You’d think the worst that could happen if a pen exploded would be a giant blue stain on your favourite white shirt. Unfortunately, that might be the least of your worries.
How an Ordinary Pen Becomes a Dangerous Device
Take a look at this shocking video showing how easily a simple ballpoint pen can be turned into a dangerous bomb using a binary explosive.
Don’t worry—it doesn’t reveal the exact materials involved. But it’s clear how disturbingly simple the process can be.
That was, what, a tenth of the material the pen could have held?
Suddenly, stories like Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab’s explosive underwear incident don’t seem so far-fetched.
Not All Exploding Pens Are Dangerous…
Thankfully, not every exploding pen is quite so serious. If you’re after a harmless laugh, there’s always the classic Joker Bang Pen — a prank pen that gives an unexpected (and safe!) pop when clicked. It’s perfect for office hijinks or surprising a friend who takes their stationery a little too seriously.
And if you love quirky stationery, check out our roundup of 6 novelty pens so awesome they don’t even need to write — including pens shaped like syringes, bananas, and more.
Pens at Airport Security: A Hidden Risk?
Have you ever been stopped at airport security because of a pen? We’d love to hear about any strange or suspicious looks you’ve gotten trying to bring pens onto a plane.
Final Thoughts
This video raises some real concerns about everyday items we take for granted. While it’s unlikely you’ll run into an exploding pen anytime soon, it’s a reminder of how creative (and dangerous) some innovations can be.
And if you just want to enjoy the lighter side of pen explosions, stick to the prank versions — less airport hassle, and a lot more laughs.
🖋️ Want more strange pen stories? Check out our post on 5 Weirdest Pens Ever Made.
But then you would have to look quite close for that… Dangerous stuff.
Thanks for sharing :D!
You’re right, there’s nothing metallic to show up on the scanner. It would take an alert security guard to notice that the pen is missing its ink cartridge and spring.
Thats bad, how easily a bomb can be crafted and then concealed within something so ordinary as a pen?
You know, I actually don’t think customs would be that bothered by it, even if they scanned it, what will they find? It wouldn’t even look that much out of the ordinary on an x-ray as far as I can see, what do you think?