How To Make A Mouse Trap Car (Simple and Easy)

[@physicsburns]

Who is using this video to win a school competition?

[@Rayzer98]

Just to get it done lol

[@muscuranaabad2425]

Me

[@Tinchenboy]

Me

[@Sam3097]

Me

[@masadd]

i got a school project

[@dannydougherty7355]

YOU ARE AN ABSOLUTE GENIUS. Just reached 35 meters using this brilliant build. I’m forever in debt to you!

[@physicsburns]

Awesome job! I just guided you, you made it happen :)

[@swagified2704]

@@physicsburns ok

[@amanrai78]

mind sharing ur materials and how to guide>?

[@LemonHEHE.]

@@amanrai78 watch the video

[@bruh_epic]

POV: you have a school project and you looked up how to make mousetrap car

[@marythecavalier110]

Ugh yes and it’s due tomorrow

[@alexoas548]

Yes

[@hobojoebutsad]

Pov: it’s your literal final

[@JohnT_]

POV: It’s due today and you haven’t even built it

[@fathiahussen1781]

Same here!!!

[@saifal-hakeem9579]

After watching countless other videos on how to make this, and spending over 13 hours failing over and over, this video is the one that best helped me. Thank you!!

[@chloeterry-lloyd845]

Dang, 13 hours! Hopefully it doesn’t take me that long! 🙏🙏🙏😇

[@iconikkii]

thank you so much! this was the easiest tutorial To make a mousecar Ive found! Saved me and my classmate a lot of stress and helped us ace this assignment. When there were issues, it was easy to take apart and fix quickly. Also, our car went 25+ feet! this deserves a lot more attention (: Thanks for your help

[@Fallen._.Angelll]

Lol someone in my class made it to 96 feet school record

[@iconikkii]

@@Fallen._.Angelll no wayy

[@additupzay]

I’m stumped at the end

[@hydvine6841]

@@iconikkii im at 115 and someon e passed me at 116

[@kathuynh6451]

0:50 cardboard parts step 1) 1:05 base step 2) 1:16 cds step 3) 2:57 skewers thru cds step 4) 3:11 glue on straws step 5) 3:30 put cd wheels thru straws step 6) 5:04 check if car moves step 7) 5:18 place mouse trap step 8) 5:31 build stick for top of mouse traps step 9) 7:07 attach sticks on mouse trap step 10) 7:47 glue tiny wooden part onto the base step 11) 8:13 attach string to the sticks step 12) 8:42 attach the mouse trap to the base step 13) 9:10 TEST

[@Shordfinna]

who else is doing this for school

[@gradyleavitt2515]

yup

[@aidanamashamova4289]

Me:D

[@dwabtwhoiam1086]

mhm

[@Adam-to5xu]

Me

[@clethtinthiallor9179]

I wish

[@colincormier3124]

Cant tell you how much this saved my grade. Did a 3 week project in 3 days and went triple the goal of 25ft (69ft!)

[@zmanplayz8266]

Nice

[@danimartirosyan9235]

Cool!!

[@3scimo226]

I have watched this video for nearly 8671.26.09 hours, I am truly stunned by this mans remarkable ability to make such a stunning Mouse Trap Car. He definitely perfected his craftsmanship using the Guadiana Bamboo sticks. Very Lovely! I give it 5 out of 7 Points

[@physicsburns]

What about 5 out of point 7 :)

[@rogueplanetcompany]

Glaze

[@brenc6874]

My son added 3 zip ties around arm for stronger hold. Also, tested floss, twine and balloon string worked best. We got too much glue seeping out and created friction. ....be careful of that. Great video & totally saved the day!

[@thuydung_11cvnguyenngoc12]

Omgg I got the 1st place in our “Mouse Trap Car competition” in Physics 🎊🥺 Your video helped me a lot to build an easy car but really effective, and it worked out of my expectation. Thank you so much!

[@physicsburns]

Great job for making it happen!

[@rogueplanetcompany]

Stop riding his dick lil bro

[@famadingdong]

Currently doing this at three in the morning after winter break for school couldn't be doing any better thanks for making the tutorial super easy really appreciate it :)

[@physicsburns]

Best time to work :)

[@ilgoilgo6607]

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 ?

[@ShadeSlayer1911]

@@ilgoilgo6607 The extra work that the trap has to use in order to pull that string and turn the wheels slows it down so that it doesn't just snap like it normally would.

[@cherylmcdonald8934]

Did you use cardboard or wood in the middle of the cd?

[@AD-dg9hc]

Remade my car 2 times, Just tested it out and it finally works!

[@arkiplayer3755]

Thanks I am a grade 6 student and this only took an hour this got me an A on a race where you started on a slope and you have to go off the kenetic energy from the slope and try to get first. Not only was this car quite good on its own the mousetrap got me first place thank you sooooo much

[@physicsburns]

Wow, happy to hear :)

[@NoBody-oe3bf]

Hope you’re having fun in 7

[@ZealousWins]

Hope you're having fun in 8

[@sharkbait-hg5ve]

hope you're having fun in 9

[@rodr439iguez]

Hope you're having fun in 10

[@Ramthegoa.t]

thank you so much bro you saved me and my friends life. Im so grateful you made a you tube video about this without you i wouldn't be here man.your the reason i was able to figure the race car mouse trap concept.once again thank you so much

[@zxelle3549]

What are u attaching at 7:59 and how does it attach to the string plz help due tmr

[@physicsburns]

I'm attaching a tiny piece of wood, that a string would be able to wind into.

[@JawsFlawz]

I got a 100 on my engineering project because of this video. Tysm

[@ashleylazo4217]

I had to make one for school and this video is literally the best!! It helped me build it step by step and it came out great! Definitely Recommend this video if u are trying to build one! Easy to build and basic materials that work! Thank u shaking for this video

[@xurshido4ka260]

He really shook the video huh😂😆

[@ellier5131]

how far did your car go

[@lampyproductions]

@@xurshido4ka260 ikr

[@rogueplanetcompany]

U finished yet lil bro?

[@etcrafter8720]

WOW!! I have to do this for s school project. And oh my! This was buy far the easiest tutorial. Also all the material you probably have (maybe except for the mousetrap) This is great!!!

[@tamiwaters8438]

Helping my son with this. Thank you so much for this step by step tutorial!!

[@chrisperez782]

Thank u this helped me so much on a last minute school project that I would have failed the class if I did bad it worked great and was quick to build

[@physicsburns]

Happy to hear :)

[@arkiplayer3755]

Me too

[@rogueplanetcompany]

Hop off

[@chiefpanda7040]

I really appreciate you replying to the comment still today this design seems very useful since my teacher gave us nearly nothing to go off of when designing the cars, thank you

[@physicsburns]

You got this!

[@jamesgentile7445]

does he reply 7 months later?@@physicsburns

[@luvliallie]

got it to work first try and i’m so excited to show mine off tomorrow!!

[@physicsburns]

Nice!

[@luvliallie]

went 9.9 meters!

[@physicsburns]

@@luvliallie wow! Great job!

[@max2good4u70]

Thank you so much, you saved me & my bro. We love you❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@rowletkun4907]

How do you get the yarn to detach itself?

[@physicsburns]

Don't tie the string to the axle, instead make a loop where it can detach.

[@demipapandreou5954]

THANK YOU SO MUCH THIS SAVED ME!!! IT WORKS SO WELL AND GOT ME THE 10 METERS I WANTED!! :)

[@physicsburns]

Nice job!

[@rogueplanetcompany]

How u gonna ride his dick with no license

[@lildoozah]

How do you make the mousetrap wind down?

[@duanebaalson2287]

The more kids get involved involved with trigonometry, geometry, and physics, the better they can use those methods for problem solving like this.

[@SylvereNazaire]

Thanks so much, this was our secret weapon

[@physicsburns]

:)

[@lildoozah]

How do you make the trap go?

[@lizbethmante3084]

I’ll just restart what are the measurements for the cardboard?

[@Cecilia-op3ky]

14cm and 25 cm

[@tal444]

@@Cecilia-op3ky thank you!

[@jordanrainn]

i don’t understand the little hook thing for the string

[@carlos284]

Thank so much for this man it was super easy and, fun to build and mine won in my class contest by 57 feet!

[@physicsburns]

Nice job! Looking like a future engineer :)

[@hobojoebutsad]

These people are my heroes. y’all are the only reason i passed. #speakingfromtheheartbflecther #wap 🥰💃🍷 #yassification

[@rbkfig]

I can't stick the wooden stick with the mousetrap! it comes off with everything! help

[@snehaaradhya8143]

What are the sizes of the straws that were cut?

[@ajmoto14]

What are the dementions

[@rowletkun4907]

How do you make a loop where it can detach?

[@ashley-fx2er]

how long the string supposed to be???

[@physicsburns]

It should be able to be a little longer than the top of the lever arm to the axle. I hope that helps

[@shresthapatir6495]

How will using more than 1 mousetrap work? Like can we tweak the design and make it more efficient somehow?

[@physicsburns]

It can still work, but with more power there are more things that can go wrong structurally and with the wheels spinning out. However, if you design it well it will be good

[@shresthapatir6495]

@@physicsburns firstly thanks for replying. I am a noob so can you tell me what can go wrong?

[@physicsburns]

@@shresthapatir6495 well since there is so much force the cardboard might bend in half. There might be too much power that your wheels could spin out without enough grip

[@charlienorin4415]

How do you know how Big the circle is? Like in the beggining when you cut out the cardboard.

[@physicsburns]

It should be the size of a CD. However I suggest using CD,s instead.

[@christellebar1856]

is it possible for the car to be able to go further by making the wheels in the back bigger than the front ones and by making the body of the car in a more triangle shape than square

[@physicsburns]

Those all sound like good ideas :)

[@christellebar1856]

@@physicsburnsbut do u personally think it will make it go further ?

[@adsfsdf-p1g]

When i release the lever, thewheel moves from right to left and the wheel makes contact with the cardboard, making it stop. Do you know why this happens and how to fix it?

[@physicsburns]

I have seen this with some students. It's a bit of a complicated fix, but what you can do is cut the part of the cardboard so it doesn't rub up against the wheel.

[@adsfsdf-p1g]

@@physicsburns Thanks! Im surprised your still responding to comments

[@cherriemcbratney162]

Yes. Helping granddaughter to do this.

[@physicsburns]

Nice :)

[@junesjaber6336]

I have a question what exactly is on the string like at the end of the string

[@physicsburns]

It’s just a little stick that the string can attach to.

[@DianaZargozi]

thank you for this video,i have a question can you say me the physical background (formel) for this clip,Thank you

[@sparstic9483]

Thanks my mom wanted me to make one and this made it really easy

[@physicsburns]

hi mom :)

[@jamesgentile7445]

hello@@physicsburns

[@zzgaming29]

Quick question: I’m using dental floss as the string, and so far, after a few test runs, it’s working well, but I’m worried that when the actual test comes, it’ll snap. I tried researching how much tension dental floss can handle but the range is very big, so I’m wondering if you think this is a good idea or if I should switch it out with something else. Thanks

[@physicsburns]

I obviously can't see how your car is setup, but I would bet that the dental floss will work fine :).

[@ilgoilgo6607]

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 ?

[@camerynlanders1070]

My mousetrap car won’t move any suggestions??? Please help

[@physicsburns]

Most likely has to do with how the wheels are attached or friction or a combination of both. Make sure things are not rubbing against each other as little as possible. This is gonna sound devastating but you should probably start over :(. As crazy as that may sound you will make it a lot faster the second time around and things will turn out a lot smoother and better. Good luck!

[@victoriahernandez6643]

Thank you so much this really helped me out ✅😄

[@annalu3041]

8th grade final science project was this, our group made one and it didnt work, and now its due after the weekend so im taking it into my own hands and imma hopefully get this to work haha! Ill update in a few days!

[@physicsburns]

Good luck!

[@annalu3041]

@@physicsburns i built and it works perfectly! I’ll update once we race them

[@physicsburns]

@@annalu3041 excited to hear how it goes

[@additupzay]

Yo how do I get it to work

[@additupzay]

I wish i could talk to you I’m trying to make 2 for my sons

[@mo068]

Can you explain why you used this materials?

[@physicsburns]

I primarily picked materials that were easy to find in everyday life.

[@jamesgentile7445]

he doestn owe you anything

[@jamesgentile7445]

if your not the creator dont respond@@physicsburns

[@zezero8813]

In my car I wrap the string back around the axle so that the car is braked. How can I wrap this up so that doesn't happen?

[@physicsburns]

So you need to tie around the axle so that when it unwinds its able to let go of the axle. Or you can just make the string really long.

[@monebformul9116]

Can I use bottlecaps instead of cd?

[@physicsburns]

You can, but most likely the wheels will spin too fast and it won’t be able to grip to the ground as well. Also, even if it does move it probably would not go very far

[@monebformul9116]

@Physics Burns Oh, luckily I found my dads old cds. Also, I have another question: What if i cut my cardboard box out 14 cm width 25 cm length, but it doesn't look like the ones in the video. What will happen? Will it affect anything?

[@physicsburns]

@@monebformul9116 I would not imagine so

[@monebformul9116]

@Physics Burns Ok, thank you.

[@I_D_K_]

SOS: how is teh string attached to the cart in the front by the loop. like do you glue it to that point in the front??

[@physicsburns]

You can glue it, tape it, or tie it. Doesn’t matter.

[@I_D_K_]

@@physicsburns I know you can't see it bu my car is going backwards rather than forwards, by anychance do you know why?

[@physicsburns]

@@I_D_K_ wrap the string the other way. :)

[@I_D_K_]

@@physicsburns wow, my brian cells are not working at the moment. Thankyou, so, so, much it works now I just need to strengthen it, just thankyou like your saving my life right now. ~I'll most likely have questions later though😅

[@sanaahreed1450]

quick question what are the measurements for the cardboard

[@jamesgentile7445]

quick answer---- dont know

[@taylorburriss1349]

How big do you cut the little pieces of straws for the axle?

[@physicsburns]

Doesn’t matter too much

[@cookieclare9878]

Works great for distance and speed, but not for pulling things behind it!

[@physicsburns]

Ya it's not designed for that. It will most likely need more friction and a shorter lever arm.

[@michealliu8969]

What did you do to attach the string to the lever?

[@vincentchen1722]

How long can this mousetrap car travel?

[@physicsburns]

Depends how you make it, but as you can see the one I made went over 60ft. But others have made it over 100fy

[@vikvok5702]

thx you very much, it turned out awesome!

[@physicsburns]

Happy to hear 😀

[@venxeh]

This helped alot thank you sm. 🙏

[@physicsburns]

happy to hear :)

[@acecastro1665]

do you have to use two pieces of cardboard ?

[@physicsburns]

I would suggest doing because than it would be more sturdy, but it's not absolutely necessary.

[@Yolo-lq4eo]

I need help pls The wheels can move and I followed everything but when I set off the mousetrap it doesn't work

[@AlixBouquette]

Same 😭

[@additupzay]

Yo I’m at the last step with the ribbon and string I’m stumped!! Can u help me out

[@LoganPlantier]

is there a printed version of the steps??

[@orlin3673]

Instead of the CDs, I used washi tape rolls and sometimes when I test it, the car drifts left or right.. do you have any suggestions as to what to do? Thank you!!

[@physicsburns]

honestly this usually has to do more with the placement of the mouse trap. You want the mouse trap to be pulling from the center of thecar as much as possible.

[@orlin3673]

@@physicsburns Hmm, I see.. I actually should've clarified earlier that I didn't use a mousetrap. My car is made up of three large toothpaste boxes (2 on the bottom and one stacked on top in the middle) with 4 washi tape wheels connected to skewers (with a straw on top of the skewer). Our main concerns are the drifting of the car and the car not going as far as 3 metres. Any suggestions?

[@jamesgentile7445]

use cds

[@u-n-i]

My mousetrap instantly snaps despite me doing the same thing. The loop string just slips of or something, and unwinds itself instantly and the car doesn’t move. Help

[@physicsburns]

Try tying the string

[@7AM.Adrian]

Wait, you're supposed to set up the mouse trap and then somehow it unwinds??

[@AD-dg9hc]

For the string, will ribbons work? The thin curling ones

[@physicsburns]

Yes ribbon works well because it applies very little friction

[@AD-dg9hc]

@@physicsburns thank you so much for the response. When I try to pull the mousetrap back, I did it with the hold down bar on the hammer and it was very difficult to pull it all the way back and it lead to my front axel to the stick attached to the mousetrap to detach. What should I do with my design?

[@johanneslund5323]

Will this work for a reversible mousetrap car?

[@physicsburns]

what do you mean by a reversible moustrap car? Do you mean you glued the moustrap backwards? If so it can still work, but it won't be as effective and it's recommended to correct that.

[@johanneslund5323]

@@physicsburns I meant for a car that has to go forwards and backwards.

[@physicsburns]

@@johanneslund5323 ah okay. In order to do that you need to tie a shorter string onto the axle. You want the string to unwind one way then wind up the other way and go the other way. I hope that makes sense

[@additupzay]

Do i have to set the trap to get it to work?

[@jamesgentile7445]

The successful functioning of a mousetrap car does not necessarily require the traditional act of setting a mousetrap. While the term "mousetrap car" implies a connection to the familiar spring-loaded device designed to catch rodents, the actual mechanism employed in these miniature vehicles is a modified version of the mousetrap rather than the conventional use of its trapping function. A typical mousetrap car utilizes the spring-loaded potential energy stored in the mousetrap's metal bar, which is then converted into kinetic energy to propel the vehicle forward. The adaptation of the mousetrap involves repurposing its energy storage capacity and transforming it into a power source for the miniature vehicle. The process involves attaching a string to the extended arm of the mousetrap, which is then wound around an axle connected to the car's wheels. As the mousetrap's arm is released, the unwinding string pulls the axle, resulting in rotational motion that propels the car forward. This ingenious modification showcases the versatility of the mousetrap as a potential energy source, distinct from its original trapping function. Moreover, various mousetrap car designs exist, ranging from basic configurations to more complex and sophisticated models. These designs may incorporate additional elements, such as gears or levers, to optimize efficiency and enhance the overall performance of the vehicle. Some enthusiasts experiment with different materials and dimensions to achieve specific outcomes in terms of speed, distance traveled, or overall functionality. Consequently, the design and functionality of mousetrap cars extend beyond a simple application of the conventional mousetrap and encompass a nuanced understanding of physics and engineering principles. In conclusion, while the core concept of a mousetrap car hinges on the energy stored within a modified mousetrap, the process doesn't involve the traditional setting of the trap to catch rodents. The adaptation of the mousetrap as a power source for miniature vehicles highlights the creativity and innovation within the realm of DIY projects, demonstrating the multifaceted utility of everyday objects when repurposed for unique engineering endeavors.

[@epichikebreaks6491]

That music is so fire

[@Sophiehev]

Does it go backwards?

[@physicsburns]

You can make it that way, but I don't show how to do that in this video

[@Scarpyz]

What are the measurements for the card bord

[@kotah8287]

14 and 25

[@DeBuppy]

Thank you brother, my mousetrap car went 12 meters

[@nabihakhan6599]

Will the results change if I use a larger mouse trap, instead of the smaller version in the video? Will it go slower or at a shorter distance?

[@physicsburns]

It depends how elastic the mouse trap is more than how large it is. So if the mouse trap is a lot more stiff it can go a lot faster and further. But I believe the design of the vehicle will have a lot more to do with the distance and speed than the mouse trap. Good luck!

[@A83-A83]

What did you have in the center of the cds that you had to poke the skews through? And it kept them solid.

[@physicsburns]

small piece of cardboard

[@jennymoody3157]

I’m trying to find a written out instructional sheet, like step by step instructions I can read instead of just the video - is this anywhere? I bought that $5 report sheet but it doesn’t actually have instructions 🥴 Help!

[@physicsburns]

I’m sorry don’t have written instructions :(

[@jennymoody3157]

@@physicsburns no worries!!! I re-watched the video and typed them out slowly for myself and just copy and pasted screenshots 😂 I made it in 2 hours and my Cub Scout didn’t have to show up empty handed tonight 💪🏻 (It doesn’t go straight, but it goes so that’s all that matters 😂) Thank you!

[@physicsburns]

@@jennymoody3157 way to make it happen!

[@karla.05]

is it okay if I use 3'16 wooden dowels instead of the bamboo sticks

[@connerlehner7963]

When I attach the string and roll it in then let it go, it wouldn't move at all

[@br1an777__a]

What do you use for string please reply

[@physicsburns]

I personally used ribbion

[@br1an777__a]

@@physicsburns thank you mr.burns , i also wonder what do you mean glue at the top with the cds

[@dingleberryvr-eo1bq]

I have a question what do you do when your doing the string? I'm stuck on that

[@physicsburns]

You need to attach it to the "axle" and when the string unwinds it will move the car. Make sure you roll it up neatly, or else you will have trouble.

[@mouadkinglee4750]

how long is the string

[@MunchhFN]

how long is the arm for it?

[@physicsburns]

I would make it similar length to the body of the car.

[@MunchhFN]

@@physicsburns 👍

[@jbird7175]

Should I scale down the base of the car if I am required to use different (smaller) wheel types?

[@physicsburns]

You can but it won’t make much of a difference

[@brysoncramer8392]

POV you procrastinated on your school project till the last day

[@niy4029]

Where do you place the lever on the mousetrap?

[@Minervaz]

POV: you waited till the last second to do this

[@physicsburns]

I’m imagining that’s 90% of people here 😂

[@resentfulsidecharacter3713]

Can this car be designed to hold a tennis ball?

[@physicsburns]

Sure! Why not!

[@The.NeverEndingStory]

Can I use pencils instead of a bamboo skewer? Please answer this is due in 2 days

[@physicsburns]

Yes you can!

[@grantorino365]

Mine won't go straight and it has to go 60 feet!! Help!! 😭

[@jamesgentile7445]

welp get busy

[@Lemoncaake]

Do you have an answer as to why the car may not roll at all because mine won’t. I know that my wheels are a bit wobbly, but could it really affect the car that much?

[@physicsburns]

Netflix & Chill getting the wheels right is one of the most important steps. Many times it has to do with there being too much friction somewhere when it doesn’t move.

[@Lemoncaake]

Physics Burns I finally figured it out. 😜 Yes, my wheels are still a tiny bit wobbly, but my mouse trap was WAYYY too big, so I had to buy a smaller one. Thank you for the advice though. 😁😁

[@physicsburns]

@@Lemoncaake NICE

[@PancakeStack654]

How many meters does it go

[@Adam-ze7hi]

We’re the measurements?

[@physicsburns]

Hi measurements.

[@arbifox7]

No but what are the measurements?

[@lizbethmante3084]

When I wind up the mouse trap it doesn’t move what do I do?

[@physicsburns]

It depends but the most common problem is the amount of friction it needs to overcome. This can be between the wheel and the axle. The side of the car and wheel. Or with the pulley lever. Idk what’s wrong exactly but sometimes the quickest way to fix it would be start over. I know that sounds frustrating but you will make it a lot better the second time around. At least my students always do.

[@Probie2426]

Is that Christmas ribbon instead of string ?

[@physicsburns]

yes

[@ryanngillen2299]

What length are the bamboo skewers?

[@physicsburns]

About 10 inches

[@danielhogue8939]

what are all the measurements?

[@chrisperez782]

Ninjaxpert077 I didn’t measure and it worked out fine

[@BraydenDerrick]

Our entire class used this video. We all got A’s 😭