How to Make a Match Box Bomb

Last Updated: October 4, 2024

To make a basic matchbox bomb, place a portion of striking strip inside a full matchbox, seal the box tightly using tape, and throw the matchbox against a hard, flame-resistant surface to ignite the matches inside and create a small explosion. Once you master this basic version, you can also try advanced techniques like the flaming fireball and explosive fireball. Any matchbox bomb should be used almost immediately as they can be set off quite easily. Be careful not to set it off on yourself or near others, and stay safe by making and using the bomb outside.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Making a Matchbox Bomb

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1
Gather the materials to make a matchbox bomb. You will need a matchbox full of matches and any tape of your choice. It can be masking, duct, or electrical tape and it should preferably be a new roll of tape as you'll be using quite a bit of it. This particular matchbox bomb explodes and engulfs the entire box and its contents. It also needs more force set off compared to other versions of the matchbox bomb, like the flaming fireball and explosive fireball.
- Glue and scissors are optional.
2
Rip the striking strip off the matchbox box carefully. For most matchboxes, the striking strip will be another layer of material on top of the box that can be easily ripped off. Be sure to keep the structure of the box intact.
- If you decide to cut the strip off or accidentally rip open the box, don't worry. You'll be taping up the box quite excessively later. Ripping the striking strip off is just done out of convenience.
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3
Cut the striking strip to match the width of the matchbox. Measure it against the top of your matchbox, or where the tips of your matchsticks touch.
- Alternatively, you can fold the striking strip to fit.
4
Place the strip inside the matchbox. The striking side should face or touch the matchstick heads. When friction is applied, such as you throwing the matchbox against a surface, the striking strip will light all the matchsticks at once.
- If you're concerned that the strip will not hold its place, you can glue or tape the non-striking side onto the top of the inside of the matchbox.
- Make sure your matches are all facing the right way (with the match heads facing the inserted striking strip). Align them by tapping the box on a surface.
5
Wrap the matchbox with tape. Close the matchbox and tape the box in all directions; horizontally, vertically, and diagonally. Tape it until the corners are rounded or when the box feels cushioned.
- Tape it tight or almost air-tight. This will ensure the matches stay in place and maximize its combustion effect.
- You should hear no rattling once you're done taping.
- For a bigger explosion, use duct tape or electrical tape. It's stronger and will help make the box more airtight.
- For a more prolonged, flaming effect, masking tape or any paper-based tape will increase the flammability of the bomb.
6
Set the matchbox off by hitting it or throwing it against a wall or the floor. You can also set it off by hitting it with a tennis racket or bat. The matchbox will go off after a one-second delay.
- The match heads will rub against the striking strip and ignite. The gases from the flame will need to escape and since the box is almost airtight, a small scale explosion will follow to allow it to escape. ^{[1]
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- Have a fire extinguisher or any other fire safety measures at ready in case an accident happens.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Making a Flaming Fireball

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You will need a matchbox full of matches, any kind tape of your choice, and scissors. This particular bomb lets out a slower burning explosion with a bigger flaming effect.
Be careful not to accidentally strike and ignite any of them.
Use the end of the striking head as the place you should cut. Dispose of the stick ends. In the end, you should have a pile of small, round, match heads.
Most boxes will have two strips on either lengths of the box. Dispose of the rest of the box.
Depending on the size of your striking strip, you should have enough so that it covers the strip from end to end. You will have some match heads left over to use.
This will keep the match heads in place. The tape will also work to trap the gasses when the match head is ignited and create an explosion.
Then tape the ends together. This completes the first out of two striking strips.
Don't use all of the match heads. Leave some for later to be put into the centre of the structure.
The striking side or the side with the matches taped on should face outward. In other words, the non-striking sides of both striking strips should be touching. Tape the ends together.
10
Add your remaining match heads into the centre of the inside loop. Then tape over the centre to keep the matches inside.
- Although the remaining match heads won't be making contact with the striking strip, they will be lit on fire by the other match heads.
11
Tape around the curled strips and match heads. Seal off the sides of the loops and secure the entire structure.
- Tape it tight or almost air-tight. This will ensure the matches stay in place and maximize its combustion effect.
12
Hit the bundle or throw it hard at the ground and it should burst into flames. You can also throw it against the wall or any other safe surface for it to explode.
- Have a fire extinguisher or any other fire safety measures at ready in case an accident happens.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Making an Explosive Fireball

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You will need a matchbox full of matches, any kind of tape of your choice, and scissors. This particular bomb lets out a faster and louder explosion than the flaming fireball.
Be careful not to accidentally strike and ignite any of them.
Use the end of the striking head as the place you should cut. Dispose of the stick ends. In the end, you should have a pile of small, round, match heads.
4
Cut out the striking strips from the box. Most boxes will have two strip on either lengths of the box. Dispose of the rest of the box.
- For this particular fireball, one striking strip is all that is needed.
its striking surface should be the inside of the loop. Then, tape the ends together.
6
Fill the inside area of the loop with the match heads. Tape the end of the striking surface over the top so the match heads are trapped inside.
- Don't shake the structure too much or the match heads might ignite.
- You might not be able to fit all the match heads inside the loop. Adjust the striking strip accordingly or save the match heads for later.
You want to make this into a nearly air-tight ball, but you don't want to overdo the thickness of the tape.
8
Hit it or throw it hard at the ground and it should burst into flames. You can also throw it against the wall or any other safe surface for it to explode.
- Have a fire extinguisher or any other fire safety measures at ready in case an accident happens.

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Question

Could I shoot one of these from a slingshot? If so, would it still ignite when it hits something?

Community Answer

Yes. It really honestly doesn't matter what you shoot it from, it just matters that it hits the ground and bursts into flames.

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Can it hurt people or other animals?

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Possibly, so don't throw them at people or animals just to be sure.

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How destructive are these? And how destructive could they be?

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If you do this in a dry field with dry grass on a summer day then these will start a field fire and that can spread and destroy a lot of ground, sometimes even buildings.

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Tips

Make sure you throw it a fair distance away from you for safety.

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Use more tape for a bigger explosion.

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Use a full matchbox. The more matches, the bigger the explosive effect.

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Warnings

Use this as soon as you make it, since it is in a volatile state. It could go off accidentally with the slightest bump.

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Do not throw it at flammable surfaces such as grass, wood, or trees.

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Do not throw it at people, pets, or animals.

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Things You'll Need

A new box of safety matches
Roll of tape
Scissors
Goggles

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How to Make a Match Box Bomb

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Making a Flaming Fireball

Making an Explosive Fireball

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