Learn how to make caltrops – small, sharp spikes that are a staple in any survivalist’s self-defense arsenal – in this novice-friendly 5-step tutorial.
With three common tools, and some metal, and some creative cutting, you whip these bad boys up in no time at all!
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How to Make Caltrops | Create DIY Caltrops in 5 Easy Steps
What You Need:
- Small sheets of tin (quantity depends on how much caltrops you want to make)
- Permanent Marker
- Tin snips
- Pliers
Step 1: Check if Caltrops Are Legal In Your Area
Before making these caltrops, make sure it’s even legal to have them in your area. Some states, like Texas, consider even possessing caltrops a felony, while in some other places you’re liable for any injuries or damages to property you cause.
Your survival gear shouldn’t be the thing that can land you in jail.
Step 2: Mark Where to Cut
First, use a permanent marker to draw out two triangles on either side of your tin sheet. This tells you where to cut on your sheet of metal.
Step 3: Cut Along the Lines
Then, use your tin snips to cut along the lines you just marked. You should end up with a bow-like shape after.
Step 4: Bend the Edges with Pliers
Once you have cut down the metal sheet to the desired shape, bend the pointed edges on one side at a 45-degree angle opposite each other with some pliers. Repeat the process with the other side of the metal.
Your sheet of metal has now turned into a caltrop.
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Step 5: Repeat Step 2 to Step 4 As Many Times as You Want
Repeat step 2 to step 4 until you make the desired number of caltrops. Make sure to cut and bend all your spikes the same way so you can stack them on top of each other afterward.
Step 6: Test Your DIY Caltrops Out
Once you’ve created several caltrops, throw them on a flat surface to test them out. As you can see, no matter how or in what direction you throw them, at least one of those spikes face up when they land.
Note: Be careful when touching your DIY caltrops, as they are very sharp!
Those are all the steps you need to know on how to make caltrops. They are a super simple way of protecting yourself and your surroundings in a pinch using things you can find lying around in the house.
Just make sure to avoid stepping on them yourself after throwing them on the ground. They’re much more painful than stepping on Legos.
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Have you used caltrops in your own adventures? Share your experiences in the comments section below!
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