How to Make a Smoke Bomb

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Ngày cập nhật gần nhất: 15/4/2026

Content

Steps

Using Ping Pong Balls (Easy Method)

Making a Smoke Bomb by Heating Ingredients

Making a Tube Smoke Bomb

Using Ammonium Nitrate

Tips

What You'll Need

Method 1

Method 2

Method 3

Method 4

Are you ready to create your own smoke bomb? Whether you're aiming for dramatic effects, conducting a chemistry experiment, or simply enjoy the allure of smoke, this guide will show you how to craft an exciting smoke bomb using easily accessible materials. Follow the instructions below to learn various methods, including using potassium nitrate (also known as saltpeter) and sugar, ping pong balls, or ammonium nitrate.

Steps

Using Ping Pong Balls (Easy Method)

Grab 3 or 4 ping pong balls. This method requires no additional purchases, as you only need common household items like aluminum foil, a pencil, a screwdriver, and scissors.

Cut a hole in one of the ping pong balls. You can use a screwdriver or knife to create the hole.

Cut the remaining ping pong balls into small pieces and place them into the hole you just made in the first ball.

Insert the pencil into the hole.

Remove the pencil. The pencil's shape will leave a chimney-like opening, allowing smoke to escape through the aluminum foil.

Place the smoke bomb in an open area, away from people and animals.

Ignite the smoke bomb by lighting a match or lighter underneath it. Smoke will start to escape through the hole in the ping pong ball and flow through the chimney formed by the pencil's shape.

Toss the smoke bomb and watch it emit smoke. Move away quickly and avoid inhaling the toxic fumes released.

Making a Smoke Bomb by Heating Ingredients

Gather the necessary materials.

Prepare a cast iron skillet.

Wear protective gear. Put on gloves, safety goggles, and a respirator mask.

Add the ingredients to the cast iron skillet. Measure 3 parts potassium nitrate and 2 parts sugar.

Heat the mixture slowly over low heat. Stir continuously until the ingredients melt. As the sugar caramelizes, the mixture will turn brown or black.

Avoid overheating the mixture. Be cautious to prevent it from catching fire. If you see smoke rising, turn off the heat immediately.

Add 1 tablespoon of baking soda.

Carefully pour the mixture into a prepared cardboard container.

Insert the fuse while the mixture is still soft.

Wait for the mixture to harden. This process will take about an hour.

Place the smoke bomb in a safe outdoor area. Take the smoke bomb to a suitable location and light the fuse.

Making a Tube Smoke Bomb

Gather the necessary materials.

Take a short fuse to attach to the smoke bomb.

Wear protective equipment. Put on gloves, safety goggles, and a respirator mask to ensure your safety during the experiment.

Grind the ingredients. Use a coffee grinder (that you no longer use) or a mortar and pestle to grind each ingredient separately. Grind the potassium nitrate until it becomes a fine powder, then grind the sugar. Since both materials are flammable, be cautious to avoid creating sparks during the grinding process.

Measure the powder and mix thoroughly. The ratio you need is 3 parts potassium nitrate to 2 parts sugar. Weigh the ingredients using a kitchen scale, then add them to a bowl and mix well.

Add baking soda to the mixture.

Pour the powder mixture into a cardboard tube. To make pouring easier, you can use a funnel or place the powder in a plastic bag, cut a corner, and let it flow into the tube.

Seal the other end of the tube with a circular piece of paper. Ensure it is tightly secured to keep the contents in place.

Attach a fuse or a gasoline-soaked string. Cut a small hole in the tube's cap and insert the fuse. Make sure the fuse is long enough to give you time to move to a safe distance after lighting it.

Place the smoke bomb in a suitable location. Choose an open area away from buildings, trees, people, and animals. Never ignite a smoke bomb indoors.

Light the fuse. Move away after lighting the fuse and observe the smoke bomb from a safe distance.

Using Ammonium Nitrate

Open a cold pack. You can purchase cold packs from a pharmacy. These packs contain ammonium nitrate, which is used to make smoke bombs. Pour out the water inside the pack.

Wear gloves when handling ammonium nitrate. While it is not highly toxic if accidentally ingested, it’s best to avoid contact. If the chemical touches your skin, wipe it off and shower as soon as possible. Always wash your hands thoroughly after completing the process.

Pour the ammonium nitrate into a container.

Add water gradually. Stir until the ammonium nitrate dissolves. Adding too much water will prevent the smoke bomb from producing smoke.

Separate 10 sheets of old newspaper. Use aged newspaper, as new paper with a waxy coating can hinder the combustion process.

Fold each newspaper sheet in half to create 10 pieces of paper folded into quarters.

Dip each folded newspaper sheet into the ammonium nitrate solution. Submerge each sheet, swirl it around, and let it soak for approximately 30 seconds.

Remove the newspaper sheets and unfold them gently. Handle with care as the paper is very fragile and prone to tearing.

Dry the paper under direct sunlight. You can also use a flat surface like a driveway for drying. If it's windy in your area, place a rock or heavy object on each corner of the sheets to prevent them from blowing away. The paper is dry when it lifts easily off the ground.

Roll the newspaper sheets. Secure them in the middle with a string, but avoid tying it too tightly.

You can cut the newspaper, tear it in half, or leave it whole before rolling, depending on your preference. Experiment with rolls of different sizes.

Ignite the smoke bomb outdoors. You'll be amazed by the energy it releases, producing a thick, white cloud of smoke.

If the first bomb doesn't work, don't get discouraged. Try again with less water.