Bang snaps
Encyclopedia
Bang snaps are a type of small novelty firework sold as a trick noisemaker
.
or coarse sand
impregnated with a minute quantity (~.08 milligrams) of silver fulminate
high explosive and twisted in a cigarette paper to produce a shape resembling a teardrop
with a tail. When stepped on, ignited, or thrown on a hard surface, the friction-sensitive silver fulminate detonates
, producing a sharp salute
similar to that of a cap gun
.
Despite producing a legitimate (albeit tiny) high-explosive detonation, the extremely high mass ratio of gravel to explosive acts as a buffer to ensure that the devices produce only the audible "crack" of the supersonic shockwave; they are incapable of producing physical damage, even if discharged directly against skin, and the detonation frequently fails to even break the thin paper holding the ingredients. The explosion is also too weak to propel the gravel any distance, which usually falls to the ground. This makes them safe for use as a children's toy, for which purpose they have been widely sold across the world since the 1950s. They are also a common part of Chinese New Year
celebrations.
, Korea
and China
and are widely available over the counter at small toy stores and shops specializing in jokes, novelties and magic tricks. They are also sold at commercial fireworks outlets and gas stations in some areas. The snaps are typically packed in sawdust
to prevent them from discharging due to rough handling while in transit.
Currently the only US jurisdiction which restricts the use and sale of bang snaps is the state of New Jersey
, which bans all forms of consumer pyrotechnics including sparklers. Other states impose the same age restrictions on purchasing bang snaps as that of permitted fireworks, usually 17 or 18.
used the iconic box artwork from the "Pop Pop"-brand of bang snaps (made by Garrywa Fireworks of China) for the cover of her 1991 album by the same name.
Noisemaker
A noisemaker is something intended to make a loud noise, usually for fun. The word may refer to:* Air horn, a device composed of a pressurized air source coupled to a horn, designed to create an extremely loud noise...
.
Composition
Bang snaps consist of a small amount of gravelGravel
Gravel is composed of unconsolidated rock fragments that have a general particle size range and include size classes from granule- to boulder-sized fragments. Gravel can be sub-categorized into granule and cobble...
or coarse sand
Sand
Sand is a naturally occurring granular material composed of finely divided rock and mineral particles.The composition of sand is highly variable, depending on the local rock sources and conditions, but the most common constituent of sand in inland continental settings and non-tropical coastal...
impregnated with a minute quantity (~.08 milligrams) of silver fulminate
Silver fulminate
Silver fulminate is an explosive, ionic, fulminic acid salt of silver.Silver fulminate is a primary explosive that has very little practical value due to its extreme sensitivity to impact, heat, pressure and electricity...
high explosive and twisted in a cigarette paper to produce a shape resembling a teardrop
Teardrop
Teardrop may refer to:* Tears, a liquid produced in the eyes for cleaning and lubricating* Teardrop attacks, a remote denial-of-service attack * Teardrop trailer, a type of travel trailer* Teardrop hull, a submarine hull design...
with a tail. When stepped on, ignited, or thrown on a hard surface, the friction-sensitive silver fulminate detonates
Detonation
Detonation involves a supersonic exothermic front accelerating through a medium that eventually drives a shock front propagating directly in front of it. Detonations are observed in both conventional solid and liquid explosives, as well as in reactive gases...
, producing a sharp salute
Salute (pyrotechnics)
In pyrotechnics a salute is a device primarily designed to make a loud report , and may or may not have a visual effect. Most salutes will also have a very bright flash and are made from many different formulas depending on manufacturer and desired effect. They may have aluminum, antimony,...
similar to that of a cap gun
Cap gun
A cap gun is a toy gun that creates a loud sound simulating a gunshot and a puff of smoke when the trigger is pulled. Cap guns were originally made of cast iron, but after World War II were made of zinc alloy, and most newer models are made of plastic....
.
Despite producing a legitimate (albeit tiny) high-explosive detonation, the extremely high mass ratio of gravel to explosive acts as a buffer to ensure that the devices produce only the audible "crack" of the supersonic shockwave; they are incapable of producing physical damage, even if discharged directly against skin, and the detonation frequently fails to even break the thin paper holding the ingredients. The explosion is also too weak to propel the gravel any distance, which usually falls to the ground. This makes them safe for use as a children's toy, for which purpose they have been widely sold across the world since the 1950s. They are also a common part of Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year – often called Chinese Lunar New Year although it actually is lunisolar – is the most important of the traditional Chinese holidays. It is an all East and South-East-Asia celebration...
celebrations.
Production
Bang snaps are primarily produced alongside other export fireworks in BrazilBrazil
Brazil , officially the Federative Republic of Brazil , is the largest country in South America. It is the world's fifth largest country, both by geographical area and by population with over 192 million people...
, Korea
Korea
Korea ) is an East Asian geographic region that is currently divided into two separate sovereign states — North Korea and South Korea. Located on the Korean Peninsula, Korea is bordered by the People's Republic of China to the northwest, Russia to the northeast, and is separated from Japan to the...
and China
China
Chinese civilization may refer to:* China for more general discussion of the country.* Chinese culture* Greater China, the transnational community of ethnic Chinese.* History of China* Sinosphere, the area historically affected by Chinese culture...
and are widely available over the counter at small toy stores and shops specializing in jokes, novelties and magic tricks. They are also sold at commercial fireworks outlets and gas stations in some areas. The snaps are typically packed in sawdust
Sawdust
Sawdust is a by-product of cutting lumber with a saw, composed of fine particles of wood. It can present a hazard in manufacturing industries, especially in terms of its flammability....
to prevent them from discharging due to rough handling while in transit.
Currently the only US jurisdiction which restricts the use and sale of bang snaps is the state of New Jersey
New Jersey
New Jersey is a state in the Northeastern and Middle Atlantic regions of the United States. , its population was 8,791,894. It is bordered on the north and east by the state of New York, on the southeast and south by the Atlantic Ocean, on the west by Pennsylvania and on the southwest by Delaware...
, which bans all forms of consumer pyrotechnics including sparklers. Other states impose the same age restrictions on purchasing bang snaps as that of permitted fireworks, usually 17 or 18.
In popular culture
US musician Rickie Lee JonesRickie Lee Jones
Rickie Lee Jones is an American vocalist, musician, songwriter, and producer. Over the course of a three-decade career, Jones has recorded in various musical styles including rock, R&B, blues, pop, soul, and jazz standards.-Childhood:...
used the iconic box artwork from the "Pop Pop"-brand of bang snaps (made by Garrywa Fireworks of China) for the cover of her 1991 album by the same name.