caineroad Posted February 23, 2014 Posted February 23, 2014 Hi all, I'm using sparklers as fuses for my project, but for some reason sparkler takes a long long time to light up. I need to hold a lighter for least 10 seconds for it to lit. I am hoping to know why it takes so long and is there anyway I can make it light up faster? Thanks!
Mumbles Posted February 23, 2014 Posted February 23, 2014 Sparklers really aren't a reliable or safe fuse. They're hard to light as you've noticed, and they're prone to throw hot sparks and occasionally skip ahead and drastically shorten the delay. That said, a blow torch will light them with ease. This will be a popular maneuver on the 4th of July if you have a bunch of kids around too. There are probably some primes you can add to the tip, but I'm not familiar with any specifics.
asdercks Posted February 23, 2014 Posted February 23, 2014 sparklers are hard to light specialy those with high metal content, and just as mumbles said you shouldn't be using them as fuse as they throw sparks and premature ignition could get you injured, if you're using sparklers to light thermite there is more safe and reliable alternatives.one thing you could try to help light your sparklers is to make some bp+silicon prime slurry and dip the tip of your sparklers into it, that prime isn't too hard to light and the molten droplets of silicon should be hot enough to help light the sparkler,( it works for all my hard to light stars compositions) I don't see why it shouldn't work for sparklers. as always be safe.
caineroad Posted February 24, 2014 Author Posted February 24, 2014 I see. I wasn't able to places to buy fuse in Canada until now! Someone is able to ship me cannon fuse locally, not cheap though. Since I never use cannon fuse before, are they hard to light up as well? Can I light up a match and it will burn easily? They have option 1.8mm or 3mm what should I look for choosing the diameter? thanks
nater Posted February 24, 2014 Posted February 24, 2014 What kind of project are you working on without any experience with fuse? Canon fuse is also called visco fuse, it is the fuse that is on 99% of consumer fireworks. It has a black powder core wound in string and sometimes has a waterproof coating. It lights easily and good quality fuse has a consistient burn rate. I like the thicker fuse because it spits more fire. Some projects require the smaller fuse in order to fit through a smaller hole.
caineroad Posted February 24, 2014 Author Posted February 24, 2014 (edited) Thanks very much. I am making a pull pin smoke bomb. The pull pin is made up of match heads and striker to create fire, then fire will light up the fuse, consequently burning the mixture in the smoke can Edited February 24, 2014 by caineroad
MWJ Posted February 24, 2014 Posted February 24, 2014 You could try to dip the sparkler tip in some NC lacquer. A pull string for smoke bombs sounds fun! I'm going to have to try that too.
sora Posted February 24, 2014 Posted February 24, 2014 The easiest way to light up a sparkler is by another sparkler
amateurpyro1 Posted June 15, 2014 Posted June 15, 2014 I have tried the pull string lighter, but instead of a row of matchheads I would use fuse with 2 matches sellotaped on the end .Fold the striker you find on the box of matches in half on its width so the striking part is facing in. get a paperclip and bend it into a circle and put it inside the folded striker, or you could use a keyring. slip the striker onto the 2 match head and get a small rubber band to loop around it and hold it onto the match heads. Its not 100% reliable but it works most of the time. I would recomend it though.
psyco_1322 Posted June 15, 2014 Posted June 15, 2014 Get the 3mm fuse. I don't think dipping a sparkler in NC is going to help it light. What amateurpyro1 said is actually a good recommendation. A few match heads taped to a angle cut piece of visco is an easy and reliable ignition method when it's windy, given you don't own a torch of some kind. If you make the striker into a "ring" to fit your finger, it clears up your hands to do things and you always know where your striker is.
OblivionFall Posted November 6, 2014 Posted November 6, 2014 I see. I wasn't able to places to buy fuse in Canada until now! Someone is able to ship me cannon fuse locally, not cheap though. Since I never use cannon fuse before, are they hard to light up as well? Can I light up a match and it will burn easily? They have option 1.8mm or 3mm what should I look for choosing the diameter? thanksThere's a guy in quebec named Purple Magus that sells 2.2mm visco fuse that's really reliable and great quality.
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