Tetrapod-shaped ZnO whiskers were prepared with high yield and good purity in a short reaction time by a new method, the oxidation of pellets or otherwise shaped metallic zinc at 500-800 degrees C under atmospheric pressure. The reaction conditions were analyzed and compared with other methods. The products were identified by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The results show that this is a practical and economical method for manufacturing ZnO whiskers. A suitable ratio between the volume of the furnace chamber and the quantity of the material zinc is suggested.