To make a Cranky Contraption, it's important to use real tools. Bending wire, gluing materials together, and punching holes are all part of the process of making mechanical motion. Check out some of our favorite tinkering tools:
Pliers: Essential for wire bending, look for needle nose pliers that are appropriately sized to the hands using them.
Scissors: An essential tinkering tool for many projects.
Hot glue gun: Another go-to tinkering tool.
Drill: Optional, if you need to add a hole to a thicker material like wood or plastic.
We've found that it's helpful to have a few more tools on hand as necessary but may not be required:
Masking tape
Hole punchers: 1/4in (0.5cm) and 1/8in (0.25cm)
Popsicle stick cutter
Wire cutters
Elmer's glue
Use materials on hand to make a cranky contraptions: craft materials, recyclables, and even food can make whimsical creations. Here are some of our favorite materials:
Colorful markers
Construction paper
Thin craft foam
Brads
Googly eyes
Tongue depressors
Popsicle sticks
Skewer sticks