How to Make a Match Rocket

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Would you like to make a cheap and easy matchstick rocket? With basic household supplies, you can make one that shoots up to 40 ft (12m)! Unless you work for NASA, assume there'll be a few duds and make several at once. This does involve high temperatures, so young children should be supervised by adults.

Part 1
Part 1 of 2:

Making the Rocket

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  1. A match rocket is simple to make: all you need is a few match heads, plus a piece of foil to wrap around them. You'll end up with a tiny rocket that shoots out smoke and hot air when lit, pushing itself up and away. To get started, cut out a foil square about 5 x 7 inches (13 x 18 cm) works well. [1]
    • There are two types of foil: normal and heavy-duty. Heavy duty foil makes a better seal, but it will weigh down your rocket if you use too much.
  2. Lay the skewer down along the long side of the foil. Roll the skewer along the foil to wrap a foil tube around it. Try to keep the foil tight against the skewer, and as even as you can. Pull out the skewer, leaving a hollow foil tube behind.
    • You can buy wooden skewers at most grocery stores. If you don't have one, wrap a smaller piece of foil around a matchstick instead.
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  3. Snip off the match heads with a pair of scissors. You only need one match head for each rocket. [2]
    • Do this over a cloth or cloth-lined container so the match heads don't bounce away.
    • Paper matches are a good option since they weigh less, but any type of match should work.
  4. Use the skewer to push a single match head into the foil tube. Stop once it's about ½ to 1 inch (1.25–2.5 cm) from the end. [3]
    • If one end of the tube is more uneven or ragged than the other, put the match head near this end.
    • You can put more match heads into the rocket if you want, as long as you leave that space in the end. Because the match heads won't all ignite at the same time, this doesn't increase the rocket power as much as you'd think.
  5. Crimp the end next to the match head closed with a pair of pliers. Repeat this from several angles, until the tube is as tightly closed as possible. If there are any holes in this end, smoke will escape and the rocket will not fly nearly as far. [4]
    • For extra insurance, fold this end over itself, as though it were a tube of toothpaste. Fold a tiny piece of foil and wrap it around this to stop it unrolling.
  6. Push the paper clip into the end of the tube that still has a hole. Wrap the foil around this object, narrowing the tube. [5] A narrower opening means more pressure, which will shoot the rocket farther. You can leave the paper clip in there for now.
    • Use a metal paper clip, not one with a plastic coating.
    • A standard sized paper clip should be fine. If you used a large number of match heads, you might need an over-sized clip to support the rocket.
  7. Fins add more than just style; their shape helps keep the rocket pointed in the direction of movement. This is the most aerodynamic position, reducing the slowing effect of the air. If you decide to make fins, here's an easy way to do it: [6]
    • Cut a small square of heavy tape with an anti-stick backing. Aluminum foil tape works best.
    • Fold it along the diagonal, then turn it over and crease the same fold the other way. Unfold and repeat along the second diagonal.
    • Fold it along both folds and cut off the central corner. You should now have a square with a hole in it.
    • Remove the anti-stick backing. Push the tape into an X shape and slide it onto the hollow end of the rocket. It should now have four fins.
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Part 2
Part 2 of 2:

Launching the Rocket

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  1. A stable, relatively heavy stand that won't move much on launch will get you the farthest distance. Here's one easy way to make one if you don't need your matchbox anymore: [7]
    • Empty your matchbox and fill one half with pebbles or other dense objects.
    • Punch a hole in the lid of the matchbox, near one end
    • Stick the paper clip currently in the rocket into this hole. Slide the lid until you get the desired launch angle.
    • If the paper clip falls over, tape it onto the matchbox base or weight it down.
  2. If the foil is wrapped too tightly around the paper clip, the rocket might cling and fail to launch. Rotate the rocket and wiggle it slightly until you're satisfied it's slightly loose.
    • If this is very tight, the rocket could explode.
  3. The smoking rocket tip will be hot enough to leave scorch marks on carpet and furniture. Find a concrete surface outdoors with at least 40 feet (12m) of space.
    • Make sure to find an area to light the rocket away from the street and pedestrians.
    • Keep the rocket pointed away from people, animals, or another person's property.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Match Rocket
    Stand to the side of the rocket and hold a torch or lighter to the tip of the rocket, where the match head is. Soon, smoke will shoot out the end with the paper clip, and the rocket will fly forward. Have fun!
    • The rocket usually flies at least 20 ft (6m) if it is pointed at a 45º angle. It can occasionally fly up to 40 ft (12m).
    • On a windy day, point the rocket in the direction the wind is blowing. Screen the flame from wind while lighting.
  5. The rocket tip will keep smoldering for some time, and could cause a fire if it lands in brush. Always pick it up after launch, but wear gloves. It will be hot enough to burn skin.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    Can I make this with paper?
    Community Answer
    It will burn up the paper and nothing will happen. Use aluminum because it won't burn, and it keeps the combustion inside so it can propel itself forward.
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    Not Helpful 19 Helpful 44
  • Question
    Can I use gunpowder or powder from the crackers instead of match heads?
    Community Answer
    It’s called a match rocket because you use matches! Try other methods at your own risk.
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    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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    Not Helpful 21 Helpful 42
  • Question
    What is wrong if my rocket does not fly and only leaves some smoke behind?
    Community Answer
    Check for any leakage in your rocket. There might be holes in the aluminum foil.
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      Tips

      • If your rocket won't fly as straight or as far as you would like, try these adjustments:
        • If the foil has holes burned in the side, wrap extra layers of foil next time. [8]
        • If the rocket drops quickly, use less foil.
        • If smoke comes from the front of the rocket as well as the back, the seal wasn't tight enough. Crimp tightly.
        • If the rocket won't fly straight, add fins to the next rocket, as described above. If it already has fins, make them slightly larger next time.
        Thanks
        Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0
      • It's more efficient to make many rockets at once. You might prefer to make them one at a time until you've had a successful launch.
        Thanks
        Helpful 29 Not Helpful 7
      • You may need to replace the paper clip after a few launches, if carbon builds up on the surface and interferes with launch.
        Thanks
        Helpful 28 Not Helpful 8
      Show More Tips

      Tips from our Readers

      The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
      • If you want more smoke to trail your rocket, put more match heads in it.
      • Do not let the tinfoil suffocate the metal.
      • You can use candles for more rockets.
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      Warnings

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      Things You'll Need

      • Foil
      • Match
      • Skewer
      • Paper clip
      • Pliers
      • Matchbox
      • Gloves

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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=26&v=q0yfrZkqPxQ
      2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WFyKgmnCF-8
      3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LCbekWlV1Qo
      4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WFyKgmnCF-8
      5. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=26&v=q0yfrZkqPxQ
      6. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WFyKgmnCF-8
      7. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WFyKgmnCF-8
      8. ↑ https://bizarrelabs.com/rocket.htm

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