Big Fcking Firecrackers

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Big F*cking Firecrackers!
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For Entertainment Purposes Only!
http://RestrictedKnowledge.com
Notice! Caution! Disclaimer! .......................................................................................... 3

Introduction..................................................................................................................... 4
The Basics....................................................................................................................... 5
Safety.............................................................................................................................. 6
A clear understanding of the dangers........................................................................... 9
Tools............................................................................................................................. 10
Flash Powder ................................................................................................................ 12
Ingredients ................................................................................................................ 12
Sources...................................................................................................................... 12
Recipes ......................................................................................................................... 13
Recipe 1 .................................................................................................................... 13
Recipe 2 .................................................................................................................... 13
Recipe 3 .................................................................................................................... 13
Recipe 4 .................................................................................................................... 14
Cherry Bomb! ............................................................................................................... 15
Silver Salutes ................................................................................................................ 17
M80 .............................................................................................................................. 18
Cannon Crackers ........................................................................................................... 19
Mortars ......................................................................................................................... 20

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Do NOT perform the procedures described in this manual!
This information was created for reading entertainment purposes only! The author and
publisher in no manner whatsoever expressly or implied warrants, states, or intends said
information to have any application, use or viability by or to any person or persons
anywhere at any time and disclaims all liability for such use.
Any person considering utilizing this information must seek competent professional and
legal advice to verify and assume responsibility for the suitability of this information to
their particular situation.

Introduction
Big F*cking Firecrackers have captured mans imagination and have served a multitude of
recreational and practical uses. From personal expression and fun during celebrations to
simulating gunfire and scaring away pests, the pragmatic usefulness of these monster
fireworks can’t be denied.
But, with the fun comes the danger. So many people had hurt themselves and others with
these pyrotechnics that they’ve become banned in all 50 states in the USA. Many other
countries have followed suit. That we know of, there is no legal place in the USA to
manufacture any of the fireworks described in this manual. Take that to heart, because
you can be charged with a felony if you are caught making or detonating any of the
fireworks described herein.

The Basics
To help you better understand the principles of making fireworks, some basic theory is in
order.
All explosives work by one of two kinds of processes: deflagration or detonation.
Deflagration – This is a rapid burning rather than an actual detonation. Substances that
deflagrate, like black powder, must be tightly contained before they can “explode”.
Deflagration creates a low order explosion, which produces sub-sonic shock waves and is
not very good for demolition purposes, but is very good at launching projectiles such as
bullets. Explosives made from materials that deflagrate rather than detonate are
considered low explosives, not high explosives. Low explosives create a characteristic
loud and low pitched sound when exploded.
Detonation - Produces a high velocity shock wave that produces a high pitched “crack”
when exploded. It releases much more energy at a much higher rate of speed than does a
deflagration explosion. Detonation explosives, also known as high explosives, are ideal
for demolition but not for launching projectiles. If you tried to use high explosive in a
gun, it would most likely destroy it because the expanding gases could not escape fast
enough. The most powerful detonating explosives, such as TNT are highly stable and
require a powerful explosion just to set them off. So, less stable high explosives such as
those used in blasting caps are used to trigger detonation in the more stable explosives
such as TNT.
Most modern firecrackers and exploding fireworks use some form of a photoflash
composition aka “flash powder”. Flash powders use some combination of powdered
metal(s) and oxidizer(s). They will at times have other additional components but the
metal/oxidizer combination will always be the primary components.
There is still a lot of debate and confusion over whether flash compositions deflagrate or
detonate. They explode much, much faster than other deflagrating explosives such as
black powder. Yet they explode at a much slower rate than other detonating explosives
such as TNT. For example TNT is found to have a velocity of about 4,450 meters per
second where a typical photoflash powder would explode at a velocity of around 1,300
meters per second.
Flash powders can explode even when unconfined. Just a loose pile of it can go off with
enough force to severely injure or even kill anyone close by. A flash powder explosion
can be triggered via friction, heat, flame, spark or shock. Some mixtures are more
sensitive than others but all must be handled with a great deal of care, caution and
common sense.

Safety
Don’t Do It!
As has been stated elsewhere in this document, don’t actually carry out these procedures.
This is cool and fun to think about, but the potential for death or permanent disfigurement
is really, really high. Unless you are a trained explosives professional or under the direct
supervision of one – just enjoy the interesting reading. Not to mention that most of the
firecrackers described here are highly illegal to manufacture or explode.
Safety Gear:
Always wear safety goggles or a face shield, heavy leather gloves (like welders gloves)
and a heavy leather apron. Respiratory protection is also highly recommended.
Also keep fire suppression equipment and a first aid kit readily available.
Education:
Always thoroughly educate yourself on any of the materials and compositions you will be
working with. Read the Material and Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and any other available
information to clearly understand the nature of these materials.
Storage:
Store explosive powders in soft plastic containers that won’t allow an accidental ignition
to build into an explosion. Ziploc bags, Tupperware, etc are all good choices.
Store oxidizers in a separate area than metals. Do not store mixed pyrotechnic
compositions - EVER.
Static:
Any kind of static should be avoided like the plague. Be extra careful on humid days, or
don’t work at all. Use anti-static spray and avoid silk or synthetic clothing.
Tools:
Always use non-sparking plastic or wooden tools to mix, measure or in any other way
interact with these chemicals. You must NEVER use any metal, steel or iron tools or
containers of any sort.
Never, ever, EVER, EVER use electrical tools around flash powders or their chemicals.
One spark inside of an electric motor (which they often do as a matter of normal
functioning) can really ruin your day.
Smoking:
Don’t smoke anywhere near pyrotechnic chemicals. If you are really that stupid, you’ll
just be proving Darwins law.

Work Gently:
Always treat pyrotechnic compositions and their chemicals gently and with caution.
Avoid any kind of friction or sparks.
Grinding Chemicals:
Always grind only one chemical at a time and thoroughly clean your grinding equipment
to remove all traces of any prior chemicals before grinding a new chemical. This is
ESPECIALLY true of grinding potassium chlorate!
Amounts to Make:
Always mix ingredients in small amounts. Do not try to make 10 LBS of explosive
powder (or any explosive) at one time. Mixing small amounts of powder limits the
potential damage should an unexpected explosion occur.
Keep your workplace clean:

Always carefully clean up spilled chemicals. Some materials can spontaneously combust
when mixed (this is especially true of nitrates and chlorates). For the same reason, use
separate instruments (plastic spoons, mixing cups, etc) for different chemicals. Label
your instruments so that you know what materials they have been in contact with.
Mix materials in a safe place:

Chemical explosives contain their own internal source of oxygen, and cannot be
smothered. If you start a chemical fire indoors, it can be nearly impossible to extinguish.
Reading between the lines, this means you can easily burn your home down by mixing
explosive powders inside it.
Be aware of static and sparks!

Do not use metal instruments to mix or grind materials. Do not store chemicals in metal
containers. Use ceramics or plastics instead.
Containment:
Most people who desire to make explosive powders do so because they like it when
things go “boom”. That being said, using glass or metal is stupid and dangerous. When
the powder builds up pressure and explodes, it can hurl pieces of that glass or metal in all
directions. This can seriously injure or kill you or anyone else around. Use thin plastic,
cardboard or paper.
Loading:
Once you’ve made a flash composition, store it in a closed container. Open it only long
enough to get out what you need for the firecracker you are loading and then close it
again.
Mixing in water:
Water is sometimes used to help in the mixing process of making explosives. However,
any compositions containing metals MUST NOT be mixed with water! Some of these,
such as magnesium and zinc can ignite on contact with water!
Fuse:
Don’t buy cheap fuse. Buy good quality American made fuse. Cheap fuse can be
unreliable and can cause unpredictable and very dangerous explosions.
Experimenting:
Always test your creations in a safe place away from fire hazards, people and property.

A clear understanding of the dangers

If you have any delusions as to just how dangerous these fireworks can be, then feast
your eyes on the following images. Both of these hands were literally blown apart and
irreversibly mangled by people not respecting the extreme power that these pyrotechnics
can produce. They have been outlawed for a reason. I show you these not to gross you
out, but to convey the very real danger in that playing with large fireworks, or any
explosive, poses.

Tools
There are some basic tools that are needed in firecracker production. While this is not a
comprehensive list, it should be more than adequate for the amateur pyrotechnician.
Scale
You need a basic scale that can accurately weigh small amounts of light powders. A
standard balance based scale is perfect and can be acquired at any school or lab supply
site on the Internet. Spring based scales are always inaccurate and should be avoided.
Blender
A normal kitchen blender can be used to grind raw chemicals down. Yes, I know in the
safety section I said no electrical appliances. This is the exception and I’ll tell you why.
A blender can be used to grind chemicals so long as:
There are no mixed pyro powders anywhere in the area that could be ignited by sparks
inside of the motor. This is ESPECIALLY true of there being any form of pyro chemical
dust in the air. Better to do this grinding outside, away from any other chemicals.
It can be used so long as it has been meticulously cleaned and there is no possibility of
accidental cross contamination (and thus accidentally making an explosive powder).
You never, ever, ever mix a pyro powder in a blender or by any other mechanical means!
Cork
Cork is an excellent and safe material to use as a plug in the ends of some fireworks.
Safety Gear
Hand, body, eye and lung protection, as discussed in the safety section, are all an
important tools to have.
Gloves
Having a supply of plastic or rubber gloves is very handy. It will keep the fine, powdered
chemicals from rubbing into your skin and getting under your fingernails.
Glue
Plain old Elmers white glue is excellent for the myriad of gluing necessities in making
pyrotechnics. For those applications requiring a much stronger bond, epoxy resin glues
work very well.
Paintbrushes
A good collection of natural hair paintbrushes can be used for mixing pyrotechic
powders, applying glue and a wide variety of other chores. Synthetic brushes should be
avoided because they pose a static hazard. You must always clean your brushes
thoroughly to ensure that all prior materials were removed or you could inadvertently be
creating an explosive mixture. Natural soaps, such as Ivory, are perfect for cleaning
brushes and will actually create a natural anti-static coating on the hairs.

Paper
Kraft paper is heavily used in making pyrotechnic creations. It comes in a variety of
weights (thicknesses). Grocery bags are made from a medium to heavy kraft paper where
paper lunch bags are made from a light weight kraft paper. You can also get a kraft
paper tape that can save a lot of tedious time gluing things together.
Scoops
A good set of measuring scoops are endlessly useful for the amateur pyrotechnician.
Those made for reloading rifle cartridges work very well and are normally inexpensive.
Ball Mill
A ball mill, while not a necessity, is certainly very

handy. It is used to break chemicals or other
materials down into powders, even very fine powders.
While ball mills can be a bit expensive, you can get

inexpensive children’s rock tumblers from most larger
discount department stores. Rock Tumbers are used
to polish gems and stones. You’ll need to buy some
lead fishing weights to use as your grinding medium
(to tumble with your chemicals).
Sieves
A sieve is used to separate wanted materials from
unwanted materials. In pyrotechnics, sieves are used to
separate larger particles of a chemical from the finer ones.
They are measured in mesh sizes which, in American
standards, describes roughly how many holes are in the
sieve per square inch. So a 20 mesh sieve will have 400
openings per square inch.

Flash Powder
Flash powder is a pyrotechnic composition that is used in Hollywood special effects,
fireworks, flares, etc. Flash powder was originally used for producing light for cameras
about 100 years ago. You have probably seen something to this extent where a
photographer holds a wooden handle with a flat platform on top, says “say cheese”, and
poof he ignites the flash powder.
This is one of the main reasons that it has assumed the name of “flash powder” is that the
aluminum, when ignited along with the rest of the mixture, burns with a brilliant white
flash, similar to that of magnesium.
Flash powder is a rapidly-burning mixture of an oxidizer and a metallic fuel (the

catalyst). It is volatile (can easily be triggered to ignite/explode) and can easily cause
serious injury or death. While it is incredibly easy to make, it should be only made or
handled by, or under the supervision of, someone trained in its use.
Ingredients
There are several compositions of flash powder. The safest (most stable) of these is a mix
of Potassium Perchlorate (KClO4) and 400-600 mesh Aluminum Powder. Potassium
perchlorate - it is the oxidizer in the reaction and the Powdered Aluminum is the catalyst.
The mesh refers to the size of the particles in the powder. Sometimes aluminum powder
is referred to by its actual particle size in microns. With mesh size, the higher the number
the smaller the particle is. With micron size, the smaller the number the smaller the
particle is, A general rule of thumb: the smaller the particle the better.
Flash powder can also be made from Potassium Chlorate and Aluminum powder. This
mix produces an extremely bright flash, and a window-rattling bang, but it is very
sensitive to friction. It is considerably more powerful than the KCI04 version, but
drastically more dangerous to handle.
Sources
We highly recommend http://scienceforyou.net who provides very high quality products
at reasonable prices.

Recipes
The recipes below are used in all of the fireworks described in this manual.
Recipe 1
The ratios by weight (not volume) for the basic, most stable flash powder are 70%
Potassium Perchlorate (KClO4) and 30 % dark aluminum powder.
This example is for making 100 grams of flash powder. You can adjust the volume to
whatever you need, just keep the ratios the same. The powder is mixed as follows:
(remember all of your safety gear!)
1. Place 70 grams of KClO4 on a sheet of newspaper.

2. Cover it with another sheet of newspaper and gently crush the powder with a
rolling pin to break up any crystals (then discard the top covering news paper).
3. Slowly sprinkle 30 grams of Aluminum powder on top of the KClO4.
4. Pick up the top left corner of the paper and gently roll the mixture towards you.
5. Pick up the bottom right corner of the paper and gently roll the mixture back to
the center.
6. Repeat this rolling procedure with all four corners until the powders are
thoroughly mixed. Take your time and repeat this rolling process (called
“diapering”) at least forty times.
7. Slowly pour the mixture into a clearly labeled Ziploc bag until you are ready to
use it.
Other flash powder recipe mixtures are shown below. Each one is more powerful than
the one before it just as they are also much more sensitive to being accidentally ignited.
So, #4 is the most powerful and also the most likely to go off in your hands. Personally,
I won’t use any recipe here except for #1. This is given for informational purposes only.
Again, all percentages are by weight and they would be mixed CAREFULLY as
described above.
Recipe 2
Potassium Perchlorate: 66%
Dark Aluminum Powder: 17%
Sulfur: 17%
Recipe 3
Antimony Sulfide: 9%

Recipe 4
Potassium Chlorate: 27%
Antimony Sulfide:15%
Sulfur: 7%

Cherry Bomb!
A Cherry Bomb is a spherical firecracker with a flash powder charge and
an outer coating of sawdust and glue that has been dyed red. These are not
as powerful as a M-80s, but they are still really friggin loud and can easily
separate your fingers from your body.
Cherry Bombs have varied in size over time but usually average about 1
gram of flash powder (with the largest legal firecracker now having no
more than 50 milligrams!).
Required Materials:
(per cherry bomb being made)
• Visco Safety Fuse: 2”
• Flash Powder: 1 gram
• Paper cups (very small, used to hold the flash powder): 2
• White Glue
• Fine Saw Dust
To make each cherry bomb:

1. Take two of the paper cups. One will be the top, the other the bottom. Fill the
bottom cup ¾ full with your flash powder.
2. Carefully punch or drill a hole in the second cup, just big enough for your visco
fuse to fit through.
3. Insert the fuse through the top of the cup. Only push the fuse through till the end
is even with the sides of the cup. Then glue it in place. Let it dry before
continuing.
Note: the “paper cups” being described are quite
small and are also used as plugs in the ends of
the cylinders in other types of fireworks like
M80s. The idea is to have a closed container to
hold your flash powder. If you don’t have these ,
you can form the cups out of kraft paper. Or,
simply make a pouch out of kraft paper by cutting
out a small square and putting your flash powder in the center of it. Pull the four
corners up to meet at the top, insert the fuse and glue the top together. Use the
glue to carefully seal any openings in the kraft paper so that the flash powder
can’t leak out.
4. Carefully brush glue on the inside of the top cup and put it over the bottom cup
so that the fuse is touching the flash powder. Keep it stable until the glue dries
completely.

5. Thoroughly coat the outside of the cup with white (elmers) glue and roll it in the
fine sawdust. Let it dry completely. Repeat this process three to five times till it
is exactly the size and shape you want it to be.
6. You can paint the cherry bomb red if you’d like to be nostalgic. I do.
Alternate Method
A simpler, faster method is to use ping pong balls!
1. Cut a small “x” in the side of the ping pong ball and use a small funnel to pour in
the flash powder.
2. Insert the fuse about ¼ inch into the ball and then glue it into place, completely
sealing the “x” cut into it before.
3. Once completely dried, you can follow the same sawdust coating from before.
Or, you can simply give it a few thick coats of glue (letting it dry completely
between each coat) and then paint it if you like.

Silver Salutes
Silver Salutes (a.k.a Ash Cans) are easy to make and offer a spectacular explosion.
They are made from cardboard tubing 1.5” long and .5” inside diameter. Tubes can be
found from most any pyrotechnic supply house. Although, the legal ones won’t sell tubes
and chemicals in the same store or at the same time – unless they want trouble from the
law.
1. Take the tube and drill a hole in the center of the side, large enough to allow you
to put the fuse in.
2. Insert the fuse till it touches the far side of the tube, and glue it into place with
some white glue. Make sure you completely seal the hole.
3. Insert a paper or cork plug into one end and glue it into place.
4. Allow the glue to completely dry before continuing.
5. Carefully fill the tube half full with flash powder.
6. Glue the second plug into the open end and allow to dry completely.

M80
Ah yes. And here we are, to the venerable bad-boy of the firecracker world. The one
with the nastiest reputation for parting entire legions of children from their fingers… Or
so the legends go.
Initially M80s were used by the military to condition soldiers to the sounds
of the battlefield. Later they found their way into the publics eager hands
in the form of readily available fireworks.
Where modern American firecrackers can have no more than 50 milligrams of flash
powder in them. The authentic M80s had 3 grams! That makes an M80 over sixty times
larger than anything we can purchase today!
The authentic M80s were made from kraft paper tubes that were 1/5” long with an inside
diameter of 9/16”. The directions are exactly the same as with the Silver Salute, with the
exception that the tube is filled completely with the flash composition, rather than only
half full.
1. Take the tube and drill a hole in the center of the side, large enough to allow you
to put the fuse in.
2. Insert the fuse till it touches the far side of the tube, and glue it into place with
some white glue. Make sure you completely seal the hole.
3. Insert a paper or cork plug into one end and glue it into place.
4. Allow the glue to completely dry before continuing.
5. Carefully fill the tube completely full with flash powder, leaving enough room to
glue the plug into place.
6. Glue the second plug into the open end and allow to dry completely.
7. If you feel like being authentic, paint it a bright red color.

Cannon Crackers
Cannon Crackers were popular in America in the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th
century. They came in a variety of sizes that were all BIG. They started the size of M80s
and went up to over a foot long!
The model for the Cannon Cracker can be scaled up to whatever size the pyrotechnist has
the balls to make them! Just know that the larger the quantity of flash in one place, the
more unstable it can become.
To make Cannon Crackers you use a good, stiff tube of your choice.
1. Glue a thick plug into one end and let it dry completely.
2. Drill a hole just large enough to allow the fuse through.
3. Use a fuse that is ½ the length of the tube, plus three inches.
4. Insert the fuse through the cap until three inches are sticking outside of the tube.
5. Glue the fuse in place and allow it to dry completely.
6. Fill the tube with the flash powder until it is ½ to 1/3 full.
7. Glue the final plug into place and allow it to dry completely.

Mortars
Mortars are used to launch shells (fireworks) up into the air where they explode.
Mortars are very simple in design and are easy to build.
Mortars consist of two primary components: the mortar tube and the shell. The mortar
tube has a lifting charge, usually black powder, in the base. When lit, the black powder
propels the shell into the air at the same time lighting timing fuses in the bottom of the
shell, which in turn sets off the flash powder within.
You can purchase pre-made mortar tubes with their sturdy bases already attached. Or,
you can make one by using a strong epoxy glue to attach it to a wide, heavy wooden base.
Shells can either be made of kraft tube that will just fit within the mortar tube. Or, you
can purchase round shells to fit precisely inside the mortar. Shells can even be plastic
Easter eggs!
Following the diagram below, you should be able to build your first mortar!
You’ll need to experiment with the amount of propellant that you’ll need to get the height
you want. For a mortar a few inches across, usually a teaspoon to a tablespoon of black
powder will give sufficient lift.
Here are the points to remember when setting up your mortar and shell:
1. Fill your shell about 1/3 the way full with flash composition.
2. Ensure the shell does not leave big gaps between its sides and the sides of the
mortar. A precise fit allows the lift charge to work the best
3. Put a snug fitting cardboard cover disk over the charge once it is in the mortar to
help keep it all in place and to allow compression to build when the lift charge
goes off.
4. Make sure that the mortar tube is at least five times the height of the shell.
5. Always weigh down the base of your mortar tube with sandbags, bricks, etc. This
will help ensure that it does not accidentally tip over.

Mortar Diagram


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Big F*cking Firecrackers!

All Rights Reserved. 1

Notice! Caution! Disclaimer! .......................................................................................... 3

All Rights Reserved. 1

All Rights Reserved. 2

Notice! Caution! Disclaimer!

All Rights Reserved. 3

All Rights Reserved. 4

All explosives work by one of two kinds of processes: deflagration or detonation.

All Rights Reserved. 5

All Rights Reserved. 6

Keep your workplace clean:

Mix materials in a safe place:

Be aware of static and sparks!

All Rights Reserved. 8

A clear understanding of the dangers

All Rights Reserved. 9

All Rights Reserved. 10

A ball mill, while not a necessity, is certainly very

While ball mills can be a bit expensive, you can get

All Rights Reserved. 11

Flash powder is a rapidly-burning mixture of an oxidizer and a metallic fuel (the

All Rights Reserved. 12

1. Place 70 grams of KClO4 on a sheet of newspaper.

All Rights Reserved. 13

All Rights Reserved. 14

To make each cherry bomb:

All Rights Reserved. 15

All Rights Reserved. 16

All Rights Reserved. 17

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