This is a GREAT activity for the daytime hours of the 4th of July. And since most of the pyrotechnics require at least partial darkness, a daytime activity is a good thing to have! So here's how to pull off the Brinkerhoff Can Launch.
STEP 1:
Take a wide, shallow can. This can likely held tuna, water chestnuts or cat food in its previously uneventful life... Now it will upgrade to holding water. Fill it about 1/2 to 2/3 full with water.
STEP 2:
Now, take another can. This one's more of the "Soup" variety. Or vegetables. It really doesn't matter. What DOES matter is that it's taller and skinnier, so that it can rest comfortably inside the watery bed of the first can. Turn the can upside down and drill a hole in the middle of the bottom. Or pound a nail through it to make a hole.
STEP 3:
Now that you've got your hole, use the masking tape to secure a firecracker to the inside of the can, with the fuse threaded out through the hole you just made.
STEP 4:
Carefully lower your loaded can into the water from step one.
STEP 5:
Light the fuse.
STEP 6:
Step away.
STEP 7:
Watch with wonder and glee as the tall can launches much higher than you'd think possible!
STEP 8:
Dry off the launched can, reload, repeat!
I pretty much was gone by the time you guys and dad started the old water can fire cracker trick. And For some reason pyrotechnics just weren't all that facinating to me. I mean ya seen one old soup can shot into the air ya seen em all. But I do remember the ferver and excitment it held for you male type folk. Plus I think blowing things up was one of the few times you and dad actually got along. Well mostly.
ReplyDeletei remember such shenanigans, and was actually telling tales of them at work today. good times.
ReplyDeleteSomeone get out the couch cushions!
ReplyDelete