Is there a cite that has instructions on how to make the snaps that go inside of christmas crackers? I read somewhere (as I mentioned in the IMHO thread about Christmas crackers) that the snaps are made by impregnating thin strips of cardboard with saltpeter, but I haven’t seen any actual instructions.
Does anyone know if it’s just saltpeter? Or is it a different compound? Snaps are available commercially in England, but it might be easier to make them myself than to order them.
So if anyone has instructions on how to make the snaps that go into the crackers, LMK.
Thanks!
AFAIK they are similar in composition to household matches; there are two strips that overlap a little at the ends; the bit that overlaps on each strip is coated with something or other and they are pressed tightly together by a third strip wrapped around the overlap - when you pull on the ends, the overlapping bits rub against each other and it ‘strikes’.
You can’t possibly make them cheaper than you can buy them. A complete Christmas cracker, with a snap, a joke, and a small toy, would cause you a lot to make. You should be able to find them at expensive gift stores. If you don’t have such in your area, try searching for “Christmas crackers” online. They should be $1.50 to $2.50 per cracker.
Sheesh. I meant “cost you a lot,” not “cause you a lot.”