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👕How to Load and Fire a T-Shirt Cannon

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Engage the Crowd. Energize the Moment. Launch the Hype.

At R&B Confetti, we believe every shot should connect — not just hit the crowd. A T-Shirt Cannon transforms any event into a shared moment of energy and excitement. Whether it’s game day, a pep rally, or a packed concert, these launchers deliver custom-branded giveaways that make fans cheer louder and remember your name longer.

👉 Follow this step-by-step guide to load, operate, and fire your T-Shirt Cannon safely for maximum impact and crowd engagement.

💫 On Cue. On Target. All Hype. No Miss.

How does a T-Shirt Cannon work?

A T-Shirt Cannon uses compressed CO2 to propel soft items — typically rolled shirts or promo gear — through a reinforced barrel. When the trigger is pulled, the CO2 burst launches the item up to 100 feet. You’ll get consistent performance and picture-perfect launches every time.

🔗 Quick Navigation

What You’ll Need

Safety Guidelines

Step-by-Step Loading

Firing & Performance

Pro Tips & Advanced Techniques

Troubleshooting

Quick FAQs

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What You’ll Need

🎯 ItemDescription
🎽 T-Shirt CannonProfessional launcher designed for CO2 propulsion — shoulder-mounted for crowd engagement.
🧯 CO2 Tank (5 lb)High-pressure cylinder that supplies the compressed gas needed to launch each shot.
⚙️ HoseConnects the tank to the launcher; uses high-pressure fittings.
👕 Pre-Rolled T-Shirts / Promo ItemsTightly banded fabric items sized to fit your barrel; lighter loads travel farther.
🏟️ Open Firing SpaceWide, unobstructed area with safe clearance in front of the barrel — always aim upward at ~45°.

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Safety Guidelines for T-Shirt Cannons

Safe Operations

Aim responsibly: Never point the launcher toward people’s faces, crowds, or fragile equipment.

Keep safe distance: Maintain at least 80–100 feet of open space in front of the cannon for a clear, safe launch path.

Watch overhead clearance: Always fire upward into unobstructed space, away from lights, trusses, or ceiling fixtures.

CO₂ Safety

Inspect before every use: Check the CO₂ tank and hose for leaks.

Open valves slowly: Always release CO₂ pressure gradually.

Store and transport safely: Keep tanks upright, capped, and away from heat sources or direct sunlight.

Qualified Users

Trained operators only: Limit use to trained staff, game-day crew, or responsible adults familiar with safety procedures.

Define a launch zone: Establish a clear, restricted area for setup and firing to keep bystanders at a safe distance.

No unsupervised use: Never allow children or untrained volunteers to handle or operate the launcher.

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T-Shirt Cannon Setup

1️⃣ Inspect Your Gear

All t-shirt cannon parts laid out: CO₂ tank, backpack harness, hose, trigger, barrel, and safety cable.

Make sure all parts are included before setup — CO₂ tank, backpack harness, hose, trigger, barrel, and safety cable.

2️⃣ Secure the CO2 Tank

CO₂ tank secured inside backpack harness with straps tightened.

Place the CO₂ tank into the backpack harness and fasten it tightly with the straps.

3️⃣ Check O-Ring

Close-up of white O-ring inside the large brass fitting on the t-shirt cannon hose.

Check that the white O-ring is seated inside the large brass hex-nut fitting on the hose.

4️⃣ Connect Hose

Hose being attached to CO₂ tank outlet with wrench tightening the brass nut.

Attach the hose to the CO₂ tank and tighten the brass nut firmly with a wrench.

5️⃣ Attach Barrel

Barrel being connected to the trigger assembly with quick-connect fittings.

Connect the barrel to the trigger assembly using the quick-connect fittings.

6️⃣ Connect Fittings

Barrel sliding all the way into fitting until rings move forward.

Push the barrel fully into the fitting until the locking rings slide forward.

7️⃣ Lock Barrel

Hands pulling both quick-connect locking rings back to lock the barrel in place.

Pull both locking rings back to secure the barrel connection.

8️⃣ Attach Safety Cable

Safety cable clipped between the trigger assembly and barrel.

Attach a safety cable from the trigger to the barrel for added security.

9️⃣Step 9. Adjust Harness

Operator wearing backpack harness, adjusting straps, and fastening waist belt buckle.

Put on the backpack harness and tighten straps for comfort. Secure the waist belt with the included buckle.

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Firing Your T-Shirt Cannon: What to Expect

Positioning & Aiming

  • Hold the launcher firmly with two hands.
  • Angle upward at 45° for maximum distance.

Triggering Mechanism

  • Our T-Shirt Cannons use a simple pull trigger built in to a handle.
  • Once pulled, the CO₂ propels the shirt instantly.

Sound & Visual Effect

  • You’ll hear a loud CO₂ “whoosh.”
  • The shirt arcs gracefully through the air, often met with cheers as the crowd scrambles to catch it.

⚠️ Safety Reminder: Never fire multiple shirts at once or overload the barrel.

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Pro Tips for Getting the Best Shot

Indoor Arenas

  • Aim upward but not too steep — avoid hitting ceilings or lighting rigs.

Outdoor Stadiums

  • Fire at an angle to reach back rows without overshooting.

Engagement Tricks

  • Dual Launchers: Fire from both ends of the court/field for maximum coverage.
  • Giveaway Timing: Launch during timeouts, breaks, or countdowns for peak energy.
  • Merch Variety: Mix T-shirts with towels, hats, or soft swag for surprise excitement.

✨ Whether it’s halftime at a basketball game, a college pep rally, or a brand activation at a festival — the right launch angle, timing, and product mix guarantees big reactions.

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Troubleshooting Your T-Shirt Cannon

No Fire

  • Cause: CO2 not reaching chamber.
  • Fix: Check hose connection and ensure the tank valve is open.

Weak Launch

  • Cause: Pressure too low.
  • Fix: Open valve on tank fully.

Jammed Shirt

  • Cause: Shirt rolled too loosely or overstuffed.
  • Fix: Safely remove and reroll tightly before reloading.

Uneven Launch Distance

  • Cause: Inconsistent shirt rolling.
  • Fix: Standardize your rolls and use strong rubber bands.

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Quick FAQs: T-Shirt Cannons

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Your Crowd, Your Moment, Your Launch

A T-Shirt Cannon isn’t just a piece of equipment — it’s an instant connection with your audience. Safe, powerful, and endlessly fun, it transforms giveaways into unforgettable moments of hype and joy.

✨ From arenas to festivals, the right launch turns your crowd into part of the show.

Ready to take the next step? Explore resources and tools to make your launch flawless:

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