A physical flamethrower designed by Tesla and SpaceX founder Elon Musk can be purchased from the Elon Musk shop online. After Musk took the opportunity to light the stage at a SpaceX rocket launch with his flamethrower, the idea of owning one has become something of a fantasy for many tech enthusiasts. But where can you buy Elon Musk’s flamethrower, and is it even legal?
When he first revealed images of the flamethrower, Musk quipped on Twitter in January 2018 that he had “made life multi-planetary.” The tweet was a reference to SpaceX’s goal of using rocketry to enable human exploration and colonization of planets beyond Earth. Although the flamethrower is more of a novelty item than a tool of interplanetary exploration, it has been met with enthusiasm from Musk’s fans and an avalanche of jokes from the internet.
The flamethrower costs $500 and is sold exclusively through Musk’s website called The Boring Company. The website does not report sales figures, but it likely sold out of the 20,000 flamethrowers originally available. After all, Musk and his team managed to sell out of 50,000 hats regarding the same flamethrower, indicating that there may have been a significant demand for the product.
The flamethrower was designed by SpaceX engineers and comes with a “safety” instructions manual. Despite these instructions, the flamethrower is an extremely dangerous device, and using one outdoors is generally illegal in the United States. It is legal to own a flamethrower, but not to use it without a license or permit. Even getting such a permit can be difficult, as many municipalities have their own rules regarding flamethrower use.
Even if a flamethrower is used in accordance with local laws, it still poses a significant risk of injury or property damage. For this reason, some experts recommend against using it, or any other DIY flamethrower, even if one has all the necessary permits. For example, a certified fire safety engineer at the National Fire Prevention Association, who specializes in flamethrower safety regulations, recommends against using the Boring Company flamethrower because it was not designed in accordance with existing safety protocols.
In spite of the risks, many fans of Elon Musk are willing to overlook the risks associated with using the flamethrower because they merely want to own it as a novelty item. After all, it is a collectible that carries a certain amount of cachet within certain tech circles, and for those fans, even the smallest risk might be worth it.
Alternatives to Musk’s flamethrower, such as DIY kits or commercially available propane-fueled flamethrowers, pose their own set of risks and legal hurdles. For example, propane-fueled flamethrowers have been known to explode, and DIY kits may not be designed in accordance with safety regulations. Ultimately, owning such a device is a significant responsibility, and individuals should only consider purchasing a flamethrower if they are willing to take all the necessary safety precautions.
How to Use a Flamethrower Safely
Using a flamethrower safely is the responsibility of the person who owns it. If you intend to purchase a flamethrower and use it outside, you must research the local laws in your area to make sure that you are complying with any relevant ordinances. Additionally, it is important to research best safety practices for operating a flamethrower, in order to avoid any potential risks.
When using a flamethrower, you should always wear protective eye gear. You should also have a fire extinguisher readily available in case something goes wrong. Furthermore, be sure to have a secure area to use the flamethrower, such as a paved or concrete surface, and make sure to keep an adequate distance from any combustible materials.
In addition to safety gear and equipment, you should also take steps to ensure that you are familiar with the flamethrower that you are using. If you are unfamiliar with the device, try to read the manual provided by the manufacturer, and learn about how to operate the flamethrower before you use it. Additionally, you should inspect the flamethrower before each use to make sure that it is in good working order.
Finally, do not use a flamethrower in public or in heavily trafficked areas. Keep in mind that flamethrowers can pose a significant danger to people and property, so use caution when operating one. If you plan to use a flamethrower outdoors, it is important to check with local authorities and make certain that you are following all relevant laws and regulations.
When to Use a Flamethrower
Flamethrowers can be used for a variety of purposes, ranging from practical to recreational. Some of the most common uses for flamethrowers include:
- Weed Control: Flamethrowers can be used to effectively control weeds in gardens and fields.
- Ice and Snow Removal: Flamethrowers can be used to quickly and efficiently melt ice and snow from driveways and sidewalks.
- Pest Control: Flamethrowers can also be used to keep pests away from crops.
- Campfire Starter: A flamethrower can make starting a campfire a breeze.
Flamethrowers can also be used for recreational purposes such as cooking, heating, art projects, and fire performance. People who practice fire performance can benefit from having a flamethrower, as they will be able to use the device to create more dramatic effects in their acts.
Ultimately, it is up to the individual user to decide when to safely and appropriately use a flamethrower. However, it is important to remember that misusing a flamethrower can have serious consequences, including injury or death, so always use caution and research the local laws and regulations when deciding whether or not to use a flamethrower.
Are Flamethrowers Legal
The legality of owning and using a flamethrower in the United States depends on the state and local municipality where it is being used. Generally, it is legal to own a flamethrower, but the use of a flamethrower outdoors is generally prohibited or restricted. In some cases, it may be possible to obtain a permit to use a flamethrower outdoors, but this will depend on the local municipality.
Many states have specific regulations regarding the use of flamethrowers. There are also federal regulations related to flamethrower use, such as the US Army Corps of Engineers’ restrictions on flamethrower use on public lands. Before attempting to use a flamethrower outdoors, be sure to research the laws and regulations in the area.
In addition to researching the laws and regulations in your area, it is important to remember that flamethrowers can be extremely dangerous. Even if it is legal to use a flamethrower in your area, it is important to familiarize yourself with the device, practice proper safety protocols, and be aware of any potential risks associated with using a flamethrower.
What Are the Risks of Using a Flamethrower?
Using a flamethrower carries a variety of risks, and if not used properly, it can lead to injury or death. When using a flamethrower, it is important to follow all safety protocols, wear protective gear, and take other safety precautions. Additionally, it is important to be aware of any potential risks associated with the specific flamethrower that is being used.
The most common risks associated with using a flamethrower include burns, fires, smoke inhalation, and explosions. Burns are particularly challenging to protect against, as the combination of heat and fuel can cause significant injury. In addition, flamethrowers have a risk of exploding, due to their use of combustible fuels. If a flamethrower does explode, the resulting injuries can be severe.
Another risk associated with using a flamethrower is inhaling toxic fumes. In some cases, flamethrowers produce smoke that can be hazardous to humans. Additionally, some flamethrowers use fuels that may contain toxic chemicals, which can be harmful to humans if inhaled.
Finally, it is important to note that using a flamethrower can lead to fires if not used properly. Depending on the area where the flamethrower is being used, the potential consequences of an uncontrolled fire could be severe. It is important to have a fire extinguisher nearby at all times, and to make sure that the area is adequate for safe fire control.
Additional Safety Precautions for Using a Flamethrower
In addition to following basic safety protocols when using a flamethrower and abiding by local laws, there are other precautions that you should take when operating a flamethrower. Before each use, inspect the flamethrower for any signs of damage or wear. Additionally, make sure that all safety equipment is in place and in good working order.
In addition to inspecting and using safety equipment, you should also understand the device that you are using, as different flamethrowers can vary considerably in terms of design and operation. If possible, read the instructions manual provided by the manufacturer in order to familiarize yourself with the device and how it works. Additionally, you should practice using the flamethrower in a safe, controlled environment before using it outdoors.
Finally, it is important to always be aware of your surroundings when using a flamethrower. Make sure to keep the flamethrower away from any combustible materials, and ensure that you are not in a heavily trafficked area, or in any other area where the flamethrower can cause serious injury or damage.
