How to Inspect the Tubes of Black Powder Cannons

Inspecting the tube of a black powder cannon is important for safe usage of the piece.

Inspecting the tube of a black powder cannon prior to use will keep you safe and prevent someone from being injured or killed. Paying attention to a few details can allow you to quickly and safely inspect the tube of a black powder cannon. Then you will be able to safely use the cannon for either live fire demonstrations or re-enactments.

Things You'll Need

• Cannon worm
• Flashlight
• Leather gloves
• 2 people

Instructions

1. Guarantee that the cannon is unloaded. This is needed before a tube can be inspected.

2. Examine the outside of the cannon on all sides, making certain that there are no visible cracks. If there are cracks of any kind visible on the outside of the tube it is a danger to use and needs to be repaired.

3. Ram the worm (a long wooden cylinder with an iron coil with two points on the end) down the bore of the cannon from the front, twisting it from side to side as you push it into the cannon. If the worm catches at any point before reaching the end of the cannon tube there may be an internal crack that makes the tube dangerous to use.

4. Close the vent hole at the back of the cannon using your thumb in the leather gloves.

5. Give the flashlight to a friend. With your thumb still closing the vent hole, have your friend shine the flashlight down the bore of the cannon to look for any visible cracks. The tube should be smooth without any cracks visible.

6. Open the vent hole and have someone look through it to make sure they can see the light from the flashlight. If not, then the barrel is blocked by something somewhere and it is unsafe to use.

7. Shine the flashlight down the vent hole and have someone look down the bore of the cannon to see if they see light at the end of the cannon. If there is no light then there is a problem around the vent hole and the cannon is unsafe to use.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't hesitate to double- or triple-check every step. When handling explosives and cannons, better safe than sorry.

References

• Civil War News: Artillery Safety Rules
• American Artillery Association: Safety Rules and Procedures
• Kennesaw Cannon.com: Black Powder Safety Rules for Cannon