A quarter stick, colloquially known as the , is a large
firecracker
A firecracker (cracker, noise maker, banger) is a small explosive device primarily designed to produce a large amount of noise, especially in the form of a loud bang, usually for celebration or entertainment; any visual effect is incidental to ...
that falls within a range of dimensions roughly between and . These salutes typically carry 25grams of
flash powder
Flash powder is a pyrotechnic composition, a mixture of an oxidizer and a metallic fuel, which burns quickly (deflagrates) and produces a loud noise, regardless of confinement in some formulations. It is widely used in theatrical and display pyro ...
but in rare occasions have been measured and can contain upward to 30grams. Like the others, a piece of visco fuse 2to 4 inches protrudes from the end or side.
The term ''quarter stick'' is based on a quarter-stick of
dynamite
Dynamite is an explosive made of nitroglycerin, sorbents (such as powdered shells or clay), and Stabilizer (chemistry), stabilizers. It was invented by the Swedish people, Swedish chemist and engineer Alfred Nobel in Geesthacht, Northern German ...
, which it somewhat resembles. However, quarter stick firecrackers do not contain
nitroglycerin
Nitroglycerin (NG) (alternative spelling nitroglycerine), also known as trinitroglycerol (TNG), nitro, glyceryl trinitrate (GTN), or 1,2,3-trinitroxypropane, is a dense, colorless or pale yellow, oily, explosive liquid most commonly produced by ...
as dynamite does, and have far less explosive power.
In the United States, quarter sticks and similar large firecrackers are illegal to manufacture or possess without an
ATF
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (BATFE), commonly referred to as ATF, is a domestic law enforcement agency within the United States Department of Justice. Its responsibilities include the investigation and prevention ...
High Explosives Manufacturing License. However, it is legal to make and possess these for personal use.
See also
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M-80 (explosive)
M-80s are an American class of large powerful firecrackers, sometimes called Salute (pyrotechnics), salutes. M-80s were originally made in the mid 20th century for the United States Armed Forces, U.S. military to simulate explosives or artillery ...
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Salute (pyrotechnics)
In pyrotechnics a salute is a device primarily designed to make a loud report (bang), rather than have a visual effect, although most salutes also have a bright flash. They most commonly consist of a 70:30 mixture of potassium perchlorate and dark ...
References
ATF Fact Sheet - Illegal Explosives Devices
Types of fireworks
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