Crackers are usually shared between two individuals, one pulling on each end. With the ends firmly gripped, the cracker is slowly pulled apart using steady pressure and a twisting motion. This will tear the cracker open along the gathers and activate the friction cap producing a small bang.

To ensure that cracker bangs, use thumb and fore-finger to pin friction strip against inside wall of cracker end while pulling apart. Alternatively, pull on ends of friction strip only to produce bang, then tear cracker apart using method of choice.