This time we tackle another requested superhero mini weapon build, miniature Wolverine claws. Check out the video here if you haven’t already where you can find extra tips and the free template at the bottom of the page.
How to make mini wolverine claws
The basis for this build, like my mini bow and arrow project is a simple paint scraper like this one in the USA or this one in the UK. The steel used in a paint scraper is rust resistant and hard enough to hold a reasonable edge when worked with a dremel, or drilled with the correct drill bit. In the video you see me cut the steel blades with a dremel because it’s fast but a good quality hacksaw blade and decent files can be used, it’s just a lot slower. Whatever you cut with, take regular short breaks in the cutting, this keeps the steel cool so you don’t ruin it.
Drilling holes will require either a good quality titanium coated or cobalt drill bit. Tungsten carbide tipped bits will also work, but I couldn’t find any small enough. One tip I found for drilling tough thin flexible steel like that used in a paint scraper is to use a punch, then drill. If very slow progress is being made, consider punching again, then drill again. This seems to give more surface area to cut with the drill bit and weaken the metal just in that area.
For the wire that supports the claws I found some 1.6mm galvanised garden wire at the hardware store. Never heat coated wire with a flame, especially not if it’s galvanised as it releases poisonous gas. Although this is not a real concern with a very small build like this, to get round it I placed the wire in a chuck and turned it in semi rough abrasive grit paper to remove all traces of the galvanising. It was then simple to use a 1.5mm cobalt drill bit to make the correct size holes in the claws.
Fixing the wolverine claws to the wire
For a real sturdy neat job I decided to silver solder the wire into the claws. Very little flux or silver solder is required for this part and I had never done this before this build so it was an opportunity to learn a new skill. The video I watched to learn is here… How to silver solder
Miniature Wolverine claws template
When the JPG image is printed full screen on A4 it should, depending on printer and software, print to the correct size. The final print size can be tested by measuring a claw with the provided scale. Of course it’s only a guide, make them any size you like 🙂 If you do not have a laser printer (like me) but want to transfer the Wolverine text (like me), take the photo to a copy shop, or store like staples, multiple copies are cheap. The Wolverine claw templates are slightly thicker the required, this is to allow for the loss of metal during the sharpening process, after sharpening they should be fine.
The above project is aimed at adults for education and entertainment purposes only, not to replicate. Anyone doing so takes full responsibility for their own actions.