It was an article in a Washington State newspaper (where I live - not in the same area, but the same state). As a knitter myself, it's causing me to think twice about knitting in the car. Might be a good Mythbusters episode?? Here's the link.
http://www.ptleader.com/main.asp?Search=1&ArticleID=101...36&SubSectionID=&S=1

I saw that story too - I'd be curious to find out just how knitting could cause the needles to explode. She must knit alot faster than I do

quote:

Originally posted by AtHomeMom98204:
It was an article in a Washington State newspaper (where I live - not in the same area, but the same state). As a knitter myself, it's causing me to think twice about knitting in the car. Might be a good Mythbusters episode?? Here's the link.
http://www.ptleader.com/main.asp?Search=1&ArticleID=101...36&SubSectionID=&S=1

I checked snopes and no debunk there, it would be interesting to see if there would be some way for this to happen. The static build up just does not sound right, it would have to go to ground some where with very very low resistance to produce that effect, if it could at all.

Wow, that really is strange. No way was that caused by static electricity. Are those needles hollow? If so, then there must have been something in it to cause it to rupture like in the picture. Very wired.

Here's a little more info:
http://www.paulalalish.com/needle.htm

My theory is the same as Paula Lalish's. I would think that some type of chemical action inside the needle built up pressure and caused it to burst.

Static might have functioned as a detonator, if that powder had any explosive potential. Though I'd think for the explosion to happen right there must mean the needle had some level of damage at the tip.

Yep, I agree, static doesn't really seem like it would be enough And yes, the metal needles are hollow to keep them light. As you knit, you wear down the coating (I'm not sure what it's made of - I think it varies by brand) and expose the material below. Sometimes you can get some scratching as well, depending on storage or transport.