How to Shoot Titanium Rocket Fireworks

Titanium rocket fireworks provide hours of fun when used safely.

Titanium rocket fireworks are a specific variety of what are commonly termed "pop bottle rockets" since they have a long wooden stick attached to the propellant head. Titanium rockets leave behind a stream of white sparks as they ascend into the night sky, ending with a loud whistle and then an explosive "report." As with all bottle rockets, titanium rockets require great care when launching to prevent injury to yourself and other bystanders. Do not use fireworks if they are illegal in your area.

Things You'll Need

• Soda bottle (preferably glass)
• Firework lighting "punk"

Instructions

1. Remove one titanium rocket from the package bundle. When removing, be sure that the fuse isn't tangled with the others. If tangled, gently untangle them rather than attempting to pull the rocket from the package.

2. Inspect the fuse on each titanium rocket before launching. The fuses should all be close to the same length as all of the others. If a titanium rocket has a shorter fuse than the others, pull the fuse from the rocket and discard. Short fuses may not permit enough time for you to get far enough away before it launches upward, increasing the chance of personal injury.

3. Slide the wooden stick portion of the titanium rocket down into a glass bottle. Glass is preferred because it doesn't allow the heat from the fuse to melt itself to the material, which may cause an unsafe launch. Be sure that the head of the titanium rocket is facing skyward and that it's aimed away from trees, buildings, pets and other people who may be standing in the vicinity. Bend the fuse outward so that it holds the rocket head over the lip of the bottle.

4. Light the fuse of your titanium rocket using a "punk" (lighting stick provided by fireworks vendors). Light the tip of the punk until it's glowing red, then touch that glowing tip to the tip of the fuse on the titanium rocket. When lighting, keep all body parts and your face away from the top of the rocket. Once the fuse begins to spark, walk away from the rocket quickly. Provide at least 50 feet between the rocket and all pets, people and yourself.

5. Wait until the titanium rocket has launched into the sky before approaching the launching bottle to prepare another rocket. If the rocket didn't successfully launch, prevent anyone from approaching it for at least three minutes because it may have a faulty fuse that may still be lit inside of the rocket. After a three-minute wait, approach the rocket, but keep all body parts clear of the top of the rocket. Lay the bottle over and aim it in a direction where it can't accidentally fire toward people or flammables. Step on the rocket and crush it to prevent any further risk of accidental launch.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't use fireworks if they are illegal in your area.

• Never light the fuse of the titanium rocket or any bottle rocket with a match or a cigarette lighter. These produce a large flame in relation to the rocket fuses and they may light too much of the fuse. If this happens, you may not have enough time to step away before the rocket launches. Always use igniter "punks" provided by your fireworks vendor for maximum safety.

• Never point fireworks at people, pets, buildings or flammable structures.

References

• Home Safety: Fireworks Safety
• All Spark Fireworks: Bottle Rocket Information (Use and Safety)

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• TNT Fireworks: Titanium Rocket
• Fireworks Safety Tips: How to Launch Crackers and Bottle Rockets (Video)