Chemistry & Science
Experiments

Torpedoes (Cracker Balls)

Torpedoes are
small 3/4" paper balls that explode and make a cloud of smoke when thrown on the
ground.
There are few fireworks that are as much fun as these are, and there
are few fireworks that are as
dangerous to make as these. The composition
used in the manufacture of Torpedoes easily explodes by
friction or impact.
Any accidental friction
or impact to this composition will instantly cause an explosion.
The amount mixed at one time
should never exceed 20 grams total.
The utmost care and diligence is required if this
composition is made.
Torpedoes were originally manufactured and sold in the 1930s and were
eventually banned because
of injury resulting from inappropriate storage or
use. A common accident was due to kids carrying
a handful of Torpedoes in
their pockets. The kid falls down, Torpedoes get hit,
and the kid's leg
has a chunk blown out of it.
In short, never carry Torpedoes on your person, or in a metal or glass
container.
Torpedoes
should be tested for sensitivity before using them. Using the procedure below,
Torpedoes
made by professional pyrotechnicians did not explode when dropped
from 5 feet high onto concrete,
but did explode when thrown onto concrete.
Generally they will not explode when thrown onto grass or dirt.
Torpedoes
were the actual names for these devices, but many people also call them "Cracker
Balls"
which were actually much smaller devices (about 1/4" in diameter) sold
in the 1960s.

Like all fireworks, these are by no
means safe to manufacture and doing so is
illegal in the United States
unless you are licensed by the BATF

Comments:

In
addition to the chemicals listed on the second page, you will also need
some 3/4" paper cup sets, a Torpedo Board, and some uncoated, medium size
Aquarium Gravel. The gravel pieces should be no more than 1/8". You may
have to sift the gravel through a screen to get the proper size.
A
Torpedo Board is easy to make and is also used to make Cherry Bombs, Smoke
Balls, or any firework composition that is contained in 3/4" paper cup
sets.
Before we get into making Torpedoes, here's how a Torpedo Board
is made:

Pick any 1/2"
thick piece of wood, Plywood, Solid Pine, or whatever wood turns you
on.
About 1' x 2' is a nice size, but it can be any size you
want.
Make a marks every 2", both horizontally and
vertically.

Draw lines
connecting the marks so you've got a 2" square grid pattern.
Go find or
buy a 3/4" wood bit for your drill.

Drill a 3/4"
hole at every line intersection all the way through the board.

Ta-Da... you've made a Torpedo
Board.