Elon Musk’s The Boring Company has finally released its first batch of “Not A Flamethrowers” just in time for Fathers Day.
The first batch of customers picked up their actually-it’s-definitely-a-flamethrower (but for legal purposes it’s technically just industrial equipment) at The Boring Company’s world headquarters near Los Angeles over the weekend.
First 1000 Boring Company Flamethrowers being picked up today! pic.twitter.com/hBMp5fGzAB
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 9, 2018
The company made exactly 1,000 of the $500 flamethrowers and all were accounted for. The Boring Company promises that it will fulfill the more than 20,000 orders it has taken for its Not A Flamethrower — netting it a cool $10 million in revenue — over the next several months.
If you’re really interested in obtaining a personal flamethrower, and don’t want to wait, you can pick one of the original models up on eBay for a “Buy It Now” price of $20,000. If you’re willing to take your chances at an auction, bidding starts at around $3,000. For that price, though, you’d be the coolest dad on the street. Weeds (and possibly your house) would be no match for your (literal) firepower, and there are only a handful of bids.
The devices are meant primarily for home use, and flames shoot forth “only a few feet.” Musk says his Not A Flamethrower should be used primarily for lighting grills and fire pits.
“Flamethrower (obviously) best way to light your fireplace/BBQ. No more need to use a dainty ‘match’ to ignite! If no wood, just drop your flamethrower in fire place! It will generate way more warmth than a quaint pile of logs,” the CEO said on Twitter.
He also suggested that Not A Flamethrower owners abide by the device’s printed directions.
“Please use as directed to avoid unintentionally burning things down. For simple & concise instructions, we drew upon wisdom in great Dr Seuss book ‘Green Eggs and Ham’.”
Terms & conditions for “Not-a-Flamethrower”
Please use as directed to avoid unintentionally burning things down. For simple & concise instructions, we drew upon wisdom in great Dr Seuss book “Green Eggs and Ham”. #ThrowFlamesResponsibly pic.twitter.com/kgj8W8EOLJ
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 9, 2018
That hasn’t stopped Not A Flamethrower owners from immediately and deliberately misusing their devices, to the entertainment of the Internet.
Musk was, at least, prepared for that inevitability. You can purchase The Boring Company-branded fire extinguishers on the same website where you can purchase the Not A Flamethrower. Those are, however, also sold out.