light and should be used on this design.
thats a whole different machine blud ☠
damn thats more than i thought i was gonna need
Thanks I forgot how to do this and it’s due tomorrow
huh. this is way easier than i thought it would be.
Thank you, this video saved my life! (Not kidding)
As soon as I saw the channel name I subscribed 🤣
Sep 2023. Total cost of supplies $70.
jesus
I‘m broke how am i gonna do that
Wym? It costed me about $25
if your car doesn’t move: my groups car didn’t move until we cut the straws off. the axels need to be able to move, they shouldn’t be secure and the straws make them stay in place. and the washers weren’t needed either so we could’ve shaved off some weight😒
did u just stick the dowels through the holes of the cds ?
I have a project for this at school and this helped like A LOT
@@miriamchirinos5837 wow you’re like a scammer bro
i want to ask you a question how do they make the mouse trap go slowly arent mouse traps supposed to be fast to be able to catch the mouse ?
@@lpc9929 it wasnt a race we are To the same school
Thank you so much this really helped out I’m building it now
Cole Pollo Goodluck!
THIS IS IMPORTANT FOR THE DRILL HOW BIG THE DRILL?1/2 INCH?OR WHAT?
My son was already done with this mousetrap car. However, we’ve noticed that it is too slow while moving. Do you have any tricks or tips on how could we make it faster?
The most common trick is to shorten the frame & lever arm, meaning shorter overall length. As you go shorter it goes faster but the downside is the distance travelled will be shorter too.the longer you make the mousetrap car, the slower it’s speed but goes a farthest distance. So depending on the rules your teacher requires you adjust to it.
Also the world record is like 1600 feet
This is due tomorrow, and o have a question. When I wind the floss around the axle, it doesn’t move when I let go. Is it too tight?
How did it go
I'll speak for all the middle schoolers and just say, thank you.
lolll frr
Wow adding cd n balloons rings was just genius
Shouldn't the mouse trap's "hammer" move very quickly? Why is the movement of the mouse trap's hammer slow and steady?
Mark Rober explains it well in his video: th-cam.com/video/b7zWwo9dbiU/w-d-xo.html
too much tension from the floss so it's unable to snap
Great job
wow im impressed
I need to make one for my science project. How do i make the best one?
This is so cool!😊
im supposed to have a independent variable in my project so im changing the lever, but how am I supposed to change the lever if its zip tied to the mouse trap ?
Are you limited on frame length?
If only two wheels are driving, then you could remove the rubber band treads from the other two. That would reduce rolling resistance.
HEY LIL MASS X
I’m sorry for asking so much questions but, what is the height of the vehicle not including the drive arm?
The height is same as the diameter dimension of the CD.
so many*
Hey I need a quick response for school but my car won’t move and it seems to be because the wheels are not able to stick to the axle because my lever arm will not release once I tie the string to it. Any advice?
First make sure your wheels are permanently glued to the axle then try to turn it freely, if it turns good then you can set the string then roll & turn the string to the axle.
String length? Please answer quickly because I need this
Theonlyhufflepuff Animator, you need to do an actual measurement to be more accurate. Tie the end to the arm and measure all the way to the axle and add an inch.
Mine is due in a few days and got all the supplies but the washers are smaller than the hole in the disk. Like it fits inside the hole of the disk. What should I do
Sorry for the late reply, you can tape on one side then use glue gun on the other side to reinforce it
Did you put the straw all the way through the hole like through the washer or just through the first part
No, just touching the inside face of the washer.
the video has life hack music for 5 minute crafts. very helpful tho
What type of balloons are you using because I am having issues trying to stretch them out?
Where
could this car go 15 meters without the straws? (please answer quickly i need it for school)
I’m not sure. I got 55ft or 16.7meters with straw. Maybe it will travel the same with out the straw just make sure there is a bigger gap between the CD And the frame to minimize friction.
What size bit do we need for the drilling??
My wheels never stay straight and the mousetrap only spins the axle
Glue the wheels to the axle
Then it wouldn't spin tho?
@@nyces172 its the axel thats spins not the individual wheels
Followed every step and the wheels will not move. Help!
Make sure the wheel are freely rotating. Check if you over glued the wheel or see if there is a clearance between the wheel and the spacer/straw.
Thanks for replying. We are good with all that and still not spinning.
I have it together, but cannot get the propulsion
What's a good replacement for the rulers if you can't afford a drill?
Skewer Sticks probably, but you would have to improvise by doubling them up and adding a space in between them so your axle can go through.
you don't need traction on the front wheels as no power is being applied to it.
Can you list all the materials used in this video please
Almighty Jon, pls get it from the beginning of the video.
How do you securely tie the dental floss to the dowel? I was rolling it on the axle and it fell down from the dowel. Pls answer soon my project is due in 2 days.
Tie it around 3 to 5 times at the end make sure it is very tight then tie it. You can also use super glue after you tie it
i only subscribed cus of the intro keep up the great work cool projects!!!
because*
@Jovan Nguyen Tran That's what I said.
@Jovan Nguyen Tran bro chill dont threaten me and my family, my eye hurts today so be nice.
Mine not moving
will mine work if i took off all of the parts to the mousetrap except the spring
Matt Landis maybe not.
i just made it and followed the design but the dental floss won’t unravel itself on my axel is there anyway to make it run smoother
When you roll the floss to the axle make sure that when it goes around the floss goes on top of the previous one. Put a little tension on the floss while unraveling so that it will be tight, use your other hand to hold the lever while the other hand is rolling the floss to the axle.Good luck!😊
I spin the axel like you do in the video, but the floss doesn't roll onto the axel
Will it still work if we use 1/4 in flat washers?
You have to change also the diameter of the dowel/axle if you decide to chenge the size of washer so that they will match.
I built this for a project and everything is the exact same as what u did except I didnt add the straws. Now it doesnt move. Is it because of the straws or something else?
Ram Icer Pool that is the exact reason why, the straws allow for the axel to rotate
@@AryaMorris thank you
The straw helps prevent friction between the CD and the wood frame. If you decide not to put the straw be sure that there is at least half inch gap between the CD and the wood frame and the wheels are free rolling/turning before you roll the stirng/floss. Goodluck!
Please help: i made the car but it doesn’t wamt to drive, what can i do/change to make it move? And the wheels in the back don’t drive as smooth as the front wheels
Make sure there is a clearance between the wheels and the frame/straw when you glue the CD wheels to the axle/dowel to prevent friction.
will it go 10 metres????
Do you need to cut the balloon and put it around the CDs bc I am pretty sure I am not allowed to use any elastics like rubber bands or springs to help with the movement. Great video though
Oscar Carrillo, yes depending on the rules. You can eliminate the use of baloons on the CD.
Hi! My kart is not going straightly. It is steering off to the left side. Do you have any advice please? :)
There are two reasons, first is that the wheels are not aligned, Reheat the hot glue on the connection of CD and axle using a hair dryer. If you damaged the CD just replace it make sure the wheels are straight.or second is that the distance of the front axle to back axle on left side should be same as the right side if not the same it is the cause of steering to the left. Adjust the holes but this is too much work. Just do the first one.
@@coolprojects7085 hi! Thank you so much for the reply. The CDs all seemed to be aligned. We also fixed the holes. For the front axle we put in a wingnuts breaking systems and for the back we just used a threaded screw for the back axle and realized that was causing weight issues and will replace the back axle with a dowel. Hopefully that solution will work...? If not I am not sure of any other solution. Again I really appreciate the reply!
I’m using this design soon
Will it go farther with bigger wheels in the back and smaller wheels in the front? And since I am testing inside my school do you think it will decrease the chances of it going far? Like yours did?
BTS NCT ARE DADDIES Melgar , yes it will
Looked somewhat promising until the spinny 3d text and the stock DIY music. Cool project, though.
Where did you purchase the fender washers?
Lowes or Home depot
Walmart. Its a 3/16 in.
Yo, could someone link the Wooden Round Dowels and Fender Washers that are used in this video?
Lowe's 3/16-in x 1-1/4-in Zinc-plated Standard Fender Washer www.lowes.com/pd/Hillman-3-16-in-x-1-1-4-in-Zinc-Plated-Standard-SAE-Fender-Washer/3699488
3/16 in. x 12 in. Round Wood Dowels, 16 Pieces www.walmart.com/ip/19525317
@ Cool projects hi Im confused on how u glue the wheels to the dowel. When I do it my wheels aren’t able to move?
Pls help me my project is due tomorrow
Hello Martin! Make sure the wheels have a clearance to the straw(if you put the straw). There should be a little wiggle room when you glue your CD to the dowel so the wheel can freely turn. Don’t put too much hot glue or make sure the glue won’t stick to the straw or the wood frame. Good luck!
Martin, make sure there is a little side to side movement of the dowel & wheel.
Cool Projects good to know! Thanks so much:)
When I trigger the trap or activate the trap it won’t move. The holding bar won’t let of move. I don’t see that bar over the spring on your video. Please help. Thanks
Is the cheese needed?
Do you know the length and width of the car?
what do I do if the washers are smaller than the CD's I have.
You need the correct washer to fit into the CD and the dowel axle unless you have a smaller diameter axle. Or I suggest Try cutting a bottle cap and glue that to your CD and drill a hole for your axle. Good luck!😊
Thank you so much i will try to made this project to race my friend in school to get 100 points
I am on the time 2:48 of the video but my wooden dowel won’t fit through the straw so I was wondering what size straw would I need or is there any alternative other than the straw?
Find a larger diameter straw, try it first to the dowel if it fits. If you can’t find a straw that will fit you can eliminate it but make sure there is at least 1/2” gap between the CD wheel and the wooden frame to avoid friction. Good luck!
@@coolprojects7085 okay thank you, and I went to my corner store and found the right straw size.
Does the floss/string have to be straight when you tie it to the axel?
As much as possible make it straight so that the mousetrap will pull it easier.
zack?
What is the width of the vehicle not including the axles?
4.5 inches
How would I make it go backwards too?
R u in Science Olympiad middle school division B?
@@sundayfunday5059 i am and i’m literally dying😭
th-cam.com/video/b7zWwo9dbiU/w-d-xo.html 12:25
@@sahityasavaram5262 yo imagine we both have the same car lol
flip the car around lmfao
What about this is easy
??
Another question. If you can't find or buy the wedges, what are some good replacements?
Ern 160 what do you mean? What wedges?
@@coolprojects7085 I meant the fender washers.
You can eliminate the washer on the frame and the one on the CD wheel can be replaced by bottled water Cap then drill a hole in it same diameter of the axle. I hope this can help. Goodluck!
I'm here with my 8 grade burning mine neurons 😂
can u make one for me pls?
What if the whole in the ruler is already at 1/2 in from the end. Do I move both to the 1 in from the ends or does that affect the race at in any way?
Please answer! My project is due soon.
If you move it to 1inch the car will be shorter so it will go a little faster but shorter distance but I think the result will not be too much significant. Good luck!
@@coolprojects7085 Thank you!
i was wondering what brand of glue u used?
On the frame I used super glue from Harbor freight or you can use any brand of super glue or crazy glue. They bond really well on wood. I used hot glue on the CD wheel.
Trying not to our mom
I'm making me a goldsberge machine to fetch me a beer from my mini fridge and want to incorporate this xD
is there an alternative to the washers, i need to know right now, it’s due in 5 hours.
You can use water bottle cap, glue it then drill a hole same size as the axle.
@@wrusle could i just use tape?
Yes but it will wobble. Cut out a thin plastic(like pringles cover) then tape it and drill a hole.use duct tape
@@wrusle could i use rubber faucet washers instead of metal ones?
@@desiraqble I believe it will work. Just make sure it’s align with the CD when you glue it…
Mine only goes like 1 foot😂 I didn’t use balloons or straw, did that mess it up?
Live Bright, If the wheel skids you need the baloon. The straw serves as a spacer to prevent friction. Check also the string if it slides.
I got to work on this project now
How long did it take to cover that distance? mine needs to go 7 meters so i was wondering how long that would take
Around 20 seconds
@@coolprojects7085 what could I change about the design to make it go a little faster?
You need to make the frame shorter. It will be faster but the travel distance will be shorter.
@@coolprojects7085 thank u! Could i also maybe change something about the length of the dowel to make it go faster? Or use 3 wheels instead of 4?
How long does the mousetrap have to be (i need this for a school project)
Any length you want...
@@duanebaalson2287 NO
Hi! How long did this take?
Does this work on tile floor
Yes
how long are your dowel axels(need a quick response for school)
Around 7to8 inches then cut out the excess.
@@coolprojects7085 thanks a lot this video is a life saver
Does this work on carpet?
project due today need help asap rocky
project due tomorrow morning