Mini Weapons of Mass Destruction Series

Mini Weapons of Mass Destruction

by John Austin

Published 1 October 2009

PopularMechanics.com selection for one of The Best DIY and Home Improvement Books of 2009 We've come a long way from the Peashooter Era: with the advent of modern household products and office supplies--binder clips, clothespins, rubber bands, ballpoint pens, toothpicks, paper clips, plastic utensils, and (of course) matches and barbeque lighters--troublemakers of all stripes have the components needed to build an impressive, if somewhat miniaturized, arsenal. Toy designer John Austin provides detailed, step-by-step instructions for each project, including materials and ammo lists, clear diagrams, and construction tips, for mayhem-loving MacGyvers. The 35 devices include catapults, slingshots, minibombs, darts, and combustion shooters. Build a tiny trebuchet from paper clips and a D-cell battery. Wrap a penny in a string of paper caps to create a surprisingly impressive "bomb." Several of the projects even include variations where combatants mount laser pointer sights to their shooters to increase their accuracy. Finally, once you've built your armory, the author provides plans for a Top Secret Concealing Book to hide your stash, as well as targets for shooting practice. Never let your personal space go undefended again!

Desk Wars

by John Austin

Published 2 August 2018

'Cubicle farms are full of enemy combatants begging to be taken out.' WIRED

Achieve clandestine ends practically and inexpensively with Desk Wars - perfect for do-it-yourself spy enthusiasts. Follow fully illustrated step-by-step instructions to build 30 miniature secret weapons and surveillance tools from stationery, transforming common household items into uncommon gadgets and sidearms.

Assert dominion over the desktop with these cunning contraptions:

>>> Paper-Dart Watch
>>> Pen Blowgun
>>> Mint-Tin Catapult
>>> Rubber-Band Derringer
>>> Toothpaste Periscope
>>> Bionic Ear
>>> Cotton Bud .38 Special
>>> Paper Throwing Star
>>> 44 marker magnum
>>> And more!