Introduction: Piezo Electric Ignighter
In this instructable, i will show you how to turn a barbacue lighter into an ignighter for use inspud guns and other projects. It should take around 5 minutes, which is why i'm submitting this as a PopSci 5 min. project.
Step 1: Step 1: What You Need
You will need:
Lighter
Screwdriver
Wire
Soldering iron
Solder
Copper aligator clops
Wire holder standy thingy
Step 2: Step 2: Taking Apart the Lighter
First, get a lighter that is empty. Get a flat screwdriver or knife, anf cut the stickers. Then unscrew the two screws. Also pry off the grey cap that holds together the end of the lighter. ( second image )
Step 3: Step 3: Open
Now carefully open the lighter.
Step 4: Step 4: Undo the Shaft
Take apart the long black tube by pulling away from the wire and hose. Then pull the small plastci cap off of the end.
Step 5: Step 5: Remove
Remove the fuel canister and the locking mechanism, you will be left with this.
Step 6: Step 6: Solder Part 1
Solder a wire to the shorter one connected to the piezo-electric ignighter.
Step 7: Step 7: Re-Assemble
Now put the whole thing back together, make sure the wires are coming out where the black tube came out.
Step 8: Step 8: Soldering Part 2
Now solder an aligator clip to each wire.
Step 9: Finish
Now you have a custom made piezo-electric ignighter. You can now use it in spud guns, and other projects that require a small explosin!
Step 10: Video
This is a video of the sparks, sorry for the bad quality and mistakes.
Step 11: Thanks
Thank you for viewing my instructable, please look at my others. Feel free to leave any comments or suggestions, they are apreciated.
23 Comments
14 years ago on Introduction
will the spark arc over around 2 inches?
=)
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
Depending on the metal, you could theoretically get a bigger spark but it doesn't have the power to go even one inch. It's just like a carpet shock. For two inches you would need a wimshurst static generator and gold or silver leads. Unfortunately they are very expensive. You could try googling how to make one though.
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
get a grill igniter.....ive gotten 4 inch sparks with those haha.....sparking a tin can with one wile holding the very top of the can with just hardly and skin will tingle your whole arm haha
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
thanks ill see what i can do ps thanks for subscribing
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
correction it's called a wimshurst electrostatic generator.
13 years ago on Introduction
would this work for fireworks?
Reply 13 years ago on Introduction
It could, but it would be much easier and more reliable to use a fuse.
13 years ago on Introduction
I do this but cut the bottom of the lighters off And then Use a zip tie or a Jubilee Clip (Hose clamp for you americans) to hold it onto my spudgun
Reply 13 years ago on Introduction
HOW DARE YOU! I'M A CANADIAN!
LOL JK that sounds like a good idea too.
14 years ago on Step 11
I tried this for a rifle modded potato cannon (Instructable coming soon) and it works great seems like a real gun. I was just wondering how long the battery lasts. Tho I love the idea simple and effective. I would recomend leaving the safety on to stop accidental misfires the but great job over all.
Reply 14 years ago on Step 11
There is no battery! A tiny hammer strikes a piece of quartz and makes a charge, lasting thousands of times!
14 years ago on Introduction
I love piezo electric thingumies, i took one to school and tazered people but then they confiscated it :(
14 years ago on Step 10
that's all I wanted to know, cheap and cheerful, just the facts 'mam, cheers buddy.
14 years ago on Introduction
how do the spark thing work?
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
I'm not sure exactly, but there is a spring mechanism that when pressed, a tiny "hammer" strikes a piece of quartz, that is what generates the electricity.
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
oh i tried slodering that little metal thing at the bottom today and it just fell off
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
Well, if the metal tab came out of the ignighter chamber I'm afraid you can't do anything about it. Good news though! You can buyighters at the dollar store for only one dollar.
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
yep i got some refialble with uv torch 5 for £1 or $2
14 years ago on Introduction
Don't quartzes carry a piezo electric current?
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
I know they do, but google it for more detail.