Cardboard Claw Machine with Pulley Mechanism

Build a fun and interactive claw machine using cardboard and a simple pulley system. This project results in a 14" tall by 12" wide and 12" deep arcade-style claw machine perfect for small prizes or toys.

Intermediate 4 hours $15
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Measure and cut cardboard panels for the machine: front (12" x 14"), back (12" x 14"), sides (12" x 14"), top (12" x 12"), and base (12" x 12").
2. Assemble the box by gluing the sides to the base, then attach the front and back panels to form a sturdy box.
3. Cut out a large window on the front panel, leaving about 1" border all around for stability.
4. Create a platform inside the box to hold prizes by gluing a piece of cardboard about 3" above the base.
5. Make the claw by attaching three or four strips of cardboard or plastic (cut into claw shapes) to a small plastic cup or lightweight container. Use glue to secure them evenly around the cup's rim.
6. Attach a string to the claw that will run through your pulley system.
7. Create pulleys: either use small purchased pulley wheels or make simple pulleys by piercing bottle caps with a skewer or dowel acting as an axle. Fix these pulleys at the top inside corners of the box to guide the claw's string.
8. Thread the string through the pulleys so the claw can be raised and lowered by pulling the string.
9. Attach the string to a wooden skewer or thin dowel mounted horizontally across the top back of the box, so turning the skewer reels the string in and out. Use rubber bands or tape to secure the skewer's ends.
10. Add a simple control handle by making a small crank on the skewer for easier turning.
11. Test the claw movement by turning the crank to raise and lower the claw inside the box.
12. Decorate the outside of the machine with markers or paint as desired.
13. Place small prizes on the platform inside and enjoy your homemade claw machine!
Materials
Cardboard sheets (large, sturdy)
String or thin rope (about 3-4 feet)
Wooden skewers or thin dowels (for axles)
Paper clips or small hooks
Rubber bands
Hot glue gun and glue sticks
Scissors or craft knife
Ruler and pencil
Tape (masking or clear tape)
Small plastic cup or lightweight container (for the claw)
Small pulley wheels or DIY pulley wheels made from bottle caps
Markers or paint (optional, for decoration)
Small prizes or toys (to place inside machine)
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