Purpose
FireBolts, a term coined by the Team, are 1/4-20 bolts with E-matches glued in. They are used in Tender Descender modifications and also to ignite pyrotechnically operated pistons on the Team.
Fabrication
FireBolt fabrication is simple. First, purchase 1/4-20 stainless steel machine head cap screws. One by one, perform the following procedure:
- Secure the bolt in the chuck of a lathe (head end pointing outward).
- Using a 8-32 drill size (drill #29), slowly drill through the bolt. Use coolant or oil to prevent overheating of the drill bit or part.
- During the initial production round, we used a speed of 400 RPM and a feed of about 0.001" per 1-2 seconds.
- After removing the bolt from the chuck, secure it in a pair of pliers.
- Use a grinder to de-burr the end of the screws, which may have sharp pieces poking out of them.
- Glue 1-2 E-matches into the hole such that the E-match heads are on the opposite side as the screw head. (Details to be added later)