Jumping cracker

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Jumping crackers or Jumping jacks are a type of firecracker. When lit each segment loudly pops (or bangs, depending on how much paper is used) and has a nasty habit to unpredictably jump around, (hence the name) changing direction with each bang.

They were a common firework available in assortments in the 1930's from such companies as Brocks. They were subsequently banned for their unpredictable nature.

Materials

Kraft paper

You will need some kraft paper around 30-50 lbs in thickness.

Propellant

Meal powder, a few percents of dextrin can be added, however not necessary.

Other

Fuse, preferably visco fuse, but black match or touchpaper can substitute. Also a paint brush, water, glue, and string is needed.

Method

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A jumping cracker is made of a craft paper strip roughly 6 cm by 25cm. It is also possible to use a longer strip, this will result in more cracks (or "jumps"). First a line of wet meal powder is applied with a small paint brush along the longer edge of the strip of kraft paper, which is then wound several times and glued.

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It looks much like quick match tube. One end is then bent, thus making an end chamber.

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The tube is now zig-zagged as many times as the length allows and a piece of fuse stuck into the opposite open end.

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Click for larger image

A piece of twine or string is then tightly wound around the center and criss-crossed around each segment of the snake-looking device. It is then left to dry for a day or more.

When lit, each segment loudly pops (or bangs, depending on how much paper is used) and has a nasty habit to unpredictably jump around (hence the name) changing direction with each bang.

References