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A pea shooter is a small and inexpensive device that can launch any small object at very high speeds. It is similar to a slingshot but much smaller and easier to make.



  1. 1
    Cut the bottom of a film canister off, or other small plastic container so you have a short plastic tube.
  2. 2
    Stretch a balloon over the end of the tube. Put it far enough on so that the neck of the balloon is stretched around the tube.
  3. 3
    Put any small object in the open end of the tube.
  4. 4
    Grab the object through the balloon and pull it back a few inches, then let the balloon go.
  5. 5
    See it fly forward at speeds up to a few hundred miles per hour.


  • A dime or small rock has enough velocity to pass through multiple soda cans.
  • Round objects fly straighter than less round objects.
  • Thicker balloons work better, but the large punching bag balloons don't work very well.
  • If using plastic with rough edges, put tape on these edges to stop the balloon ripping.
  • A toilet paper tube works well.


  • The completed device is very dangerous.
  • Eye protection is recommended to protect against backfires and ricochets
  • Never aim the pea shooter at a person. Even a very light object such as a tiny berry can cause serious injury at close range due to the high muzzle velocity.
  • Use smooth ammunition - Any rough edges will break the balloon.
  • Put on a new balloon if any holes are seen in the balloon when you pull it back. Failure to replace a worn out balloon will cause backfires.
  • Dense objects such as BB's or rocks are more prone to backfires because the weight of them sometimes breaks the balloon as the object is rapidly accelerated.
  • If you decide to launch a long object (for example using a pencil as an arrow), never pull it back far enough that the tip is not in the tube. Doing so will cause the object to skew sideways, go through the balloon and stick in your hand.
  • Use a lot of caution and common sense.

Things You'll Need

  • Balloons
  • A film canister or small plastic tube

Article Info

Categories: Slingshots and Catapults

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