How To - Set Up and Fire Rockets

  • Read the section of our site ‘How To - Give Your Own Firework Display’ for general safety information.
  • Read all the instructions on the rocket in daylight and make sure you have everything you need prior to set up.
  • Make sure you use a suitable tube to fire the rocket. It must allow the rocket to rise freely once lit. Our rocket packs come with a tube supplied and we have additional tubes available to purchase for our premium Raptor rockets.
  • Look up to make sure there are no overhead obstructions and around you to make sure that the stick will fall into open ground.
  • Make sure that the tube is firmly pushed into the ground and angled slightly away from spectators. Use a hammer and stake to make a hole in the ground first if necessary.
  • Before your display it is a good idea to ease off the fuse covers to make sure they are easy to take off during the display. Replace them once you have checked and keep all the rockets that aren’t in a tube ready to be fired in their packaging and away from the launch site.
  • Make sure you have a safe and clear route to where you will stand once the rocket is lit. When you are ready to launch the rocket remove the fuse cover and, if necessary, straighten the fuse. Light the tip of the fuse at arm’s length and retire to the specified distance. The fuse must meet a specified delay time allowing you sufficient time to retire to a safe distance. The motor will ignite and build power for a second before launching, producing that distinctive ‘whoosh’ sound.
  • Please note that sticks will come the ground intact and this must be considered when assessing your launch site and fallout zone.
If you are interested in the science behind Roman Candle Batteries please take a look at our How To Hub Information.