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A quarter stick is a large
ATF Fact Sheet - Illegal Explosives Devices
Types of fireworks {{pyrotechnics-stub
A quarter stick 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 t ...
that falls within a certain range of dimensions. Typically, a quarter stick consists of a thick walled cardboard tube containing approximately of pyrotechnic flash powder, with a short length of Visco fuse protruding from the side or end of the device. No true standard for dimensions and construction exists, as these devices are products of bootleg manufacturers.
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 Germa ...
, which it somewhat resembles. However, quarter stick firecrackers do not contain nitroglycerin
Nitroglycerin (NG), (alternative spelling of nitroglycerine) also known as trinitroglycerin (TNG), nitro, glyceryl trinitrate (GTN), or 1,2,3-trinitroxypropane, is a dense, colorless, oily, explosive liquid most commonly produced by nitrating g ...
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 the ATF, is a domestic law enforcement agency within the United States Department of Justice. Its responsibilities include the investigation and preven ...
High Explosives Manufacturing License.
They are sometimes colloquially known as M-1000s or "Block Busters". The smaller M100 is also known as "Silver Salutes." The M250 is also known as "Pineapples."
See also
*M-80 (explosive)
M-80s are an American class of large powerful firecrackers, sometimes called salutes. M-80s were originally made in the mid 20th century for the U.S. military to simulate explosives or artillery fire; later, M-80s were manufactured as fireworks. ...
* Salute (pyrotechnics)
References
ATF Fact Sheet - Illegal Explosives Devices
Types of fireworks {{pyrotechnics-stub