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Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteYou can make a basic sextant-style angle measurer with a protractor, ruler, string, tape, and a small weight. It demonstrates how a sight line and gravity can help estimate an angle, but it is not a precision marine sextant and should not be used to navigate.
Materials for a simple sextant
This build follows the educational activity from Thames & Kosmos. Gather:
- A clear protractor
- A straight ruler
- String
- Tape
- A small washer or other small weight
- A star wheel to help locate Polaris
How to build it
- Tie or attach the string at the protractor’s midpoint so it can hang freely over the curved, numbered edge.
- Attach the washer or other small weight to the free end of the string.
- Hold the protractor with its flat edge level. Check that the string crosses the 90° mark; adjust the attachment if needed.
- Tape the protractor to the ruler, aligning the ruler with the protractor’s straight edge. The ruler will act as a sight.
How to use the homemade device
- Outside, use a star wheel to locate Polaris.
- Point the ruler’s edge toward the star and hold the instrument steady.
- Ask a helper to read the angle where the hanging string crosses the protractor scale.
The ruler gives you a repeatable line of sight, while the weighted string hangs vertically under gravity. Together they provide a basic estimate of the target’s angle relative to a level reference. The activity does not report the device’s accuracy or repeatability, nor does it provide a calibration procedure, so treat the result as an educational estimate.
Why this is not a navigation sextant
A traditional marine sextant uses a frame, graduated arc, and mirrors to measure the angle between a celestial body and the horizon. In the double-reflection method, the observer sights the horizon and moves the index arm until the reflected celestial body appears aligned with the horizon image, then reads the angle on the instrument’s scales. That angle, together with the observation time, can contribute to calculating a vessel’s position. See the U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command’s record of an 1871 sextant and Museo Galileo’s explanation of octants and sextants.
#1 Best Overall
- PRODUCT FEATURE: It is a great instrument for determining the angle between the horizon and a celestial body. It measures the angle between two objects. It has glass optics for a clear view, no plastic lens is used. In navigation, you look at the horizon through this mirror. Although it is not calibrated.
- QUALITY PRODUCT: This is a functional brass sextant with brass finish with movable telescope, adjustable mirror, magnifying glass, index arm etc. This brass sextant is made from premium quality Brass. This high-quality jewelled sextant determines Longitude and Latitude.
- EXCEPTIONAL COLLECTIBLE: This beautifully designed classic brass functional sextant is no less than a piece of art. It enhances your personal vintage, nautical collection. It can be an educational artefact for kids of any age group. It is ideal home décor for adventure, maritime, hiking outdoor enthusiasts and nautical lovers.
- UNIQUE GIFT ITEM: This working sextant instrument is a memorable gift for birthdays, anniversaries, valentine's day, housewarming party, promotion ceremony, baptism, graduation ceremonies, Thanksgiving, Christmas, friendship’s day, Easter, engagements, weddings, and corporate functions.
- SIZE AND PACKAGING: This sextant is portable and easy to carry anywhere. Its size is 4.5 x 4.4 x 2.25 inches.
The protractor build has no mirrors or graduated arc like the museum-described instrument. The DIY activity supplies no evidence that its readings are accurate enough for a navigational fix. The marine sextant developed in the late 1750s, and its angle readings helped navigators estimate latitude, according to Royal Museums Greenwich.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Do not use this build to look at the Sun
The classroom activity does not specify a solar filter or a safe procedure for observing the Sun. Do not sight the Sun through this device. Museo Galileo notes that sextants were often fitted with moving colored filters in the light path to reduce brightness and protect the observer from dazzle; this simple build has no such specified protection.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- AUTHENTIC DESIGN: Handcrafted brass and aluminum nautical sextant with black powder coating, combining traditional craftsmanship with durability
- VERSATILE USE: Functional navigational instrument suitable for marine navigation and decorative display with tabletop mounting capability
- CONSTRUCTION: Premium quality brass and aluminum materials ensure long-lasting performance, weighing 7.8 pounds for stability
- PRECISE MEASUREMENTS: With its precise optics and micrometer drum, this sextant allows for accurate angle measurements up to 1/10th of a degree.
- DIMENSIONS: Measures approximately 9 inches in length, providing a substantial and realistic size for practical use or display purposes.
Rank #3
- SIZE AND PACKAGING: This sextant is portable and easy to carry anywhere. Its size is 3.5"wide, 4.0" long and height is 1.75".
- UNIQUE GIFT ITEM: This working sextant instrument is a memorable gift for birthdays, anniversaries, valentine's day, housewarming party, promotion ceremony, baptism, graduation ceremonies, Thanksgiving, Christmas, friendship’s day, Easter, engagements, weddings, and corporate functions.
- EXCEPTIONAL COLLECTIBLE: This beautifully designed classic brass functional sextant is no less than a piece of art. It enhances your personal vintage, nautical collection. It can be an educational artefact for kids of any age group. It is ideal home décor for adventure, maritime, hiking outdoor enthusiasts and nautical lovers.
- QUALITY PRODUCT: This is a functional brass sextant with an antique brass finish. It is safely packed in a beautiful rose wooden box. This brass sextant is made from premium quality Brass. This high-quality jewelled sextant determines Longitude and Latitude.
- PRODUCT FEATURE: It is a great instrument for determining the angle between the horizon and a celestial body. It measures the angle between two objects. It has glass optics for a clear view, no plastic lens is used. In navigation, you look at the horizon through this mirror. Although it is not calibrated.
Rank #2
- Vintage Brass Construction – Expertly crafted from solid brass with an antique finish, this sextant captures the timeless elegance of classic maritime instruments.
- Fully Functional Navigation Tool – A working nautical sextant designed for real navigation use, combining precision and old-world charm.
- Handcrafted Artisan Detailing – Meticulously handmade with historical accuracy and fine detailing, making each piece unique and collectible.
- Premium Leather Storage Box – Includes a high-quality leather box for protection, portability, and an elegant presentation display.
- Ideal Nautical Gift – Perfect for sailors, collectors, history lovers, and maritime enthusiasts; an excellent gift for birthdays, holidays, or special occasions.
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