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Step 6Load the Squib
First, power up the squib by inserting a CO2 cartridge* into the inflator. My inflator has a handle that unscrews from the valve assembly, so you just drop the CO2 into the handle and screw it back on. Your inflator may work differently. If your inflator has a safety, engage it before loading the CO2.
Then, remove the open end of the effect tube from the push-fit connector. Cut a slice of banana about 1/2" thick and shove the end of the tube into it, creating a banana plug. Push the effect tube back into the splice connector. The banana plug is to help keep the blood from getting into the valve and gumming up the works. It will get pulverized and blow out the hole when the effect is triggered.
Fill your marinating needle or large syringe with stage blood (if you need to make your own, I'm rather fond of this formula). Insert the needle into the small hole in the closed end of the tube, and fill the tube with blood. Wipe any excess blood off of the outside of the tube, and seal the hole with a small piece of Blu-Tac or masking tape. Use only enough to barely cover the hole to prevent leaking.
(TIP: If you need to camoflage the effect so that it is less noticeable under your actor's costume, use a white version of Blu-Tac, such as Handi-Tac. Then color the putty with a Sharpie to match the color of the costume.)
* A word about CO2 cartridges: A 16-gram threaded cartridge costs about $3.00 at the bike shop. A 12-gram unthreaded cartridge (the same one used in BB and paintball guns) costs about $0.50 at Walmart. You do the math. Get a tire inflator that can accept unthreaded 12-grams. Really.
Then, remove the open end of the effect tube from the push-fit connector. Cut a slice of banana about 1/2" thick and shove the end of the tube into it, creating a banana plug. Push the effect tube back into the splice connector. The banana plug is to help keep the blood from getting into the valve and gumming up the works. It will get pulverized and blow out the hole when the effect is triggered.
Fill your marinating needle or large syringe with stage blood (if you need to make your own, I'm rather fond of this formula). Insert the needle into the small hole in the closed end of the tube, and fill the tube with blood. Wipe any excess blood off of the outside of the tube, and seal the hole with a small piece of Blu-Tac or masking tape. Use only enough to barely cover the hole to prevent leaking.
(TIP: If you need to camoflage the effect so that it is less noticeable under your actor's costume, use a white version of Blu-Tac, such as Handi-Tac. Then color the putty with a Sharpie to match the color of the costume.)
* A word about CO2 cartridges: A 16-gram threaded cartridge costs about $3.00 at the bike shop. A 12-gram unthreaded cartridge (the same one used in BB and paintball guns) costs about $0.50 at Walmart. You do the math. Get a tire inflator that can accept unthreaded 12-grams. Really.
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