Editing Pipe bomb (section)

==Design==
[[File:Pipe bomb 02.jpg|thumb|Different pipe bombs' appearances, from a bomb awareness report issued by the US Department of State]]
The bomb is usually a short section of steel water pipe containing the explosive mixture and closed at both ends with steel or brass caps. A fuse is inserted into the pipe with a lead running out through a hole in the side or capped end of the pipe. The fuse can be electric, with wires leading to a timer and battery, or can be a common [[Fuse (explosives)|fuse]]. All of the components are easily obtainable. 

Generally, [[Explosive material#High explosives|high explosives]] such as [[TNT|trinitrotoluene]] are not used, because these and the [[detonator]]s that they require are difficult for non-state users to obtain. Such explosives also do not require the containment design of a pipe bomb. 

Instead, explosive mixtures that the builder can more readily obtain themselves are used, such as [[gunpowder]], match heads, or chlorate mixtures. These can be easily ignited by friction, [[static electricity]], and sparks generated when packing the material inside the tube or attaching the end caps, causing many injuries or deaths amongst builders.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Dias|last2=Dingeman|first1=Gary A.|first2=Robbie|title=Honolulu CSI: An Introduction to Forensic Science and Criminal Investigation|year=2004|publisher=Bess Press|isbn=978-1-57306-228-2|page=87}}</ref> 

Sharp objects such as nails or broken glass are sometimes added to the outer shell or inside of the bomb to increase the lethality of the device.