Isla Bennett
Rainsticks are traditionally used as musical instruments and, in some legends, as ceremonial tools to summon rain. You can make your own rainstick with nails and common household items. The length of the tube you use will determine the sound your rainstick makes — longer tubes produce more sound. You can use cardboard tubes, plastic tubes, PVC pipes, or even metal. After sealing one end of the tube, you'll need to hammer nails or toothpicks through the tube and fill it with materials like rice, dried beans, or beads. Seal the other end, and your rainstick is ready!
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Materials | Cardboard tube, Pringles can, duct tape, nails, rice, beans, aluminium foil, glue, construction paper, index cards, filler (pebbles, raw rice, dried beans, corn kernels, beads, lentils, pea gravel, dried peas, marbles) |
| Tools | Hammer, screwdriver |
| Steps | 1. Cover one end of the tube with construction paper. 2. Hammer nails into the tube. 3. Fill the tube with your chosen filler. 4. Seal the other end of the tube with construction paper or tape. |
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What You'll Learn
Selecting the tube: use cardboard, plastic, PVC or metal
When making a rainstick with nails, the first step is to select an appropriate tube. The type of tube you choose will determine the sound and durability of your rainstick, so it's important to consider your options carefully. Here are some popular choices:
Cardboard
Cardboard tubes are a popular choice for rainsticks due to their accessibility and ease of use. You can use recycled cardboard tubes, such as paper towel rolls, chip canisters, or gift wrap tubes. If you're using paper towel rolls, you can tape multiple rolls together to create a longer tube, which will result in a better sound. Cardboard tubes should be sturdy and durable enough to withstand multiple punctures from nails.
Plastic
Plastic tubes can also be used for making rainsticks. They are readily available and can often be found at thrift stores. Look for thick-walled plastic tubes that can hold screws securely and withstand repeated use.
PVC
PVC pipes are another option for creating rainsticks. They are durable and can provide a good base for inserting nails or screws. PVC pipes are typically sturdy and can be found in various lengths and diameters, allowing you to customize the sound of your rainstick.
Metal
Metal tubes can be used for rainsticks, but they are less common due to the difficulty in inserting nails or screws. Metal tubes may require specialized tools or techniques to create the punctures needed for the nails. However, they can provide a unique and durable option for rainstick construction.
Remember, the length and thickness of the tube will affect the sound of your rainstick. Longer and thicker tubes tend to produce a more pronounced sound. Choose a tube that is sturdy and durable enough to hold the nails or screws securely and consider the ease of inserting nails or screws when making your selection.
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Choosing the filler: rice, beans, lentils, or beads
The filler material you choose for your rainstick will depend on the sound you want to create. Each filler will make a distinct sound as it falls through the tube and hits the nails. For example, smaller, lighter fillings like rice or tiny seeds often produce a softer, higher-pitched sound. Larger, heavier materials like pebbles or metal beads create a louder, lower-pitched, and sometimes more percussive sound.
Rice is a popular choice for filler material as it is small and light, creating a soft, gentle sound. Raw, uncooked rice is best, and you can experiment with different types of rice to find the sound you like best. For example, long-grain rice will create a different sound from short-grain rice. You can also try using other small grains, such as corn kernels or quinoa.
Beans are another common filler for rainsticks. Dried beans will create a harder, more distinct sound than rice. You can experiment with different types and sizes of beans to find the sound you prefer. For example, kidney beans will create a different sound from smaller beans like navy beans.
Lentils are another option for filler material. They will create a similar sound to beans as they are also small and hard. You can experiment with different types of lentils to find the sound you like best.
Beads can be used to create a louder, crisper sound. Metal beads will create a more percussive sound, while plastic or glass beads will create a softer sound. The size of the beads will also make a difference in the sound, with smaller beads creating a higher-pitched sound and larger beads creating a lower-pitched sound.
You can also mix and match different filler materials to create unique and complex sounds. For example, you could try mixing rice and beans or beads and lentils. Experiment with different combinations and amounts of each filler to find the sound you like best.
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Inserting nails: use a hammer or tap by hand
When inserting nails into your rainstick, it's important to ensure they are securely in place. You can do this by using a hammer or tapping them in by hand. If you opt for the latter, it is advisable to have another person hold the nails in place while you tap them in, or vice versa. Nails are ideal for thicker cardboard tubes, such as shipping or chip canisters. Make sure to choose nails that are shorter than the tube's diameter to prevent them from poking through the other side.
Before inserting the nails, it is recommended to mark the tube to ensure even spacing. You can do this by making small dots about half an inch (1.25 cm) apart along the tube, following the spiral seam if using a paper towel roll. Aim for about forty nails for each 12 inches (30 cm) of the tube.
Once you have marked the spots for nail insertion, carefully hammer or tap each nail into the tube at the marked locations. Be gentle when using a hammer to avoid damaging the tube or inserting the nails too deeply. Ensure the nails are firmly in place, but be careful not to puncture the opposite side of the tube.
After inserting the nails, you can wrap a layer of duct tape around the tube to secure the nails further and add a decorative touch. You can use patterned or coloured duct tape to personalise your rainstick.
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Securing nails: use duct tape or glue
When it comes to securing nails in your rainstick, there are a few methods you can use. One popular method is to use duct tape. Wrapping a layer of duct tape around the tube will help hold the nails in place and ensure they don't poke through the other side of the tube. You can also use coloured or patterned duct tape to add a decorative touch to your rainstick.
Another option for securing nails is to use glue. If you're using a paper tube, you can mark dots about half an inch apart along the spiral seam of the tube. Poke a nail through each dot and then seal the end with tape or construction paper. You can also reinforce any end caps with glue and then further secure them with duct tape or rubber bands.
If you're using a plastic PVC tube, you can heat up the nails and then push them through the outside of the tube, so the heads are flush with the outside. You can then put a layer of duct tape over the nails to ensure they stay in place.
For either type of tube, it's important to make sure the nails are shorter than the diameter of the tube so they don't poke through the other side. You can also use different-sized nails to create a more interesting sound.
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Sealing the tube: use tape, glue, or end caps
Sealing the tube is an important step in making a rainstick, as it ensures that the filler doesn't fall out and creates an airtight seal to produce the desired sound. Here are some methods you can use to seal the tube:
Tape
Using tape to seal the ends of the rainstick is a simple and effective method. Cut two circles from cardstock or index cards slightly larger than the tube's ends. Place one circle over one end of the tube and secure it with tape. You can use duct tape, which is strong and durable, or choose coloured or patterned tape to add a decorative touch. Cover the entire end with tape to ensure a tight seal. Repeat this process for the other end of the tube.
Glue
Another option for sealing the tube is to use glue. Cut out circles from cardstock or index cards slightly larger than the tube's ends, similar to the tape method. Place one circle over one end of the tube and secure it with glue. Hold it in place until the glue dries completely. You can reinforce the glued cap with tape or rubber bands for added security.
End Caps
If you're using a tube with end caps, such as a poster tube, you can use the caps to seal the tube. Insert the plastic cap onto one end of the tube and secure it with tape. You can then fill the tube with your chosen filler and cover the open end with your hand to test the sound. Once you're happy with the sound, place the second cap on the other end and secure it with tape.
It's important to note that you should always test the sound of your rainstick before completely sealing both ends. This allows you to adjust the amount of filler or make any other changes to get the desired sound.
Additionally, if you're using a Pringles can or similar container with a built-in end cap, you can simply seal the open end with tape or glue after filling the container.
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