DIY Spinning Top Toy for Grandkids

Updated at: 20/05/2025

Spending quality time with your grandkids is priceless, and what better way to bond than through creative play? Forget expensive, battery-operated toys; this guide shows you how to craft a classic, captivating spinning top entirely from materials you likely already have at home. Building this toy isn't just about the end result; it’s about the shared experience of creation, the satisfaction of making something with your own hands, and the joy of seeing your grandkids' eyes light up with wonder as they watch their new toy spin. It’s a simple project, perfect for a weekend afternoon, and guaranteed to spark hours of imaginative play.

This simple DIY spinning top project requires minimal tools and materials, making it accessible to all skill levels. From choosing the perfect materials to the final flourish, we’ll guide you through each step of the process, ensuring you create a durable and beautiful toy your grandkids will treasure. Ready to get started? Let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions below!

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Wooden disk
  • Dowel
  • Drill
  • Drill press (optional)
  • Protractor
  • Scroll saw
  • Superglue
  • String
  • Hand drill (optional)
Safety Guidelines
  • Adult supervision is required at all times during crafting and playtime. Small parts pose a choking hazard for young children.
  • Use non-toxic paints, varnishes, and adhesives. Ensure they are completely dry before allowing children to handle the spinning top.
  • Inspect the finished spinning top for any sharp edges or splinters before giving it to a child to play with.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Create the Spinning Top Disk

    • Make a wooden disk. You can draw it on paper first or use a protractor directly.
    • Drill a hole in the center of the disk for the dowel.
    Drill a hole in the center of the disk for the dowel.Drill a hole in the center of the disk for the dowel.
    Create the Spinning Top Disk

  2. Prepare the Dowel

    • Cut a piece of dowel to go through the center of the disk. A drill press helps create a nice point, but a hand drill works too.
    Cut a piece of dowel to go through the center of the disk. A drill press helps create a nice point, but a hand drill works too.
    Prepare the Dowel

  3. Create and Attach the Handhold

    • Make the handhold. You can draw it on paper or freehand it on timber. Drill a hole through the center for the dowel.
    • Cut out the inside and outside of the handhold using a scroll saw.
    • Fit the dowel into the handhold and secure it with superglue.
    Fit the dowel into the handhold and secure it with superglue.Fit the dowel into the handhold and secure it with superglue.Fit the dowel into the handhold and secure it with superglue.
    Create and Attach the Handhold

  4. Prepare the String Hole

    • Make a small hole for the string, then drill a slightly larger hole and countersink the outside for easier threading.
    Make a small hole for the string, then drill a slightly larger hole and countersink the outside for easier threading.
    Prepare the String Hole

  5. Prepare the String Stopper

    • Cut a small piece of wood for the string to go into and countersink one end.
    Cut a small piece of wood for the string to go into and countersink one end.
    Prepare the String Stopper

  6. Prepare and Attach the String

    • tie a knot in one end and apply superglue to the other end to secure it.
    • Thread the string through the hole in the top and secure with superglue.
    Thread the string through the hole in the top and secure with superglue.Thread the string through the hole in the top and secure with superglue.
    Prepare and Attach the String

Read more: Crafting a Biodegradable Woodsman's Whistle: A Step-by-Step Guide

Tips

  • Routing the edges of the disk isn't necessary.
  • A larger diameter disk works better than a smaller one.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Top is too heavy on one side

Reason: Uneven distribution of weight prevents the top from spinning smoothly or at all.
Solution: Carefully redistribute the weight by adjusting the placement of the decorative elements or adding small weights to balance it.

2. Point is too blunt or not perfectly aligned

Reason: A dull point or misaligned point increases friction, hindering spinning and reducing spin time.
Solution: Sharpen the point with sandpaper or a file and ensure it's perfectly centered before gluing.

FAQs

What materials do I need to make a spinning top?
You'll need a few basic things: a sturdy piece of wood (like a dowel or a piece of scrap wood), a heavier object for the base (like a button or a small metal disc), strong glue, and something to decorate it with (optional, like paint, markers, or stickers).
How long does it take to make a spinning top?
The entire process, from gathering materials to finishing touches, should take approximately 30-45 minutes, depending on your experience and chosen decorating method.
My spinning top won't spin very well. What am I doing wrong?
Ensure the base is heavy enough and centrally weighted. The point of the top should be sharp and well-balanced. Try using a different glue or applying it more evenly to ensure a secure, stable connection between the base and the top.