Can you build a functional weapon using only household items?

Ideas & Philosophy · Published 8 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Discover how Dave Ansell, the Naked Scientist's Kitchen Specialist, repurposed a 1300W vacuum cleaner to create the 'Vacuum Bazooka', a DIY device capable of launching projectiles over 30 metres.

The video demonstrates the construction of a custom-built vacuum bazooka using everyday materials like plastic pipes, tubes, and foam-covered projectiles. This DIY project showcases how high-powered suction—specifically 1300W of Hoover power—can be harnessed for science demonstrations.

The mechanism is versatile enough to support different loading methods, ranging from manual hand-feeding to a chain-fed system.

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