How To Make A Fireball

DISCLAIMER: Homemade fireworks of any kind are inherently dangerous. They could cause extreme injury or death. It is important that you understand the risks you are taking before following any of these instructions.

Fire is cool. Fireballs are cooler. Here's how to make a fireball with coffee creamer (the powdery kind, not the liquid).

If you get everything just right, you may be able to achieve this.

Step 1: Acquire a Can

Just a regular old steel can that your sliced peaches came in. If for some ungodly reason you don't have one, check your local hobo encampment and search for an empty can of beans. 

steel can

Step 2: Acquire Black Powder

My favorite way to do this is by deconstructing firecrackers. You just use pliers and squeeze the firecracker until the white packing material (looks like sand) starts falling out. This stuff is useless. Keep rolling the fire cracker in your fingers until the black powder starts to fall out. You need that. When the white sandy stuff starts falling out again, stop. Remove the fuse from the cardboard casing. You can get rid of everything except the black powder and the fuse. 

Alternatively, you can buy black powder meant for muzzleloader rifles. You may have to be a certain age to do this and only certain stores actually stock it.

Step 3: Drill a Hole

Drill a hole in the side of the can, just barely above the bottom of the can. The hole should be as big around as your fuse (which you have from the firecracker you deconstructed).

Step 4: Create a Barrier

You're going to need a barrier to separate the black powder from the coffee creamer when they are both in the can. Trace the bottom of the can on some tissue paper and cut it out. It should fit into the can almost perfectly, probably just a tad too big. 

Step 5: Dump in the Black Powder

The more, the better but you don't need a ton. If you have enough to cover the bottom of the can, you have plenty. It would be best to have a little pile in the middle of the can. I wouldn't use less than 1/4 tsp of backpacker. The more black powder you have, the more creamer you can put on top of it, and the bigger fireball you can have. 

Step 6: Slide in the Fuse

It is very important that the fuse remains in contact with the black powder or else you are going to have a dud. Make sure you are careful during construction so that the powder will light when the time comes.

Step 7: Install the Barrier

Just slide the tissue paper disk all the way down to the bottom of the can and make sure it fits well. You don't want any holes or the creamer will mix with the black powder and it may not combust.

Step 8: Pour the Creamer

Again, make sure you are using POWDERED creamer. Alternatively, I hear powdered sugar or corn starch work well, but I have never personally tried either. I would only fill the can between a quarter and half way the first time to ensure success. Push the limits with each successive test and see how far you can go with your amount of black powder. 

Step 9: Light it and Stand Back

If you did everything correctly and your black powder is viable, a rather large fireball should emanate from the can with a satisfying whoosh. Make sure you stand back or you'll loose your eyebrows. 

-Me, The Pyrotechnic