20 Essential Homemade Weapons For When SHTF

Homemade weapons for when SHTF can come very handy, so know more about these essential homemade weapons now!

Homemade Weapons for When SHTF You Need to Know

The Essence of Knowing Homemade Weapons for When SHTF

Homemade weapons for when SHTF can protect you and your loved ones. That's the reason why preppers and survivalists are so into self-defense weapons, after all. It's ingrained in each one of us that we must have one or a few (or a dozen) or else and when things get really ugly, we are left to fend for ourselves.

What would you do when there is no gun or ammo around? It's when these DIY weapons will come into play, so here's a list of improvised weapons you should familiarize with.

1. Homemade Knife

Knives carved themselves an indispensable spot in a survival situation because they are versatile tools you can use for a variety of task. Their ability to cut, slice, and dice along with its size make it one of the most excellent self-defense weapons we can use. So when you find yourself in dire straits, knowing how to make a homemade knife will give you an edge and increase your chances of survival.

2. Homemade Mini Cannon

You can easily turn an ordinary BBQ lighter into a mini cannon, which shoots Airsoft pellets. You only need a BBQ lighter, an epoxy or any strong adhesive, a few screws, and a drill. Find out the simple steps to make your own homemade mini cannon.

3. Homemade Bow

A bow is one of the top homemade weapons for when SHTF because… Daryll from The Walking Dead. The first thing which comes into the mind of a survivalist when they think of survival bow is getting it from some hearty tree sampling in the woods but actually, we can use readily available materials like a scrap PVC. Learn how to make your own PVC fiberglass bow here!

4. Homemade War Hammer

Looking at this bad boy leaves you in awe of its destructive power. You can make it out of common plumbing pipe, which you can get at your local hardware store. This homemade weapon may have a simple design but never underestimate its potential to defend you when SHTF. Find out how to make this DIY war hammer!

5. Homemade Sword

Sure it's medieval, but a sword has a long reach and it is one of the most effective and lethal homemade weapons for when SHTF. Check out the step-by-step instructions and the materials you need to create your homemade sword.

6. Homemade Stun Grenade

Of the homemade weapons for when SHTF, stun guns are some of the most popular. It is one of the most effective improvised street weapons you can create because of the availability of the materials. All you need are some PVC plugs and couplings, glue, baking powder, and vinegar. Learn the simple instructions to make a homemade stun grenade.

7. Homemade Slingshot

Hit your target or attacker from a distance with this homemade slingshot. It is easy to make and you can use a variety of ammunition. You can use steel balls, bearing, rocks, pebbles, marbles, and whatnot. And if you have a good aim, this slingshot can be as deadly as a firearm in close proximity. Find out the different ways to make your own homemade slingshots here!

8. Homemade Saw Blade Slinger

No one, not even a zombie, would want to be on the receiving end of this slinger. This homemade saw blade slinger may be a bit eccentric, but this bad boy is extremely deadly. Here are the steps in making your own saw blade slinger! You can also include this one on zombie apocalypse weapons.

9. Homemade Compound Bow

Compound bows are easier to pull than traditional bows and give you more time to take aim. This is what makes it one of the ideal homemade weapons for when SHTF. You can simply make your own compound bow using a few items.

10. Homemade Arrowhead

Now you have your bow, it's time for you to make a broadhead with a spoon. In times of distress and survival, it's not only enough knowing how to defend yourself. Other skills such as hunting will increase your chances of survival. And this is where your bow and arrow will come into play. Find out the simple ways of making a homemade arrowhead out of a spoon!

11. Homemade Throwing Stars

DIY Shuriken Throwing Stars Photo by Instructables

Summon your inner ninja with these shurikens but just be careful in handling them. This is a great alternative weapon to defend yourself without using a gun. Learn how to make this homemade throwing stars in seven easy steps!

12. Homemade Pump-Action Rocket Gun

This is a very interesting project, which has great potential for some more research and development. A homemade pump-action rocket gun is not difficult to make, plus the materials you need are affordable and easy to come by. Here are the instructions for building your own pump-action rocket gun.

13. Homemade Flame Thrower

How To Make A DIY Flamethrower Photo by Survival Life

Scare away or burn away intruders or attackers with a homemade flamethrower. Hell, you can even kill zombies with this badass weapon. Ever played Plants vs. Zombies? Find out how to make a flamethrower using an air compressor.

14. Homemade Survival Cane

This is probably one of the best innocent-looking weapons you can make, but don't be fooled by its appearance. That's because a cane can be deadly when utilized by a trained person. A cane is not only one of the most excellent self-defense weapons, but you can also turn it into a survival equipment. Here's how to make a survival cane!

15. Homemade Mini Stun Gun

It's not as powerful as the real stun gun, but it's enough to give a good shock. You can adjust it and add more power to it if you deem fit. This homemade weapon is pretty easy to do because anyone who knows how to use a soldering iron can hack it. Check out the easy step in making a homemade mini stun gun.

16. Homemade Landmine

This homemade lunch-bomber landmine can blast Airsoft pellets or any material you want. In a SHTF situation, anything can be used as a weapon even an ordinary lunch box. A homemade landmine is an interesting and fun project, but things might go south. You might also hurt those around you if you are not careful. Find out how to build one!

17. Homemade Bat

One of the easiest to find weapons when SHTF is a baseball bat, but you can turn your Louisville Slugger into a deadlier weapon. After all, in a post-apocalyptic period, it's either kill or be killed. Find out the different ways to modify your good ole reliable baseball bats and use it when things go sour.

18. Homemade Primitive Club

Knowing how to make a homemade primitive club is a good leverage in a survival situation. In the event when you don't have access to guns or pistol, these homemade clubs can be used to smash or hit your attacker. One solid strike can certainly knock them out! Check out the materials you need and the instructions to make a primitive club.

19. Homemade Staff

With the right technique, even a wooden staff is a formidable weapon. That's because, like a primitive club or a baseball bat, a homemade staff can surely deliver your opponent to the ground. This project is also pretty straightforward to do. All you need to do is look for a robust stick then, voila! You now have a weapon to defend yourself.

20. Homemade Pocket Dart Gun

Pocket Dart Gun Photo by Instructables

This little dart gun is proof that even small weapons can be dangerous, especially when you hit your assailant in the weak spots such as the eyes. Learn how to make this homemade pocket dart gun and do some practice shots after.

Of course, nothing beats tactical survival weapons, so watch this video from Honest Outlaw for the top 5 tactical guns for your bugging out ideas:

Knowing how to make survival weapons and use them effectively is important. So take the time to learn the techniques because it will make the weapon safer and more useful. You may not have semi-automatic rifles with high-capacity magazines and powerful assault weapons, but these badass weapons listed above can protect you when SHTF indeed!

Do you have other homemade weapons for when SHTF in mind? Share it with us in the comments section below! 

Up Next: Unusual Weapons From Around The World And How To Use Them

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Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on May 7, 2018, and has been updated for quality and relevancy.