With Some Inexpensive DIY Handiwork, You Can Have Static Superpowers

How much would you pay to be a superhero for a day? Nerdist recently shared the above video from YouTuber NightHawkInLight, who offers a fairly simple tutorial on how to build an electricity generator for as little as $5. The project uses materials sourced from eBay, and it gives you the power to bend water and create mini sandstorms with your fingers.

NightHawkInLight says in the tutorial that he got the idea after watching a YouTube video of someone taking apart a USB ionic air purifier. In the video description, NightHawkInLight explains that he has made these kind of devices before, but says that this one is smaller, "less powerful," and it "doesn't hurt as much to use." Good to know. The device, when properly grounded, sends a shock to anything conductive that you come in contact with, which the video warns also includes smartphones and other electronic equipment. Needless to say, don't try to make one of these if you don't know what you're doing.

Fans of the project have been leaving comments and questions on the video to learn more about the circuitry and possible modifications that they can make to their own generators in the future. Watch the clip above, and head to YouTube to join in on the conversation.

Banner image via YouTube

[h/t Nerdist]