Sales were brisk. Musk announced on Twitter on Jan. 29 that 7,000 of the 19,000 flamethrowers available had been sold within the first few days. It looks like The Boring Company will unload $9.5 million worth of the devices before the week is out.

Before shelling out for one, it’s worth noting that the flamethrowers are in all likelihood modified roof torches, essentially propane-powered heaters that melt a sticky layer of asphalt on “torch-down” roofing. The Boring Company has added stickers and a plastic casing. But you too can assemble a “flamethrower” for yourself for about $100 on Amazon (the torch itself is only $50).

Image for article titled The Boring Company’s flamethrowers are probably overpriced roofing torches

You’ll not only be able to show your inventiveness, you’ll be able to take a side-hustle as a roofer. Be careful, though, it’s one of the more hazardous occupations.

In his Twitter announcement, Musk tried to assuage any safety concerns. “The ATF [US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives] says any flamethrower with a flame shorter than 10 ft is A-ok,” he wrote. “Our design is max fun for least danger. I’d be way more scared of a steak knife.”

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