Water Rocket Launch Collar, - close up, and load method.

I have had some questions recently on how to load the rocket, and how the collar works.

As a description, the zip tie heads, grip the collar around the neck of the bottle.
Air pressure tries to force the bottle/rocket up and off the launch tube. But so long as the launch collar is up, the bottle is unable to shed the grip heads.

Once the launch collar is pulled down, it allows the grip heads to spread apart which then allows the bottle to fly upward under pressure.

One might also ask why doesn't slide down before being pressurized. This is because while the launch tube looks straight with the same diameter it is not. The tube is flared by heat in the center. This creates a place of diameter wider than the bottle opening. This keeps the bottle from sliding down, and also forms an air and water seal for pressurization.

[Kcirdec]

What is size of nylon cable tie?
Plss answer me, I need it in my project

[Tom-rv]

what size of pipe is that on the bottle???

[austinbrown]

I know this video is a few years old, but I have a question: the video says that the launch tube is flared to keep the bottle from sliding down too far. How did you accomplish this? We are having trouble keeping our bottle sealed enough to not lose all the water before launch. I have seen another video where they heat up the PVC and compress it to make the pipe larger in that spot.

[brendan]

Great! Thanks. One question... what size pvc fits best?

[cpalomino]

How did you attach the zip ties that you are using as springs to the collar

[aeronl]

Hello.. how do you make the botle head stuck in the cable tie and not falling further down

[sgriffett]

hi I believe I have just purchased one of your rocket launchers and I wondering how long does it take a regular bicycle pump to get enough pressure for a launch? or maybe you can tell me what to look for when the bottle has enough pressure because we couldn't get it to come of the launch tube. Thanks in advance

[brianwendt]

I understand the launch tube is flared so the water does not come out. How do you flare that tubing to make it wider? What is the process to flare that? Much thanks!

[justinanderson]

Hello. Interested in using this for a project. How did you attach the zip tie heads to the collar?

[BrianWood]

Will 1 Liter bottles wotk with this or are those different sizes?

[NathanPiscopo]

Hi I am interested in using this project. What are the sizes for the pipes used and where can I find a materials list pls ?

[stevejantz]

What are you using for a spring device on rhe collar?