Making a Cheap Bottle Rocket Launcher

A bottle rocket launcher uses a bicycle pump to launch empty coke bottles or similar high into the air. It is one of those things that works far better than you would think and it even has an educational angle!

There are a few good designs on the internet for bottle rocket launchers made from plumbing supplies, but I wanted something cheap or free that I could make from bits and pieces I had around the house.

My design consists of:

1. The handle from a children's fishing net (any plastic or metal pipe about 2 feet/60cm long and small enough in diameter to fit into the neck of the bottles that you use will do).

2. A spare cycle pump adapter (and pump).

3. Some insulation/electrical tape

4. Bath sealant or cement.

Simply seal the cycle pump adapter into one end of the pipe with the end that connects to the pump protruding. Connect the pump and pump a couple of times to make sure that the sealant hasn't blocked it. Leave for enough time for the sealant to set. I used mine after about an hour but overnight would probably be better! The adapter needs to be set into a lot of sealant to make sure that the pressure won't push it out.

Wrap electrical tape around the other end of the pipe. You need enough to make a tight fit between the coke bottle and the pipe.

You now need a way to steady the launcher in an upright position. I did this by pushing the pipe through the drainage hole in a large flowerpot but it didn't work that well. I suppose you could glue/tape a sharp stick or tent peg to the base of the tube but I haven't tried this.

Fill a plastic bottle about 1/4 full with water. Quickly wedge it onto the top of the pipe. Connect the cycle pump and start pumping. When the pressure is enough the bottle will fly high into the air (and the person pumping will get very wet!)

Please be sensible if using this design. The pressure involved is quite low, but the bottle does leave the launcher at great speed. Take care that the launcher is steady and don't stand over/near it.

Have fun!

Neil