(You can see me in the left circle)

Who said you have to spend tons of money on July 4th or New Year’s Eve to put on an amazing fireworks display? Thanks to the crazy people on YouTube, I have discovered a way to make my own cheap pyrotechnics called firewire.

This takes almost no preparation and is very simple to do.

Here are the materials:

  • Grade #0000 super fine steel wool
  • 5-6 feet of thin flexible wire (speaker wire, copper wire)
  • 9v battery

After you have the materials it is time to assemble your cheap pyrotechnic. Just tie a slip knot in the end of your thin wire, then take one roll of steel wool and place it in the slip knot. Make sure your slip knot is very tight, this will keep the steel wool from burning as quickly near the wire and will keep the wool from being flung off prematurely.

Now you are almost ready to use your cheap pyrotechnic. You will want to wear a hoodie, jeans and tennis shoes because you will be standing a in a shower of sparks. With your hood on, grab one end of the steel wool and touch the battery to the other end. You will see the steel wool begin to glow, when it does start spinning it. Make sure to keep your head down. Sparks will go about 20 feet in front, behind and above you so make sure youre in an open area.

Once you know exactly how it works get your friends involved. See how many simultaneous firewire displays you and your friends can get going at once. Who thought spending 4 bucks at Lowes or Home Depot could yield so much fun!

(Caution: Do this at your own risk :-)