Talk:Squib (explosive)

Squib vs detonator
The article makes a point of distinguishing squibs from detonators, yet what is listed as the first squib is clearly a detonator. Does anyone have a source for when squibs were invented? Vicarious 07:53, 16 October 2006 (UTC)

I was wondering if any discussion of the squibs uses in mining were going to be added. I now for a fact that they were used on the process of "shooting down the coal" in coal mines in the 20's. I need more info on this use for the squib. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 24.207.144.29 (talk) 16:34, 22 March 2008 (UTC)
 * I added some info on this. You can find more at http://books.google.com/books?id=4fqyj_xAmOsC&pg=PA50&lpg=PA50&dq=squib+coal+mining&source=web&ots=vxQ5h8VWHm&sig=z_5IxmVcnz38Y3kQuYYWdzD_M0w&hl=en#PPA50,M1.  Equazcion •✗/C • 16:47, 22 Mar 2008 (UTC)

Here is a good photo of modern squibs: http://www.inertproducts.com/inc/sdetail/262/3423

This article is wrong. It is talking about a past item, that's name is now used in a different way. In the modern explosive and pyrotechnic world, a detonator is used to set off high explosives. A squib is similar, but will not detonate high explosives, and instead is used as an igniter. They both can be electric, nonel, or fuse triggered, though almost all squibs are electric now days. Most squibs are used to ignite propellant operated items, like cutters, pyrotechnics (including fireworks), airbags, etc. Most of them look like detonators, though some are pressed with no end on the cap part, and just varnished or plastic coated to assure a direct deflagration on the target material. The number one difference is that squibs do NOT have to be shipped as 1.4B like detonators. They are generally shipped as 1.4G.

http://quick.aero/sterling/blog/how-to-ship-apu-fire-bottles-as-non-explosives

Anyway, this article shows an Archaic form, which makes no sense. If you like, you could make a page called SQUIBS for the modern use, and SQUIB (ARCHAIC) for the origin. Msjayhawk (talk) 03:44, 10 November 2011 (UTC)

Squib vs firecracker
What is the difference between these two? The squibs shown in the picture in the article look like firecrackers. E-pen (talk) 13:05, 5 January 2009 (UTC)
 * I'm not sure about the validity of the photo, but I think the difference is just that squibs are designed to exert explosive force on other objects, while firecrackers are novelty noise makers for use alone in an open area. That said, there might not be much actual difference in the construction of the two.  Equazcion •✗/C • 21:57, 24 Jan 2009 (UTC)
 * I was wondering the same. It looks like that box is labeled "Firecrackers." The lead indicates a squib will have two electrical wires used to set it off. SlowJog (talk) 00:44, 18 June 2015 (UTC)
 * The SlowJog (talk) 00:50, 18 June 2015 (UTC)

Squibs in cars
I believe the pyrotechnic propellent charge for automotive airbag deployment (part of the SRS - safety restraint system) are called squibs and are ignited/detonated by the squib circuit. ... seems like a worthwhile addition to the article, but I don't know how to post it. Would it be worth mentioning that airbag squibs have been designed to "burn" more slowly than originally to moderate rate of bag deployment to reduce injuries. This feature also makes these common squids useless as primary detonators - a good thing. Additional research a good idea. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 67.181.73.40 (talk) 16:21, 3 May 2010 (UTC)

You are correct. This is a squib, and exactly what they are used for in the modern world. Msjayhawk (talk) 03:27, 10 November 2011 (UTC)

Use in films
When did squibs come into regular use in the pictures? I'd say it was the early to mid 70s. I remember hearing an anecdote that when James Cann was wired up with squibs for his death in 'The Godfather,' the special effects technicians said something to the effect of 'I don't think we've ever put this many on one person before.' Bonnie and Clyde seems to use squibs, sure, but some of the close ups seem to have blood sprayed from just outside of camera range with compressed air. (This is a guess) —Preceding unsigned comment added by 69.157.177.182 (talk) 22:29, 17 June 2010 (UTC)

Horrible article
“A squib is a miniature explosive device … It resembles a tiny stick of dynamite, both in appearance and construction …  Squibs consist of two electrical leads which are separated by a plug of insulating material, a small bridge wire or electrical resistance heater, and a bead of heat-sensitive chemical composition in which the bridge wire is embedded.” Then shows a box of FIRECRACKERS with fuses. (note the box label reads “firecrackers”) “A squib generally consists of a small tube filled with an explosive substance, with a detonator running through the length of its core, similar to a stick of dynamite. Also similar to dynamite, the detonator …” On what planet does dynamite have “A detonator running through the length of its core”? Dynamite is solid and a blasting cap is inserted into a hole the blaster makes in the stick. This article is possible the worst researched and poorly written thing on Wikipedia. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 2602:301:7705:75E0:31E5:AF28:6DF1:31BB (talk) 09:42, 24 February 2018 (UTC)

Squibs on Spacecraft
An observation based on my experience working in aerospace in the '80's: Pyrotechnics are (or at least 'were') used in many spacecraft deployment mechanisms, i.e. things such as antennas, solar panels etc. which deploy once the spacecraft is on orbit. Also called "pin pullers", they were often a small piston containing a very small electrically fired explosive that would literally pull a pin latching a spring loaded deployment mechanism. In the industry these were referred to as "squibs." The Shuttle also had an explosive/piston powered guillotine, much like a large cigar cutter, through which all electrical connections to a communication antenna were threaded. If the antenna failed to withdraw, the bay doors could no close, so the wires would be cut and the system jettisoned by explosive bolts. These were all referred to as either "pyros" or "squibs." -JoeSand- not signed in... forgot my password... — Preceding unsigned comment added by 2603:3006:1061:6800:CC56:5BEC:B09B:B5FA (talk) 23:12, 19 September 2019 (UTC)