Aerial Repeaters commonly called cakes or finale boxes are multi-shot devices with rows of tubes fused together. Once lit, they launch a series of effects into the sky, typically lasting 30 seconds or more. Some mimic small professional displays with layered effects. They come in straight up or angled launch patterns and are typically called by their maximum allowable pyrotechnic composition, for example smaller cakes are called 200 grams and larger ones are called 500 grams. Some companies have started a calling the midsized cakes 350 grams. In short, Aerial Fireworks Repeaters are similar to a show in a box.

• Read all manufacture's instructions before use.
• Prepare the firework by removing the tape or foil that covers the green fuse.
• Place on a flat, stable surface.
• To prevent unwanted tipping, further stabilize the cake by placing bricks around it. Other stabilization methods can be used, such as staking or placing in a rubber tub that is filled halfway with playground or beach sand. Do not use gravel.
• It is recommended you wear cotton clothing, close toed shoes, safety glasses, gloves and a hat.
• Using a long BBQ style lighter or torch to ignite the green fuse and step away from the devise to a safe distance before turning to watch.

Mortars, often confused with the fireworks themselves, are actually the reloadable tubes that launch the fireworks. Artillery shells or reloadable shells are placed one at a time in the mortar tube. When the fuse is lit, they lift high into the sky, bursting into large, professional-style effects. Artillery shells are not sold without a tube. Each Artillery shell kit contains one or more Mortar Tubes.

• Place the mortar tube, included with your kit, on a hard, flat surface. Additional Stabilization is recommended, especially if loading more than one tube at a time.
• Remove a shell from the package and load it into the tube, taking care to load it right side up. For ball shells, the ball is the top. Most canisters are labeled. If you are unsure, which is the top, don't use it.
• Be sure the tip fuse hangs outside the mortar.
• Never lean over or look into the loaded tube.
• Light the fuse and step away to a safe distance before turning to watch.

Generally, fireworks flyers are small novelty type fireworks that when lit will spin and rise into the air as they display. Ensure you have a hard surface to use, such as concrete, asphalt, or a piece of plywood.

• Remove any necessary packaging or labels.
• Place the device right side up on a smooth, hard surface.
• Light the fuse and step away to a safe distance.

These are transitional devices that can either look like a fountain or a cake. They typically have multiple tubes that will start out as a fountain and then launch aerial bursts for a finale. Use extra caution as there may sometimes be a pause between the fountain and the aerial devices that can be mistaken for a complete device or a dud.

These items are used the same as Aerial Repeaters (Cakes) See above.

Typically, a preloaded tube that contains a projectile (shell) that when lit will launch into the sky and burst into a weighted parachute that will float to the ground. Parachutes may have attached toy soldiers, princesses, flags, etc. They are often accompanied by color smoke, crackle, or both. Some even have color change smoke or flares. Often used in daytime, but some may specifically say nighttime use.

• Locate the fuse cover and remove.
• Place on a smooth, hard surface, additional stabilization is recommended, especially if you set out more than one at a time.
• Light the fuse and step away to a safe distance before turning to watch.

Stick- or fin-stabilized fireworks that whistle, crackle, or burst into stars as they ascend. All rockets require a hollow launch tube (do not shove the stick in the ground) All missiles require a smooth, hard surface.

Rockets:

• Remove any tape or plastic covers from the fuse.
• Place the rocket in a hollow tube or a bucket with the fuse accessible.
• Be sure to angle the rocket away from spectators, buildings or any obstructions. Remember, the stick will fall back to the earth.
• Light the fuse and step to a safe distance before observing.

Missiles:

• Remove any tape or plastic covers from the fuse.
• Place on a smooth hard surface to ligh

A preloaded device that shoots multiple balls into the air. Effects can be color, crackle, shells, whistles, spinners, bees and falling leaves.

• Read all manufacture's instructions and warnings.
• Know how many shots or balls the candle will project. Smaller candles can be 1 to 10. Large candles can have >100.
• Never hold in hand.
• Place securely in a bucket of sand or brace with a stake or post.

Sometimes categorized with Aerial Repeaters, Saturn Missile Batteries are multi-shot fireworks with 25–750 shots or more in each device. Each shot is known for its high-pitched, screaming whistle effect. These shots may be accompanied by other effects such as color or crackle.

Set up and use of Saturn Missile Batteries is the same as multi-shot Aerial repeaters.

Sky Lanterns (sometimes called Chinese Lanterns or Wish Lanterns) are lightweight paper lanterns with a small wax and cardboard fuel cell at the base. Once lit, the flame heats the air inside, lifting the lantern into the sky where it glows and drifts for several minutes. Sky lanterns can stay adrift for miles. Some jurisdictions ban Sky Lanterns or consider them fireworks. Check local regulations before purchasing.

• Launch only in calm conditions. Taking care to consider the direction of any wind, no matter how light.
• Use at least two people: one to hold, one to light. Tip: You can hold a propane torch beneath the lantern to preheat the air in the balloon before lighting the fuel cell.
• Never release near buildings, trees, airports, or dry fields.
• Hold onto the lantern until it is completely full of warm air, and you feel it gently tugging upward.

A preloaded artillery shell that launches one firework when lit. These devices can be up to 3" in diameter.

Use of Single Shot Tubes is the same as Artillery shells, only you don't need to load each one.