How to Make a Paper Tank

Co-authored by Amy Guerrero

Last Updated: May 13, 2022 References Approved

Have you ever wanted to know how to make a paper tank? The process is simple. With a few easy steps, you can make an origami tank with a single sheet of paper.

Part 1

Part 1 of 4:

Preparing the Paper

1
Fold a sheet of paper in half. You will end up with a rectangle piece of paper.
- Before committing to a hard fold, make a soft fold to be sure it is properly placed.^{[1]
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- The larger the paper, the larger the tank.
- If you are doing this for the first time, using a larger sheet of paper (at least 8.5 x11 inch) will make the process easier.^{[2]
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- You can also use origami paper.^{[3]
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2
Cut or rip the paper in half along the fold. You can discard the other half or save it to make another tank.

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3
Fold the paper in half again. With this fold you are making a long rectangle.

Part 2

Part 2 of 4:

Making the Tank

1
Fold the ends of the paper into an X. Take one corner and fold diagonally to create a point. Unfold and repeat, folding the other side diagonally. When you unfold you will see the creases form an X. Repeat on the other end of the paper. ^{[4]
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2
Create pointed ends. Push in the sides of the paper where you made the folds (the X at each end). The paper will fold in on itself and create a point. Do this on both ends of the paper. Both ends now have an arrow shape.
3
Make the wheels. Fold both of the long sides of the paper once inwards towards the center. Take the inside edge and fold once again outwards, creating a flap.

Part 3

Part 3 of 4:

Making the Turret

1
Make the first part of the turret. Choose one end of the paper. Fold the ends of the arrow up and towards the middle. Leave a small gap in the center.^{[5]
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2
Turn the paper over. The smooth side (without the folds visible) should be facing up.
- Fold each end up.
- The end with the larger point (which looks like an arrow) should rest on top of the smaller end.
3
Tuck the flap below the larger point into the smaller point. The larger (arrow) end will rest in the gap created when you folded the first part of the turret.
4
Tuck the points of the first part of the turret underneath the sides of the arrow. Fold the points of the arrow under the turret points, locking them together to form the full turret.

Part 4

Part 4 of 4:

Finishing the Tank

1
Pull out the wheels. With your finger, gently unfold the flaps that are the wheels. Do this on both sides.
2
Add the gun. Insert a straw into the narrowest end of the top.^{[6]
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- You can also use a small piece of rolled up paper.
3
Secure the gun. If the gun falls out, you can use tape or glue to secure it.

Community Q&A

Question

How long does this activity take?

Community Answer

Not very long, usually no more than an hour.
Question

Is there an origami tank that actually shoots like a rubber band gun?

Community Answer

You can make one that is super big. Then put a rubber band gun mechanism inside the turret with a string attached to the trigger, and pull the string to shoot.
Question

Can I do this with sandpaper?

Community Answer

Unless you are up for a real challenge, probably not. Sandpaper is very thick and not at all like origami paper, so it would be very difficult.