The explosive eruption of small firecrackers can add an element of fun to an outdoor party. If you have a special interest in chemicals, you may want to try making your own firecrackers with your own hands. Proceed with caution; Firecrackers are made with highly flammable materials, and proper safety measures must be taken to ensure that you do not get hurt. This article describes in detail the steps for making a firecracker from a ping pong ball. Don't try to make firecrackers, if you live in an area where firecrackers are prohibited.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Preparing to Make Firecrackers
Step 1. Take precautions for safety
At all times when working with combustible materials, you must ensure the safety of yourself, others, your home and the environment from the risk of getting burned or caught fire. Plan to make the firecrackers outdoors, so you don't endanger your home, and keep children and pets away from the area where they are made.
- Set up a space or work that is away from your home, warehouse, and other building materials.
- Do not set firecrackers near trees, telephone poles, and other outdoor objects.
- The best option is to prepare the site on a concrete terrace or bare ground. Avoid working with explosives near dry grass or other plants that catch fire easily.
- Wear protective eyewear to protect your eyes when working with these firecrackers.
Step 2. Gather materials and supplies
Firecrackers are made with a container filled with explosives, and a small fuse that you light to detonate.
- A ping pong ball for each firecracker you want to make.
- Thick thread to be used as a wick.
- A sharp nail or razor for making holes in the ping pong ball.
- Adhesive tape or duct tape to patch the hole.
- Black powder otherwise known as gunpowder, which is available where ammunition is sold. The powder is sold in small tubes. Before buying this gunpowder, know in advance the steps you must take to handle and store the gunpowder.
- Nail polish, which causes the firecracker to sound louder.
Method 2 of 3: Making Firecrackers
Step 1. Make a hole in the ping pong ball
Use a nail to make a small hole in the top of the ping pong ball. If necessary, you can use a hammer to help the nail punch the ball through.
Step 2. Make a second hole at the bottom
Use a razor to make a hole slightly larger than the hole you made with the nail. The hole should be large enough for you to insert the gunpowder into it.
- Use a razor with a handle so you can use it more accurately. Be careful not to injure yourself when punching holes in the ball as the surface of the ping pong ball may be slippery.
- If you don't have a razor, use a nail or other object to make several small holes close together to create a hole large enough to pour the gunpowder into.
Step 3. Make the axis
Cut a few inches of string and thread it into the hole in the ping pong ball with a nail. Pull the string so that the bottom end hangs over the center of the ball, and the top end sticks out 2 or 5 cm.
- If you're having trouble getting it through the hole, first dip the thread in the melted wax. Thus, the ends will become stiff and can be pushed into the hole.
- For a slower-burning wick, first dip the yarn in wax or beeswax. When you light the wick, it will burn more slowly before the firecracker explodes.
Step 4. Fill the ping pong ball with gunpowder
Use a small spoon or funnel to fill the ball with gunpowder up to full. Don't fill the ball too full.
- Never light a cigarette or lighter when handling gunpowder.
- Be careful not to spill the gunpowder where you make it. If you spill it, clean it with a dustpan, and broom, and dispose of it safely.
- As soon as you are done with the gunpowder, close the tube tightly and store it in a cool, dry place away from flammable or combustible materials.
Step 5. Patch the filling hole
Use a piece of adhesive tape to patch the hole, pressing down firmly to make sure it doesn't open or there are no gaps. The wick hole must not be covered.
Step 6. Color the firecrackers
Use nail polish to paint the outside of the firecracker. Let it dry completely.
Method 3 of 3: Using Firecrackers
Step 1. Find a safe outdoor spot
A concrete pitch, away from buildings and cars is an ideal place to use firecrackers. Do not light firecrackers near people, housing, or other buildings, which may cause a fire.
Step 2. Light the wick
Use a match or lighter to carefully light the end of the wick. Do not light the fuse at the bottom, or the firecracker may explode prematurely.
Step 3. Put down the firecracker and walk away
Do not go near the firecracker after the wick is lit. Place the firecracker on a dry platform, not on grass or other flammable material. Quickly move a few meters away from the firecracker.
- DO NOT light the fuse until children, pets, and other people are a safe distance away.
- Never place firecrackers in glass bottles or drinking glasses. The glass bottle or glass can break and the aftermath can be very dangerous.
Step 4. Watch the firecrackers explode
Firecrackers contain enough gunpowder to create a satisfying explosion and add an element of fun to an outdoor party.
