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How to Make Pneumatic Squibs

Squibs are small explosive devices used in film and television to simulate a bullet hit. The explosive is placed between a shield on the actor and a blood pack. When the charge is detonated, a spray of blood shoots from the actor's body. These explosive squibs are dangerous and illegal to use if you are not properly licensed. A much safer alternative is to use a pneumatic squib system, using compressed air to "fire" the blood.

Things You'll Need

  • Hand-pump garden sprayer
  • Quick-release valve
  • Vinyl tubing, at least 8 feet long, wide enough to fit on the valve
  • 5-minute epoxy
  • Zip-tie
  • Scissors
  • Duct tape
  • Fake blood
  • Water
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Instructions

    • 1

      Remove the hose that comes attached to the garden sprayer.

    • 2

      Attach a quick-release valve to the garden sprayer with five-minute epoxy.

    • 3

      Attach the vinyl tube to the quick-release valve. If the valve has a nipple, simply push the tube onto it. Otherwise use epoxy or a zip-tie.

    • 4

      Seal the other end of the tube shut with epoxy.

    • 5

      Cut a small diamond shape into the tube 3 inches below the sealed end.

    • 6

      Fill the sprayer's tank with fake blood. If it is thick, thin it a bit with water.

    • 7

      Close the quick-release valve.

    • 8

      Pump the garden sprayer 30 to 40 times to pressurize it.

    • 9

      Duct tape the end of the tubing to the actor's skin. The diamond hole should be positioned facing out through a small hole in the clothing.

    • 10

      Open the quick-release valve to allow all of the pressure (and blood) to be released through the diamond hole.

Film Production

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