I made this page to hopefully answer some of the most common questions I get by email regarding fireworks and projects on this site, mainly because I don't have the time to answer dozens of emails asking the same thing.  PLEASE read this section before you email me to see if your question is answered here.

What are the firework laws in my state?

State fireworks laws usually fall into one of four general categories (none, sparklers only, safe & sane, all).  Furthermore, individual states may not allow certain devices for whatever reason.  Check this page for information on each state's laws.

What are the firework laws in my town?

There are tens of thousands of towns in the United States alone.  I know the specific laws for about three - mine, and the ones around it.  If you want to find out, contact either your city clerk or fire marshal and ask them for information.  In most cases, towns have a printed information packet stating all of your state local fireworks ordinances, including what can be bought/sold and when.

Will you send me fireworks or free fireworks samples?

No.  Pyro Universe is not a firework manufacturing, display, or distributing company.  I made this site just to share information about pyrotechnics with other enthusiasts.  The only things I sell are tubes and shirts.

Can I use PVC pipe for aerial shells?

Okay, well what about ABS pipe?

 Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (say that five times fast) is a different type of plastic, but it shatters just like PVC.  Do not use it for mortars.

I can't find HDPE pipe!  Where can I get it?

Most people seem to have trouble finding it because it's heavy duty and isn't sold in most hardware or plumbing stores.  Try asking around in your area.  The stuff you want is type DR-11, with an exact inside diameter of 1 7/8 inches (this can vary by a few hundredths of an inch and still be ok). 

Please email me instructions on how to make firecrackers!

I'm sure that despite this explanation here, I'll continue to get messages such as these.  The answer is no.  This site is to provide information about fireworks, not how to build explosives.  If you're truly interested in learning about fireworks manufacture, there are some great books you can buy, such as Introductory Practical Pyrotechnics.  Check out the Literature section for more (note: I don't sell or publish the books).

How do you make fireworks?

It would take dozens of pages just to explain the proper safety techniques of handling the flammable/toxic/corrosive chemicals used in making fireworks, not to mention the in-depth instructions on how to make the actual fireworks.   That's why books about fireworks manufacture are published.  Furthermore, putting that information online would be stealing from those authors.  Once again, check out my Books and Videos section.  A good place to start is Tom Peregrin's Introductory Practical Pyrotechnics, published by Skylighter.

How do I hook fuse together for my shells?

Check out the Ignition page, which is all about using the different types of fuse.

Can I use metal pipe for launching shells?

Yes.  Metal pipes are mainly used to launch very large shells, i.e., around 12" and up.  They're not used very often anymore for smaller shells simply because of their weight.  If you use metal pipe for your shells, make sure it's thick enough (at least 1/8 of an inch).

I'm using Pyro Universe for a school project.  How do I cite it in my bibliography?

Here's how to do it in standard MLA style.  Say you were using the History page.

If I put safety fuse (visco) into paper quick match pipe, will it accelerate the burning?

Unfortunately, no.  When quick match burns, the paper pipe forces the hot gases down the tube and way ahead of the actual flame point, where it ignites more of the black match inside, thus creating more hot gases and continuing the process.  Visco fuse is completely sealed off from the air (it can burn underwater), and is difficult to ignite from the outside.  While it makes just as much gas and sparks as black match, it won't take fire easily and therefore doesn't chain-react like quick match does.  See my Effects page to see diagrams on how quick match works.

Can I use "Pyrodex" for making black match?

For some reason, Pyrodex (a brand of smokeless gunpowder) doesn't work for making fuse.  You'll need to use "Goex" brand.

I'm trying to find pipe to use for launching shells.  How big should it be?

The inside diameter is the most important part.  Consumer shells have a diameter of 1.75", so the mortar needs to be only slightly bigger - about 1 7/8".  This allows the shell to move up and down the tube, but keeps too much of the lift charge gases from escaping.  If you were to use a pipe with a 2" I.D., the lift gases would escape around the edges of the shell, sending it to a dangerously low altitude.

Help!  The only pipe I can find for my shells has an inside diameter of 2".  What should I do?

A somewhat effective method I have found is to slightly increase the diameter of the shell itself.  Unwrap the fuse of the shell, and take it out of the string loop at the top.  Gently bend it back so it's out of your way.  Get a roll of duct tape, and rip off several 6" long strips.  Tear each of these strips in half, lengthwise.  Now start wrapping these around the middle of the ball of the shell, keeping track of how many you put on.  Periodically insert the shell into the tube to make sure it still fits - stop adding tape when it just barely goes in.  Put the same number of tape strips on each shell you plan to launch from a 2" tube.

Why won't you update more often?

Unfortunately, maintaining Pyro Universe is not my full-time job.  It's my personal hobby; something that I do whenever I have free time - something that I'm finding that I have less and less of, thanks to college.

Where can I buy fireworks online?

There are hundreds of firework companies that maintain websites that allow you to view price lists and order their products online.  Of course, I haven't had the opportunity to purchase from each and every one of these dealers, so there's no way I would know who has the best products and the best prices.  If you're looking for a place to buy, I would recommend checking out the companies that have banners on this site, because their paid advertisements help fund the costs of running Pyro Universe.  You can also use the forums to see what other people think of different dealers.

When will (some item) be back in stock at (some firework vendor) in (some state)?

I have absolutely no idea.  Contrary to what people may think, I'm not some sort of insider in the fireworks industry with connections to all the firework businesses out there.  Again, I suggest you take advantage of the large collective knowledge of people on the forums - some of which have undoubtedly been to the vendor in question - to find out.

Would you place a free banner for my business/club on the site?

If you have a fireworks related business or club, then I will be glad to place a link to on my links page.  The banner spots, however, are paid positions - no exceptions.