How to Make a Pocket Sized Firecracker Cannon

 by yardkarter
This instructable shows how to make a firecracker cannon for less than $10. It is powered by a firecracker and it shoots a second firecracker. The firecracker that is shot explodes in midair.
DISCLAIMER: I am not responsible for anything that happens with your cannon. Build quality and material quality is not always the same. Some laws prohibit the use of firecrackers in certain areas. Check all state and local laws before using firecrackers.
 
Remove these adsRemove these ads by Signing Up

Step 1: Materials

Materials you will need are:
1 - 1/4"X2" iron pipe nipple
1 - 1/4"X1/4" coupler
1 - 1/4" air quick connect fitting
Firecrackers
All materials except the firecrackers can be found at a local hardware store.
Firecrackers can be found at a fireworks stand or store around the 4th of July, so around that time, STOCK UP.
mossimo3 says: Jun 18, 2010. 6:17 PM
I have built something similar, except this one is a made out of an old airsoft gun barrel. The tissue is used as a wadding to make a good seal. This allows for higher projectile velocities. The metal ram-rod is an old wire coat hanger, it allows you to ram the wadding into the barrel as well as clear the leftover firecracker debris. The pipe cleaner is to ensure a clean barrel for the next shot - maintaining a clean barrel is a good thing to do. This shoots airsoft bbs, or anything the size of an airsoft bb. Explanation for the picture with the cans: It went through four cans with no sign of "stopping". I could test it with more cans however I fear that with added cans increase the chance of the bb diverging from its original trajectory.
IMG_5944.jpgIMG_5947.jpgIMG_5945.jpgIMG_5946.jpgIMG_5950.jpgIMG_5949.jpg
Aron313 in reply to mossimo3Aug 13, 2012. 4:26 PM
All 4 cans. And what projectile are you using.
nof-z says: Jun 18, 2012. 6:40 PM
i made one out of a craola thins marker tube and some lego wheels and duct tape. shoots and lites a firecracker about 30-40 ft. really fun for pranks.
Evan2010 says: Aug 3, 2011. 2:41 PM
I made a ultra simple cannon out of a thick steel pipe with an end cap screwed onto the end with a hole drilled in it that uses black powder and paper towel as wadding and can shoot a marble straight through a phone book
pyra_builder_1337 says: Dec 14, 2009. 3:49 PM
you should add a valve of some sort so you dont have to attatch and reattach every time
yardkarter (author) in reply to pyra_builder_1337Dec 20, 2009. 7:37 PM
I really want it to be SIMPLE
pyra_builder_1337 in reply to yardkarterFeb 15, 2010. 7:12 PM
it isnt hard to add a valve just involves a little more screwing
Thundertydus in reply to pyra_builder_1337Mar 7, 2010. 10:51 AM
That's what she said
disturbedreaper in reply to ThundertydusApr 5, 2010. 11:33 AM
And here i thought that that finaly died:(
pietzeekoe in reply to disturbedreaperApr 16, 2010. 11:36 AM
"thats what she said" will never die.
cdousley says: Apr 11, 2010. 5:42 PM
cool, I had a few ideas about firecracker powered cannons but i never really did much I'm buying the parts tomorrow.
zoologistnerd24 says: Mar 1, 2010. 10:39 AM
cool im going to make it
chuckiedog04 says: Jan 5, 2010. 5:11 PM
i like the idea of this cannon. its simple and easy. people need to post more firecracker cannons
Pro

Get More Out of Instructables

Already have an Account?

close

PDF Downloads
As a Pro member, you will gain access to download any Instructable in the PDF format. You also have the ability to customize your PDF download.

Upgrade to Pro today!