When a survival situation demands creativity, the gear you carry takes on a new life. The image you’ve seen shows a perfect example of this ingenuity: a multi-tool transformed into a makeshift slingshot. This isn’t a factory-made product; it’s a testament to the fact that with a few simple items, a versatile tool like a Leatherman can be adapted for a completely different purpose.
This slingshot hack is a classic piece of “bushcraft”—the art of using practical skills to thrive in the wilderness. While a multi-tool is a must-have for any pack, this clever modification adds a potential new layer of utility for hunting small game or as a signaling device.
How to Make a Multi-Tool Slingshot
WARNING: A slingshot is not a toy. It can cause serious injury. Never aim at people, animals you don’t intend to hunt, or property. Always handle with extreme care.
The beauty of this project is its simplicity. It requires only three items, all of which are common in a survival kit.
The Gear You’ll Need
- A Multi-Tool: The one pictured is likely a Leatherman. A multi-tool with a sturdy, pliers-based design is essential. The pliers are key because they act as the “fork” of the slingshot.
- A Slingshot Band: The yellow rubber band is a specialized piece of gear designed for slingshots. You can purchase these bands online or from a sporting goods store. In a pinch, you could try to improvise with heavy-duty rubber from a bicycle inner tube, but a proper band is far more effective and durable.
- Cordage: The green wrapping looks like a rubber band or some elastic shock cord. Paracord or even strong twine would work just as well. This is what secures the band to the multi-tool.
The Simple Steps
- Open the multi-tool. Take your pliers-based multi-tool and open the handles until they form a V-shape. The pliers head should be facing up and away from you. The handles will serve as the slingshot’s frame.
- Attach the bands. Take your slingshot bands and place a small rubber band, paracord, or cordage at the end of each handle, near the pliers head. Use this cordage to securely bind the bands to each handle. Make sure the bands are firmly in place and won’t slip when under tension.
- Create a handstop. The middle of the slingshot needs a spacer to keep the handles from pinching your hand when you fire it. The one in the image uses a small piece of wood, but you could use a small rock, a rolled-up piece of fabric, or anything else you have handy. Secure the spacer with more cordage wrapped tightly around both handles. This adds stability and makes the slingshot much easier to hold and aim.
This quick modification demonstrates how a single piece of gear can be a solution to many problems. In a survival situation, every tool has the potential to become something more, and this Leatherman slingshot is an excellent example of that principle in action.
