For example, a pencil detonator designed to fire 24 hours after being activated could in reality give a 30-hour delay - if the weather was very cold. Similarly, during hot weather pencil detonators designed to fire after a 12-hour delay could in reality trigger detonation within 10 hours. The main virtue of pencil detonators is their small size and light weight, plus the fact that they are very quick and easy to use.
For instance, a pencil detonator intended to explode 24 hours after activation might actually delay up to 30 hours if it is exposed to very cold weather. Likewise, during hot conditions, pencil detonators set to activate after 12 hours could trigger detonation within just 10 hours. The primary advantage of pencil detonators lies in their compact size and ease of use.