How to Make a Paper Tank

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

Have you ever wanted to know how to make a paper tank? The process is simple. With a few easy steps, you can make an origami tank with a single sheet of paper.

Part 1
Part 1 of 4:

Preparing the Paper

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/df\/Make-a-Paper-Tank-Step-1-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Make-a-Paper-Tank-Step-1-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/df\/Make-a-Paper-Tank-Step-1-Version-3.jpg\/aid1756654-v4-728px-Make-a-Paper-Tank-Step-1-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":259,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":410,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    You will end up with a rectangle piece of paper.
    • Before committing to a hard fold, make a soft fold to be sure it is properly placed. [1]
    • The larger the paper, the larger the tank.
    • If you are doing this for the first time, using a larger sheet of paper (at least 8.5 x11 inch) will make the process easier. [2]
    • You can also use origami paper. [3]
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Paper Tank
    You can discard the other half or save it to make another tank.
    Advertisement
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Paper Tank
    With this fold you are making a long rectangle.
    4. Advertisement
Part 2
Part 2 of 4:

Making the Tank

PDF download Download Article
  1. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Paper Tank
    Take one corner and fold diagonally to create a point. Unfold and repeat, folding the other side diagonally. When you unfold you will see the creases form an X. Repeat on the other end of the paper. [4]
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Paper Tank
    Push in the sides of the paper where you made the folds (the X at each end). The paper will fold in on itself and create a point. Do this on both ends of the paper. Both ends now have an arrow shape.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Paper Tank
    Fold both of the long sides of the paper once inwards towards the center. Take the inside edge and fold once again outwards, creating a flap.
    4. Advertisement
Part 3
Part 3 of 4:

Making the Turret

PDF download Download Article
  1. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Paper Tank
    Choose one end of the paper. Fold the ends of the arrow up and towards the middle. Leave a small gap in the center. [5]
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Paper Tank
    The smooth side (without the folds visible) should be facing up.
    • Fold each end up.
    • The end with the larger point (which looks like an arrow) should rest on top of the smaller end.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Paper Tank
    The larger (arrow) end will rest in the gap created when you folded the first part of the turret.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Paper Tank
    Fold the points of the arrow under the turret points, locking them together to form the full turret.
    5. Advertisement
Part 4
Part 4 of 4:

Finishing the Tank

PDF download Download Article
  1. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Paper Tank
    With your finger, gently unfold the flaps that are the wheels. Do this on both sides.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Paper Tank
    Insert a straw into the narrowest end of the top. [6]
    • You can also use a small piece of rolled up paper.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Paper Tank
    If the gun falls out, you can use tape or glue to secure it.
    4. Advertisement

Video

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    How long does this activity take?
    Community Answer
    Not very long, usually no more than an hour.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 102 Helpful 128
  • Question
    Is there an origami tank that actually shoots like a rubber band gun?
    Community Answer
    You can make one that is super big. Then put a rubber band gun mechanism inside the turret with a string attached to the trigger, and pull the string to shoot.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 73 Helpful 114
  • Question
    Can I do this with sandpaper?
    Community Answer
    Unless you are up for a real challenge, probably not. Sandpaper is very thick and not at all like origami paper, so it would be very difficult.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 53 Helpful 86
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      Things You'll Need

      • Paper
      • Scissors (Optional)
      • A Straw (Optional)
      • Glue or tape (Optional)


      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Make Lucky Paper Stars
      How to Fold and Use a Paper Fortune Teller
      How to
      Fold an Origami Star (Shuriken)
      How to
      Fold a Dollar Into a Heart
      How to
      Fold a Paper Box
      How to Fold a Gum Wrapper Heart in 9 Simple Steps
      How to Make an Origami Heart 2 Different Ways
      Make a $20 Bill into an Origami World Trade Center
      How to Fold an Origami Heart: Quick & Easy Instructions
      How to
      Make Origami Paper Claws
      How to
      Fold a Hexaflexagon
      2 Fun & Easy Origami Bookmarks You’ve Got to Try
      How to
      Make a Paper Car
      How to Fold (And Throw) Your Own Paper Star
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ http://www.all-about-origami.com/origami-folding-tips.html
      2. ↑ http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/tips-for-folding-paper-into-origami-objects.html
      3. ↑ http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/origami
      4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-T6C6JIqfZA
      5. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10p9-xa_PZQ
      6. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10p9-xa_PZQ
      7. Videos provided by Andy Ino

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To make a paper tank, start by folding a piece of paper in half horizontally. After you’ve made a rectangle, fold each end of it diagonally twice, so the creases form an X when you unfold the paper. Once you have an X on each end, push in the sides of the paper where you made the folds to create a point on both ends. Next, make the wheels by folding the long sides in, then folding the inside edge back over to make a flap. Finally, fold the pointed ends up and toward the middle to create the turret and unfold the side flaps for the wheels. For tips on how to add a gun to the turret of your tank, read on!

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 159,657 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Claws 7.

        Mar 16

        "I am a big tank-nerd, this origami tank is easy and fun. Great way to keep busy!"
      More reader stories Hide reader stories
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement