For those that Poke

[Salutecake]

Just wondering, for those who poke, What size brass awls do you recommend for poking cans, balls, and cakes, Same size for each? Any other tips or recommendations you could post here for a successful 4th?

[Jay_]

The diameter of the awl that I use is .235, so just under 1/4 inch.

I poke my cakes and cans with the same awl. On cans, if you want you can just pull the fuse out of them, slide the shroud back on the igniter and push it into the fuse hole.

Personally I pull the fuse and poke the awl in there so I can bury the shroud in the can...it’s all personal preference.

Either way, just make sure that they slide down the tube after you poke them.

[jamisonlm3]

A guy I worked with thold me having two sizes can be convenient. A 1/4" one for ematch and an 1/8" for fuse. The one I made out of this kit (https://www.homedepot.com/p/DANCO-Universal-Ball-Rod-for-Pop-Up-Drains-88532/203193993) is 3/16". I've poked a number of 200g cakes with it and an 1/8" would be better IMHO. It would make a smaller, cleaner hole, but mine has worked fine. I've never used it with ematch, but I imagine if I need a slightly larger hole for the shroud, I could twist it around a little to make one.

[N.E. Pyrotechnics]

I made my pokes from round stock I purchased at the hardware store. I started with the following diameters, .187", .250", & .375". The .187" sees very little use. The .250" is the size that gets used the most on my bench. Leaves just enough room for the shroud to fit snug in the tube. The .375 does come in handy for heavier tubes.

[Rick_In_Tampa]

Here you go. $7

https://www.blasterstool.com/plasticpowderpunch6.aspx

[Theinkdon]

That one Rick posted looks good. Shipping to Atlanta makes it 17.04 for me. I bought this one on Amazon 2 years ago for 18.95:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B074TW2VGP/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
It's showing out of stock right now, but maybe it'll come back, or one like it. (Or contact the seller.)
It has a long taper, letting you make almost any size hole you want. The rubber handle is nice, and the hole in it makes it easy to hang on the pegboard at my workbench. Just adding another option.

[Delloman]

I use this and it's amazing just ordered 2 more as my show is next weekend it has 2 sizes and is just amazing
https://www.woodysrocks.com/store/p342/Patriotic_Pyro_Poke_.html#/