Here's how you can make a nunchuck that will withstand the strains of battle, in about 30 minutes:
Please note: Nunchucks are illegal in many areas. Check your local regulations before you make your nunchuck. Also keep in mind that a properly constructed nunchuck is a deadly weapon, not a toy. Be careful.
What you need:
Two 1' long, 1" diameter wooden Dowels
About 1' of nylon rope. clothesline is perfect.
Two 1" screws with 3/8" heads
Some Fabric tape. Hockey tape works well.
Screw driver
Drill with 1/16" and 1/2" bits
Sandpaper and file
Scissors or knife
This will produce one nunchuck
Part 1: The wood part
Sand the wooden dowels so that they are free of splinters. you may wish to file the edges. This looks better, but is not essential. Drill 1" into one end of a dowel using a 1/16" bit.
Using the hole you have just drilled as a guide, Drill a second hole 3/8" into the dowel. Use a 1/2" bit. This will provide space for the screw - rope assembly. Repeat these steps with the second dowel.
Part 2: The screw - rope assembly
Make a loop out of the nylon rope. You should be able to hold the loop through the center of your hand with about 1" protruding from either side. Wrap the knotted end and the end opposite with about 1" of tape each. Thread the screws through the middle of the taped sections. Thread the screws into the holes in the dowel, and tighten with a screwdriver untill the head of the screw is even with the wood. The nunchuck is almost complete.
Pinch together the taped portions of rope that protrude from the wood and tape these together. Do not tape the entire lenth of rope. This will degrade the smoothness of swing.
Well, thats it. You may wish to apply a waterproofing agent to the dowels at this point, but do not use one which will make the nunchucks slippery. As for learning to use the 'chucks, I suggest watching Bruce Lee movies in slow motion. Be carefull! These things really hurt when you hit your elbow or the back of your head by mistake.
