Section VII
No. II
A common mousetrap can be used to make a circuit closing switch for electrically initiated explosives, mines and booby traps.
MATERIEL REQUIRED:
- Mousetrap
- Hacksaw or File
- Connecting wires
PROCEDURE:
1. Remove the trip lever from the mousetrap using a hacksaw or file. Also remove the staple and holding wire.
2. Retract the striker of the mousetrap and attach the trip lever across the end of the wood base using the staple with which the holding wire was attached.
NOTE: If the trip lever is not made of metal, a piece of metal of approximately the same size should be used.
3. Strip one in. (2 1/2 cm) of insulation from the ends of 2 connecting wires.
4. Wrap one wire tightly around the spring loaded striker of the mousetrap.
5. Wrap the second wire around some part of the trip lever or piece of metal.
NOTE: If a soldering iron is available, solder both of the above wire a in place.
HOW TO USE:
This switch can be used in a number of ways — one typical method is presented here.
The switch is placed inside a box which also contains the explosive and batteries. The spring loaded striker is held back by the lid of the box and when the box is opened the circuit is closed.
