Effective fragmentation grenades can be made from a block of tnt or other blasting explosive and nails.
Materials:
Block of TNT or other blasting explosive
Nails
Non-electric (military or improvised) blasting cap
Fuse Cord
Tape, string, wire, or glue
Directions:
If an explosive charge other than a standard TNT block is used, make a hole in the center of the charge for inserting the blasting cap. TNT can be drilled with relative safety. With plastic explosives, a hole can be made by pressing a round stick into the center of the charge. The hole should be deep enough that the blasting cap is totally within the explosive. Tape, tie, or glue one or two rows of closely packed nails to the sides of the explosive block. Nails should completely cover the four surfaces of the block. Place blasting cap on one end of the fuse cord and crimp with pliers. NOTE: To find out how long the fuse cord should be, check the time it takes a known length to burn. If 12 inches (30 cm) burns for 30 seconds, a 10 second delay will require a 4 inch (10 cm) fuse. Insert the blasting cap in the hole in the block of explosive. Tape or tie fuse cord securly in place so that it will not fall out when the grenade is thrown.
Alternate Use: An effective directional anti-personnel mine can be made by placing nails on only one side of the explosive block. For this case, an electric blasting cap can be used.
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Pipe Hand Grenade
Hand Grenades can be made from a piece of iron pipe. The filler can be of plastic or granular military explosive, improvised explosive, or propellant from shotgun or small arms munition.
Materials:
Iron Pipe, threaded ends, 1-1/2" to 3" diameter, 3" to 8" long.
Two (2) iron pipe caps
Explosive or propellant
Nonelectric blasting cap (Commercial or military)
Fuse cord
Hand Drill
Pliers
Directions:
Place blasting cap on one end of fuse cord and crimp with pliers. NOTE: To find out how long the fuse cord should be, check the time it takes a known length to burn. If 12 inches burns in 30 seconds, a 6 inch cord will ignite the grenade in 15 seconds. Screw pipe cap to one end of the pipe. Place fuse cord with blasting cap into the opposite end so that the blasting cap is near the center of the pipe. NOTE: If plastic explosive is to be used, fill pipe BEFORE inserting blasting cap. Push a round stick into the center of the explosive to make a hole and then insert the blasting cap.
Pour explosive or propellant into pipe a little bit at a time. Tap the base of the pipe frequently to settle filler. Drill a hole in the center of the unassembled pipe caplarge enough for the fuse cord to pass through. Wipe pipe threads to remove any filler material. Slide the drilled pipe cap over the fuse and screw handtight onto the pipe.
