Introduction: How to Make a Mini Cannon From a BBQ Lighter
This is how to make a mini combustion cannon sized to fire airsoft pellets. The only materials required are a BBQ lighter, a few screws, epoxy or other strong glue, and a drill.

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2 People Made This Project!
- genisis made it!
- fancypants23 made it!
237 Comments
11 years ago on Introduction
what is the exat brand / exact model lighter
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
Sorry for the delay. I used a 'grill zone flexable lighter'
Reply 8 years ago on Introduction
where did u get the lighter
Reply 8 years ago on Introduction
search in flipkart
5 years ago
Um... Can any see this instructable anymore? All I see is this is haw to make mini cannon... Then the download box (I'm not premium) then comments no directions
6 years ago
For my experiment, I have much larger objects that I am propelling instead of airsoft pellets, and I was wondering when you use the exact model of BBQ lighter, could you expand/ enlarge the size of the tube hole so it would be large enough to fit a marble? Thanks!
6 years ago
May I use this for an experiment I'm doing? I'm testing something, and I came across your video and think having a small, hand-held cannon would work best for my experiment.
6 years ago
can aerosol be used
6 years ago
what is the range
7 years ago
Can we useperfume
7 years ago
Which is liquid used for shooting?
9 years ago
can mouth wash be used
Reply 8 years ago on Introduction
It doesn't have high enough levels of alcohol so it won't ignite.
11 years ago on Introduction
Ok I'm srry to burst all ur little bubles but one contrary to watnighthawklight said adding oven a miner amount to much fluid nomatter what u use for fuel it could still blow up I know because my little brother was killed when one blow up in hi hand oh and I've taken these kinds of weapons of inmates at my prion that have been used to kill people and are illegal nomatter what they shoot
Reply 8 years ago
I'm sorry your little brother was killed. However, as to the illegality issue. Illegal in prisons yes, by non-felons not incarcerated no.
11 years ago on Introduction
Hey, im building this cannon but im using lighter fluid as the fuel for it.
The thing is that I cant get it to ignite. There's a spark and everything, but it just wont ignite. Ive tried using more fuel but still nothing happens.
But when I take the rear bolt out and light the cannon with another lighter.. BOOM!
A lot of fire
I dont know whats wrong... Can someone help?
Thanks
Reply 8 years ago on Introduction
Lighter fluid will not work because it doesn't vapourise to give an explosive air/fuel mixture. That's why alcohol, hair spray and ether are best.
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
Sounds like the fuel / o2 ratio is off....i.e. you need more air.
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
are you using 91% rubbing alcohol
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
you might be adding to much gas it also it is a bit harder to make lighter fluid ignite unless its a steady stream of gas