Childhood Memories of Our First Home made Firecrackers

[Flying10uk]

I remember as a child of about 10 someone gave me a primer cap from a shot gun cartridge that hadn't been used. Being inquisitive I wondered what would happen if you struck the end by using a 6" nail and hammer. After careful consideration I thought that the most appropriate location to try out this little experiment would be my bedroom with the door shut, to avoid any unwanted interruptions. I proceeded to strike the cap with the said nail and there was one hell of a loud bang, followed by stars in my eyes and ringing in my ears. You wouldn't believe how angry my mother was, she was shouting, she was hysterical and I think that she was expecting to find the back part of the house "blown out" because of the loud bang that she had heard.

CAUTION: I have since been told that the above is highly dangerous because the cap could "blow" back and cause serious body injury. You have been warned, so please don't try to replicate the above.