How to Make a Paper Tank

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Step-by-step tutorial to make an origami tank
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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.

Folding an Origami Tank

You can make a paper tank using a piece of paper and a straw or small piece of rolled up paper. Start with the base of the tank, the turret, and then finish off by pulling out the wheels and taping the gun.

Part 1
Part 1 of 4:

Preparing the Paper

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  1. 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.
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  3. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Paper Tank
    With this fold you are making a long rectangle.
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Part 2
Part 2 of 4:

Making the Tank

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  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.
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Part 3
Part 3 of 4:

Making the Turret

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  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.
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Part 4
Part 4 of 4:

Finishing the Tank

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  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.
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Community Q&A

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  • 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.
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    Not Helpful 104 Helpful 136
  • 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.
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    Yes No
    Not Helpful 78 Helpful 125
  • 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.
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      Things You'll Need

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

      Tips

      • To make the tank move more smoothly, put glue on the bottom of the treads. When it dries, there will be less friction when you push the tank around.
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      Tips from our Readers

      The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
      • If you use a regular A3 piece of paper, you don't have to cut it into a rectangle because it already is one. This also makes a bigger tank.
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      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!

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