How to Make Cardboard Nunchaku

Last Updated: May 21, 2021

Nunchaku are potentially lethal weapons when made out of the right materials, like wood or metal, but when made out of soft materials are fun, light, and great training objects. By making them out of cardboard, however, it is cheaper then purchasing a foam one you find online or in catalogues.

Steps

1
Decide the length and thickness you want for your handles, and the length of your cord.
2
Gather duct tape and 2 (or 4, if you practice double nunchaku) cardboard pieces. The pieces should be of the same length and width as each other (i.e. 30cm long, 60cm wide).
3
Cord should be strong, if it is thin, braid it or find a new cord. Use this formula for the length of the cord (the length of handle is the length of the cardboard): (length of handle x 8) + 30cm (for distance between handles) + 20cm (for tying off the ends)
- The cord is 8 times as long as the handle so that it is fully wrapped through and around the card as the handle is constructed.
4
If you are making double nunchaku, ensure that the cords are the same length.
5
Fold the cardboard horizontally along its natural "grain" until it is nice and flexible.
6
Starting from the center of the weapon (the top of each handle), lay the cord the length of the cardboard, roll the cardboard over and lay the cord back up along the freshly rolled cardboard. Repeat this twice.
7
Ensuring that the end of the cord is at the top of the handle (ready to be tied to the middle piece of cord) and the cardboard cylinders are tightly rolled, wrap the handle in duct tape. The less cardboard is showing, the stronger your handles will be.
8
Knot the end of the cord sticking out from the duct tape around the middle piece of cord (the cord that will be holding the handles together).
9
Repeat process for second handle.
10
Test your weapon's strength by spinning it for a few seconds. In case of problems, reinforce the handle with further duct tape or consult an internet based knot archive.
11
Decorate your nunchaku (optional).
12
Prepare for battle.

Community Q&A

Question

How thick can I make the nunchaku?

Bheeshma Nair

Community Answer

By adding as many layers as you can possibly use in order to thicken them, you can make them as thick as you like.

Warnings

While not lethal, do not use these in an aggressive manner against other people or intentionally whack yourself full-force.

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