Another method of release given elsewhere is sometimes used by the Chinese and Japanese, is effected by using a lighted punk such as used to set off firecrackers; when the punk burns down far enough, it burns off a supporting thread, thus releasing the object held. CHAPTER XII. REELS. =Reels= are very convenient for most kite flying and quite necessary for high flying where so much string must be let out and wound in again, but an absolute necessity for events where racing is an important feature. Many devices have been used at our tournaments and some have been very clever. A simple and effective reel can be rigged up in a kerosene box. The box is long enough to allow a seat for the kite flyer, a foot brake can be arranged, and an all around satisfactory reel can be made at light expense. Fig. 193 shows such a reel fully equipped. A portion of the top is cut away so as to expose the spool of the reel, it being necessary to see if the line is winding properly, to see if it is nearly off, and to watch for knots or entanglements. A measuring device might also be attached, similar to cyclometers used on bicycles. The end of the box is partially cut away but not the full width of the box, the portions remaining at the sides preventing the kite line from getting off the ends of the spools. The portion remaining should be a little wider than the thickness of the flanges of the spool. The axle will usually be a broomstick owing to the ease with which it may be obtained and being hardwood, is very satisfactory. A piece of pipe can be used but is hard to drill thru for the pins that hold spool and crank to axle, also the holes that take pins on each side of box to prevent slipping endwise. Iron washers are used on the outside of box and between spool ends and inside of box. [Illustration: FIG. 193.] [Illustration: FIGS. 194, 195, 196.] =The crank= is shown in the drawing and needs no special directions. =The pin holding the crank to the= axle might be a small bolt with a nut, which adds strength in the prevention of splitting of the end of the wood. A good spool for the reel might be found at a hardware store. Chains come on well made spools that are excellent for reels. These can be fastened to axle by slanting pins; nails will answer if they are not left out too far thru the outside of the flanges of the spool; also pins may be put down thru the drum part of the spool thru the axle. In this case small holes would have to be drilled from opposite sides of the drum. Other drums can be made similar to Fig. 194. The axle is secured to two wooden disks and the center is built up of other pieces as in Fig. 195, or by wooden rods as in Fig. 196. [Illustration: FIG. 197.]