So, you want to make some spider webs to "dress-up" your latest Halloween project. Well, here's one way to do it using a hot glue gun and some inexpensive plumbing parts. (Oh yeah, it also requires a source of compressed air for operation.) It shoots fine strands of hot glue, that look very much like spider webs, onto your tombstones, skeleton or whatever you want. It can be made for under $40, is easy to use and works quite well. This design has been tested as a monthly project (Feb. 2006) for our CalHauntS prop building group. Seventeen people built their own and each one worked very well.

If you don't want to build your own, here's a good source for ready made web makers.

Here are the parts you'll need to build this shooter. Sources, part numbers and prices are listed at the end of this how-to. (You can click on any of the pictures for a larger image).

• Surebonder HE-750 80 watt glue gun
• 12" piece of 3/16" OD copper tubing
• 3/16" compression fitting to 1/8" pipe fitting
• 1/8" to 1/4" brass bushing
• Ball valve with 1/4" female threads
• Air fitting, 1/4" male
• Teflon tape

Tools needed:

• We'll start by opening the case. Remove all the screws that hold the case together and also remove the "hot" warning label on top of the case. Set this label aside to reapply later.
• Take out the rubber ring and "pen" spring. Store them safely for later reassembly.
• Remove the black spring from the blue post only.

• Remove trigger mechanism.
• Remove heater and cord.