Quarter stick
Encyclopedia
Quarter Stick is a generic term used to describe a large firecracker
that falls within a certain range of dimensions. Typically, a Quarter Stick consists of a thick walled cardboard tube containing approximately 20 grams of pyrotechnic flash powder
, with a short length of Visco fuse protruding from the side or end of the device. No true standard for dimensions and construction exists, as these devices are products of bootleg manufacturers.
The term "Quarter Stick" is based on attempts to compare the performance of large firecrackers to Dynamite
. However, these notions are false, and unlike what is suggested by the name, a Quarter Stick firecracker does not have the same explosive performance as a quarter stick of Dynamite, and does not contain Nitroglycerin like dynamite does.
In the United States, Quarter Sticks and similar large firecrackers are illegal to manufacture or possess without a BATFE High Explosives Manufacturing License.
They are sometimes colloquially known as, M-2,000 or "block busters".
Firecracker
A firecracker is a small explosive device primarily designed to produce a large amount of noise, especially in the form of a loud bang; any visual effect is incidental to this goal. They have fuses, and are wrapped in a heavy paper casing to contain the explosive compound...
that falls within a certain range of dimensions. Typically, a Quarter Stick consists of a thick walled cardboard tube containing approximately 20 grams of pyrotechnic flash powder
Flash powder
Flash powder is a pyrotechnic composition, a mixture of oxidizer and metallic fuel, which burns quickly and if confined produces a loud report. It is widely used in theatrical pyrotechnics and fireworks and was once used for flashes in photography.Different varieties of flash powder are made from...
, with a short length of Visco fuse protruding from the side or end of the device. No true standard for dimensions and construction exists, as these devices are products of bootleg manufacturers.
The term "Quarter Stick" is based on attempts to compare the performance of large firecrackers to Dynamite
Dynamite
Dynamite is an explosive material based on nitroglycerin, initially using diatomaceous earth , or another absorbent substance such as powdered shells, clay, sawdust, or wood pulp. Dynamites using organic materials such as sawdust are less stable and such use has been generally discontinued...
. However, these notions are false, and unlike what is suggested by the name, a Quarter Stick firecracker does not have the same explosive performance as a quarter stick of Dynamite, and does not contain Nitroglycerin like dynamite does.
In the United States, Quarter Sticks and similar large firecrackers are illegal to manufacture or possess without a BATFE High Explosives Manufacturing License.
They are sometimes colloquially known as, M-2,000 or "block busters".