Required Tools and Materials

Mousetrap
String
Drill
Hammer
Nails
Dowel
Screwdriver
Screws
U braces
Glue
Hanger wire
Wood board
CDs (or other circular objects)

Set up the Board and Mousetrap

Get the wood board. It can be of any length as long as it’s a lightweight. Set the mousetrap on top of it. Screw the mousetrap on the board. The trap should be near one end. This is going to be the front. Make a hole (3 x 3”) in the back area (where the trap isn’t mounted).

To build a mousetrap car, place a couple of U braces below the hole you just made. Put two more U braces on the other end of the board.

Prepare the Wheels

Take the dowels and slice it into two equal parts. Cut it so that it projects an inch from the board. Insert the dowel in the U braces you created. Put glue on the CDs and attach to the dowel.

Apply as much glue as necessary to keep the wheels in place. Next, drill an opening in the dowel. This should be the dowel where the 3 inch hole is located. Fasten a string through it.

Take the hanger wire. Cut it so that it will extend a few inches from the board’s edges. To build a mousetrap car, you must straighten the wire. Glue the wire to the mousetrap. You can use wire bindings instead of the glue.

The Finishing Touches

Take the loose string. Secure it to the wire. Wind the opposite end. You might need the help of another person to do this. When you let go, the car will move.

Tips

You can take off the bait folder from the trap; it’s not needed. You also needn’t restrict yourself to CDs for the wheels. Plywood will make for excellent wheels. Use a compass or bottle lid to trace a circular shape around the plywood. Cut it with a saw. Now you have wheels.

If you’re going to build a mousetrap car, consider adding some rubber around the wheels. It will make for nice threads. The dowels can be made of metal or plastic.

If you’re going to use plywood for the wheels, you should file it to remove the rough edges. It will also be handy for the other wooden components of the car.

Warnings

Handle the mousetrap with care. Also make sure you don’t get any glue on your hands. If you’re using epoxy, follow the guidelines to mix them properly. Don’t try racing the car until the glue has totally dried. Give the car a test drive. If you put in the right amount of glue, the wheels won’t come off.

Learning to build a mousetrap car can be fun. Once you make one, making others will be easier. With enough mousetraps, you can have racing competitions with your friends.