SAFETYGUIDELINES

General Safety

• Not Toys: Handmade wooden slingshots are powerful tools, not toys, and must be handled with responsibility to prevent serious injury.
• Age Restriction: Recommended for users aged 14 and older. Children under 14 require constant adult supervision, and those under 5 should not use them at all due to risks.
• Eye Protection: Always wear ANSI Z87.1-rated safety glasses or goggles to protect against projectiles, ricochets, or band failures. These are available at hardware stores or online.
• Additional Protective Gear: Wear long sleeves, gloves, and closed-toe shoes to minimize injury from misfires, drops, or fragments.
• Responsible Use: Never aim or shoot at people, animals, or property. Use only in safe, designated areas away from bystanders, buildings, and traffic.
• Legal Compliance: Check local laws and regulations, as slingshots may be restricted or classified as weapons in some areas.

Shooting Safety

• Target Awareness: Clearly identify your target and assess what lies beyond and around it to avoid unintended harm from misses or penetrations.
• Backstop Requirements: Use a soft, energy-absorbing backstop (e.g., layered fabric, rubber mulch, or commercial targets) large enough to capture all shots safely.
• Avoid Hard Surfaces: Do not shoot at hard surfaces (e.g., metal, concrete, rocks) or water, as projectiles can ricochet unpredictably, causing injury or damage.
• Shooting Angle: Aim at a 30–45° angle to the target to reduce ricochet risks back toward the shooter. Avoid 90° angles to the target or backstop.
• Ammunition Selection: Use only smooth, slingshot-specific ammunition like steel or clay balls. Avoid rocks, glass, or irregular objects that could shatter or cause erratic flight.

Slingshot Inspection and Maintenance

• Pre-Use Inspection: Before every use, check latex tubing for wear, cracks, brittleness, thinning, or discoloration. Replace damaged bands immediately with quality replacements from the manufacturer or reputable sources.
• Fork and Wood Integrity: Squeeze the forks firmly to detect cracks, splits, or weakness. For natural branch slingshots, inspect for signs of mold, rot, or insect damage, which can weaken the wood.
• Ammunition Check: Examine ammo for defects to ensure safe, consistent performance.
• Wood-Specific Care: Handmade slingshots from natural branches may be prone to cracking if not properly dried or treated. If you notice any structural issues, discontinue use and contact us to discuss replacement.

Storage and Care

• Proper Storage: Keep in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, heat, humidity, or moisture. Sunlight degrades latex, while dampness can cause wood to mold, rot, or weaken.
• Maintenance Tips: Clean with a dry cloth to remove debris. Avoid water exposure to prevent warping or mold in wooden components.

Additional Safety Recommendations

• User Training: Learn proper techniques from reliable sources or experienced users to enhance safety and accuracy.
• First Aid Preparedness: Have a basic first aid kit available for potential injuries like cuts, bruises, or eye issues.
• Risk Awareness: Be mindful of high-speed projectile risks, including skull penetration from powerful shots, and always prioritize safety to prevent accidents.