How do you disarm a bomb?

Question

I'm just wondering incase the situation arises. I know to call the police if there's a bomb, but just incase. By bomb I mean any kind of explosive. Thanks.

Answer 1

First of all, DO NOT MOVE THE DEVICE!  Any explosive device you run across is likely to be sensitive to motion.

If at all possible, get everyone out of the area and call emergency services.  Disarming an explosive device is obviously very dangerous.  However, this is not always possible.  If you can't call in the pros for some reason, clear the area of people in the most efficient and non-panic-inducing method you know.  You now have three options:

1) Run.  Leave the area and let the device go off.  If everyone is out of the way, that is the best possible option.

2) Disarm the device via controlled detonation.  This means finding some way to reduce the concussive force of the explosion.  You can do this by covering the device in something that will absorb the force.  Try to avoid using water, because water transfers force pretty well.  If you have a substance that you can't hear through and is pliable, use that.  Putting a dumpster over it might be of some use, if you can find a forklift and can do it without jarring the device.

3) Disable the device.  Every explosive device has a means of causing the accellerant to react.  This is most often some electrical fuse with modern devices.  The problem is that a stray spark, even one from static, can cause the reaction.  If you can ground yourself, do so.  Determine if there is a secondary power source.  If it's a simple pipe bomb, then most likely no.  Something more complex would indicate there is a failsafe power supply that will cause the device to activate in any attempt to disarm.  Isolate the power if you are able.

You must note, however, that if you try to disarm a bomb, you are going to die.  The chance of survival is so remote that we can't even take it into consideration.  If you manage to disarm the device, there is no reason to think that the creator of the device isn't standing by with a scope and rifle for insurance.

Answer 2

Generally speaking you only disarm a bomb as a last resort.  Usually they are detonated by another bomb and the time and place of the bomb squads choosing.

Disarming a bomb is very complicated even for professionals and many have been killed in the attempt because there are just too many variables in design to have a single guaranteed technique.

Recent developments have allowed for high speed waterjets to literally destroy the bombs working components, hopefully without detonation.  Usually they target the power supply for the bomb when attempting this but it's still possible to have a detonation and the water cannon are obviously a little more powerful that you average super soaker.

So basically leave it alone back away and call the police.

Answer 3

There's to many ways a explosive can be made to go off so unless your an expert I would suggest don't touch it and call one

Answer 4

The safest and most effective way to disarm a bomb is via controlled detonation.

Answer 5

Here is the three step solution to disarming most any bomb.

You need one of those metal trash cans with the lid that locks down on the sides.

1) Fill the bottom with about 6-12 inches of water.

2) Throw the bomb in, lock the top.

3) If you have time, move it to a safe location where nothing can be damaged, otherwise, just run. In any case, do not be nearby when it goes off, just to be safe.

This works for me every time, well, if i am ever in the situation, this is my plan anyway

Answer 6

Sometimes I think people on here are either really wierd or bordering on illegal

Point 1: No-one here would tell you how to disarm a bomb as the only people who would know are too responsible to share such specific advice on an open web page

Point 2: You would never need to disarm a bomb... we might as well tell you how to effectively fight a pack of rabid wolves with bees in their mouths... it isn't goint to happen and personaly I would not want someone with "i learned it from the web" experience dismantling or touching any bomb!!!!

Answer 7

Talk gently, compliment it, but be careful of excessive flattery, they don't like to be patronized. Once the bomb is sufficiently disarmed it is then okay to ask it out to dinner and a movie.

Answer 8

Cut the blue wire, NO, WAIT, the YELLOW wire, WAIT WAIT, maybe it's the red wire, oh, forget it, just run away.

Answer 9

i WOULD Take a hammer and hit it real hard all over

It should then disarm itself

Answer 10

Hi,

You DON'T, Leave it to the trained.

All explosive devices are set up differently and each designer and maker use their own construction teknecs.

Therefore unless you know wot your doing don't think of trying to attempt to do it.

Answer 11

very carefully

Answer 12

Don't ask an Iraqi.

Answer 13

Remove the detonator. Of course it may be booby trapped. If the big bright red LEDs counting down the seconds show less than a minute, then run like crazy.