<p>A retracting telescope typically has 3 or 4 segments that retract into one another,</p>

<p><img src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/QRUy_Q3HJp8/maxresdefault.jpg" alt="Pirate with 4 section collapsing telescope"></p>

<p>although the insecure pirate may feel the need to get a longer one.</p>

<p><img src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/7NZft1r6Scw/hqdefault.jpg" alt="Captain Jack Sparrow in a telescope competition, holding a ridiculously long telescope"></p>

<p>The key features of the section diameters is that they slide easily past one another but will not fall apart when extended. In other words, you need a "stop" that prevents the larger segment from completely sliding off the next smaller one that's inside.</p>

<p>Assuming you have a method for building that stop, the tubes should ideally have a diameter difference of 1-10mm. A set of tubes with larger size gaps can still be used, but the extended telescope might look sloppier (the cumulative gap will cause more drooping, as in Jack Sparrow's overly long telescope above).</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-10-23T08:50:38.287Z
2016-10-23T08:50:38.287Z
Erica
<p>I think paper towel rolls are your best option. Though, you can use straight cardboard to replace the paper towel inerards if you can't wait for them to be used and thrown out. With the roll, start out with the original diameter and use a small ring cut out to fit around the external edge of the front, and internal edge on the back, use another roll and cut down the side so it will fit inside the other; do the same thing with the ends as the prior. Repeat this 3 or 4 times. You should end up with something like this: </p>

<p><a href="https://i.sstatic.net/BLUBt.png" rel="nofollow noreferrer"><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/BLUBt.png" alt="enter image description here"></a> </p>

<p>You can also make a paper towel roll substitute by crimping the length of one side of a straight cardboard piece until it is round enough. It would also be stronger then a normal roll.</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-10-27T20:55:28.247Z
2016-10-28T06:38:36.023Z
2016-10-28T06:38:36.023Z
Josiah Panak
<p>You could get <a href="http://rads.stackoverflow.com/amzn/click/B004RJ7TZY" rel="nofollow">a science toy cardboard telescope kit</a> and decorate it to suit your pirate theme.  It would actually work then, but more importantly for you the tubes are sized just right to slide.  I've got something very similar which was part of a bigger kit and so effectively cheaper.</p>

<p>I'd use a pale wood-brown paint with darker varnish for the grain, and brass effect paint for rings at the end of the sections.</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-10-26T16:00:25.210Z
2016-10-26T16:00:25.210Z
Chris H
<p>I am making a pirate outfit. I need to make a simple spyglass for it. I am opting for no sew but if I have to I will sew stuff I need for the outfit. This isn't for Halloween, just for fun and I like pirates so.</p>

<p>I only have cardboard and paper and fabric(I suppose I cold knit myself a square and tie it or something since I do have yarn) and the only source I have of cardboard tubes is toilet paper and paper towels. I don't want to waste them simply to get my tubes needed.</p>

<p>However I will store these tubes in a box so that I can use them. I have tape and glue to stick them on with. So how many cardboard tubes will I need to make the telescope and of what sizes?</p>

<costume-design>
Making a telescope for a pirate costume
Caters
# Making a telescope for a pirate costume

(Asked by: username_0 on 2016-10-23)

I am making a pirate outfit. I need to make a simple spyglass for it. I am opting for no sew but if I have to I will sew stuff I need for the outfit. This isn't for Halloween, just for fun and I like pirates so.

I only have cardboard and paper and fabric(I suppose I cold knit myself a square and tie it or something since I do have yarn) and the only source I have of cardboard tubes is toilet paper and paper towels. I don't want to waste them simply to get my tubes needed.

However I will store these tubes in a box so that I can use them. I have tape and glue to stick them on with. So how many cardboard tubes will I need to make the telescope and of what sizes?

**Tags:** costume-design


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## 3 answers

### Answer by username_1 on 2016-10-23. Score: 5

A retracting telescope typically has 3 or 4 segments that retract into one another,

![Pirate with 4 section collapsing telescope](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/QRUy_Q3HJp8/maxresdefault.jpg)

although the insecure pirate may feel the need to get a longer one.

![Captain Jack Sparrow in a telescope competition, holding a ridiculously long telescope](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/7NZft1r6Scw/hqdefault.jpg)

The key features of the section diameters is that they slide easily past one another but will not fall apart when extended. In other words, you need a "stop" that prevents the larger segment from completely sliding off the next smaller one that's inside.

Assuming you have a method for building that stop, the tubes should ideally have a diameter difference of 1-10mm. A set of tubes with larger size gaps can still be used, but the extended telescope might look sloppier (the cumulative gap will cause more drooping, as in Jack Sparrow's overly long telescope above).


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### Answer by username_2 on 2016-10-27. Score: 1

I think paper towel rolls are your best option. Though, you can use straight cardboard to replace the paper towel inerards if you can't wait for them to be used and thrown out. With the roll, start out with the original diameter and use a small ring cut out to fit around the external edge of the front, and internal edge on the back, use another roll and cut down the side so it will fit inside the other; do the same thing with the ends as the prior. Repeat this 3 or 4 times. You should end up with something like this:

[![enter image description here](https://i.sstatic.net/BLUBt.png)](https://i.sstatic.net/BLUBt.png)

You can also make a paper towel roll substitute by crimping the length of one side of a straight cardboard piece until it is round enough. It would also be stronger then a normal roll.


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### Answer by username_3 on 2016-10-26. Score: 0

You could get [a science toy cardboard telescope kit](http://rads.stackoverflow.com/amzn/click/B004RJ7TZY) and decorate it to suit your pirate theme. It would actually work then, but more importantly for you the tubes are sized just right to slide. I've got something very similar which was part of a bigger kit and so effectively cheaper.

I'd use a pale wood-brown paint with darker varnish for the grain, and brass effect paint for rings at the end of the sections.


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