Quote from: Moab on February 27, 2023, 08:09:36 PM

Quote from: 12_Gauge_Chimp on February 27, 2023, 07:14:16 PMA fresnel lens is pretty much just a magnifying lens, right ?

I've lit paper on fire with a regular magnifying glass before (I was an easily entertained child and I also made sure to have some water close by in case I had a moment of stupidity).

I got caught playing with matches when I was a kid. My punishment was manning the burning barrel. Back then everyone had a 50 gallon barrel in their backyard. And you got rid of all your "burnables" buy burning them in the burning barrel.

I used to save up my moms old cans of hairspray. And once the fire was roaring. I'd throw in an old can of hairspray. It would blow up and make this loud explosion that would send smoke and crap flying way up in the air.

I still don't know why they chose that as a punishment. Lmao!! It just made me more of a pyro. Lol.

Your very astute parents devised that "punishment" because they knew you well.  They wisely elected to channel your pyro tendencies in a safer setting because the alternative would have been you burning the house down.   

Quote from: majorhavoc on February 27, 2023, 08:13:40 PM

Quote from: Moab on February 27, 2023, 08:09:36 PM

Quote from: 12_Gauge_Chimp on February 27, 2023, 07:14:16 PMA fresnel lens is pretty much just a magnifying lens, right ?

I've lit paper on fire with a regular magnifying glass before (I was an easily entertained child and I also made sure to have some water close by in case I had a moment of stupidity).

I got caught playing with matches when I was a kid. My punishment was manning the burning barrel. Back then everyone had a 50 gallon barrel in their backyard. And you got rid of all your "burnables" buy burning them in the burning barrel.

I used to save up my moms old cans of hairspray. And once the fire was roaring. I'd throw in an old can of hairspray. It would blow up and make this loud explosion that would send smoke and crap flying way up in the air.

I still don't know why they chose that as a punishment. Lmao!! It just made me more of a pyro. Lol.

Your very astute parents devised that "punishment" because they knew you well.  They wisely elected to channel your pyro tendencies in a safer setting because the alternative would have been you burning the house down. 

Oh. Completely. My parents were old school. My Dad was the laid back Indian. And my mother was the hard ass. I'll never forget her teaching me to ride a bike. She yelled and screamed at me all the way down our pothole filled gravel driveway! With her apron on. Until I got "back on that god damn bike and learned how to ride it!" Lmao. 

Quote from: majorhavoc on February 27, 2023, 07:34:13 PMPictures are all visible now.  This is an outstanding post!  Love that it is so profusely illustrated and contains links to where to buy items. I especially appreciate the links to the beeswax tea candles.

A few random thoughts:

Glad you saw fit to include Bic lighters.  I get the sense that in a lot of survivalist circles, butane lighters are somehow seen as cheating.  Man (er, humankind) has been perfecting the art of making fire for tens of thousands of years.  The disposable lighter is pretty much the pinnacle of that art.  It seems ridiculous to discount that crowning acheivement of portable firestarting technology simply because it makes the task of producing flame too easy.

But of course butane lighters can and do fail, which is why it's important to have alternate, more failsafe firestarting methods.  One avenue of failure is if the butane fuel is inadvertently released in your pack because something else pushes against the thumb lever.  Much like a flashlight or headlamp accidentally getting switched on in your backpack and you discovering that only when you most need light. 

A ziptie or piece of cord affixed tightly directly underneath the gas release lighter can protect against that.


Somewhere on Youtube there's an old channel by a guy named MeZillch or something like that who shows convincingly that the zip tie method still allows you to pop the zip tie on and off the lighter.  So you don't need to cut it to activate your lighter. And you're still able to pop it back on to put your Bic on "safe". 

I always forget alcohol-based hand sanitizer can be used as fuel/accelerant.  Thanks for the reminder.

Finally (for now): beware bargain priced firesteels.  The ones Moab links to all look to be good quality.  But a lot of super low priced options on Amazon and eBay turn out to be thick rods that are mostly plastic, with just a thin diameter rod of actual ferrocerium material embedded on one side.  Enlarge product pictures - especially ones that show the very tip of rod.  It's usually visible when it's not solid ferrocerrium.  And if the price seems too good to be true, it probably is.

I've seen that trick too. And I've had Bics fail. Good point. I'll add it to the post. Maybe I can find a yt vis on being able to take it off and put back on. I'd bet if you didnt tighten the ziptie all the way that you'd be able to get it off and on.

I don't think I mentioned that I carry multiple Bics in my bags either. Like 3 or 4 fullsize ones. I try to keep weight down. But there are little things I won't scimp on. Like lighters and compasses. And cordiage. I have alot of 550 and braided 50lb fishing line here and there in my stuff. I also have sawyer filter in my main pack. But water purification tabs in my fanny pack.

Those USGI fannypacks are the sh*t. They are so large and well made. Bombproof. But you can carry them over or under anything. Pack waistbelt, normal belt, holster. Its the perfect last ditch survival bag. The chest bags are cool. But you can't carry much in them. They are quite small and thin. The usgi fanny pack are like a small backpack. There is tons of room in them. 

This guy is small. So it looks a little bigger than it actually is. But they are good sized. Easily the biggest fanny pack I have ever seen. But it rides perfectly. Out of the way of everything else you may have on. And you can turn it around like an ass pack too. I keep a smaller version of everything I carry survival wise in it. So if I ever got separated or had to ditch my pack. I'd still have most of what I'd need to survive. Plus its my main stash for mav, gloves, hat, shemagh, poncho, mora knife. You can carry alot in them.

Between that and my pistol in my chest bag. Its a good system.

You cannot view this attachment.

I have the multicam version.


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Regarding the zip tie lighter safety, I've actually seen butane lighters that have a safety already built it to prevent accidental butane release.

Usually it's a little tab on the side that locks the gas button in place and requires you to push the tab out of the way in order to use the lighter.

ETA: It's probably not a secret amongst most of us, but even if your Bic or other lighter is out of fuel, you can still use the striker wheel to light tinder on fire.

Zippo sells a tool that's basically a striker wheel firestarter for like 20 bucks. It's got other stuff with it to make fire starting easier, so you're not just spending 20 bucks on a striker wheel.

Here's that old YT video I was talking about showing the zip tie butane lighter "safety" can come on and off without damaging the zip tie.


https://youtu.be/e6zlrNY5G98?t=360

Quote from: 12_Gauge_Chimp on February 27, 2023, 08:55:53 PMRegarding the zip tie lighter safety, I've actually seen butane lighters that have a safety already built it to prevent accidental butane release.

Usually it's a little tab on the side that locks the gas button in place and requires you to push the tab out of the way in order to use the lighter.

ETA: It's probably not a secret amongst most of us, but even if your Bic or other lighter is out of fuel, you can still use the striker wheel to light tinder on fire.

Zippo sells a tool that's basically a striker wheel firestarter for like 20 bucks. It's got other stuff with it to make fire starting easier, so you're not just spending 20 bucks on a striker wheel.

Aliexpress also sells everything you could possibly need for a Zippo. You could literally build one from parts. But they also sell o rings and everyanner ofaking the fuel reservoir air tight. To keep fuel from evaporating.

There used to be a chick on ebay that sold different types of flints. Ones that lasted longer. And ones that threw bigger sparks. I bought some. But I don't remember where they are stashed. I put some inside the stuffing of a couple of my zippos.

Quote from: majorhavoc on February 27, 2023, 09:03:42 PMHere's that old YT video I was talking about showing the zip tie butane lighter "safety" can come on and off without damaging the zip tie.


https://youtu.be/e6zlrNY5G98?t=360

Thats cool. I'm going to post that in the original thread. Thats mandatory! 

I stopped smoking about 12 years ago, but I still have every Zippo I bought before I quit.

And the evaporation of fuel was the biggest peeve of mine for Zippos. Well, that and the funky smell of the fuel.

If I start carrying one again, I'm thinking of picking up one of those butane inserts for whatever Zippo I decide to carry. They ain't cheap, but if I don't have to constantly refill the flipping thing every other day, I'll consider it money well spent.

Quote from: 12_Gauge_Chimp on February 27, 2023, 09:08:15 PMI stopped smoking about 12 years ago, but I still have every Zippo I bought before I quit.

And the evaporation of fuel was the biggest peeve of mine for Zippos. Well, that and the funky smell of the fuel.

If I start carrying one again, I'm thinking of picking up one of those butane inserts for whatever Zippo I decide to carry. They ain't cheap, but if I don't have to constantly refill the flipping thing every other day, I'll consider it money well spent.

I did a test on here or ZS. Using one of these cases that prevents much of the fual evaporation. It was still lighting 3 months into the test. I filled and left it on my desk. Then tried to light it about once a week. It may have gone longer. I forgot to check it after 3 months.

They are way cheaper direct from china.

General Iiner Case for Zip PO lighters Tactical Lighter Storage Case ( Color : BP-72-BCP ) https://a.co/d/b53PtaH

I had a huge zippo collection. One of my obsessions years back. I still have several. That case makes them at least doable. But you still need fuel.

I forget. What other fluids can you use in them? Besides lighter fluid?

A zippo will run on just about anything.

https://www.primalsurvivor.net/zippo-fuel-alternatives/

Maybe I'll put one back in my BOB. With that sealed case above. Bics gotta run out sometime.

Quote from: Moab on February 27, 2023, 09:19:32 PMA zippo will run on just about anything.

https://www.primalsurvivor.net/zippo-fuel-alternatives/

Maybe I'll put one back in my BOB. With that sealed case above. Bics gotta run out sometime.

You ain't lying.  BITD most of the paints we used were oil-based and brushes and rollers were cleaned with benzene. My dad and I used to fill our lighters with the stuff, Years later we switched to varnolene, which was only slightly less unhealthy.

Altoids tin EDC GBH Fire Starter Kit.

This is in my EDC bag.

Bic
Magnesium Firestick
2) Fuel Cells. [oversized plastic straws with hand sanitizer sealed inside them]

Leatherman Wingman is for scale.



I have another Bic in my Maxpedition Mini inside the same EDC bag.

Quote from: NT2C on February 27, 2023, 09:57:26 PM

Quote from: Moab on February 27, 2023, 09:19:32 PMA zippo will run on just about anything.

https://www.primalsurvivor.net/zippo-fuel-alternatives/

Maybe I'll put one back in my BOB. With that sealed case above. Bics gotta run out sometime.

You ain't lying.  BITD most of the paints we used were oil-based and brushes and rollers were cleaned with benzene. My dad and I used to fill our lighters with the stuff, Years later we switched to varnolene, which was only slightly less unhealthy.

When I was a little kid, I found a lighter like those Zippos, it was out of fuel. And being a kid with little wisdom I just put gasoline in it and it worked.

This is the same kid that made a flame thrower out of an old oil can filled with gasoline. Yeah, I liked fire.
when you filled it up, you lit the tip and it stayed lit like a lamp, but when you turned it over and pressed the bottom a stream of flame shot out. It worked great for recreating Iwo Jima with those little army men.

Quote from: MacWa77ace on February 28, 2023, 12:54:17 PMAltoids tin EDC GBH Fire Starter Kit.

This is in my EDC bag.

Bic
Magnesium Firestick
2) Fuel Cells. [oversized plastic straws with hand sanitizer sealed inside them]

Leatherman Wingman is for scale.



I have another Bic in my Maxpedition Mini inside the same EDC bag.

The Wingman is my favorite Leatherman. Weight and scissors.

I like the straw strategy here. I will employ this with my smaller fire kits throughout my gear. Great idea!

Quote from: MacWa77ace on February 28, 2023, 01:04:53 PM

Quote from: NT2C on February 27, 2023, 09:57:26 PM

Quote from: Moab on February 27, 2023, 09:19:32 PMA zippo will run on just about anything.

https://www.primalsurvivor.net/zippo-fuel-alternatives/

Maybe I'll put one back in my BOB. With that sealed case above. Bics gotta run out sometime.

You ain't lying.  BITD most of the paints we used were oil-based and brushes and rollers were cleaned with benzene. My dad and I used to fill our lighters with the stuff, Years later we switched to varnolene, which was only slightly less unhealthy.

When I was a little kid, I found a lighter like those Zippos, it was out of fuel. And being a kid with little wisdom I just put gasoline in it and it worked.

This is the same kid that made a flame thrower out of an old oil can filled with gasoline. Yeah, I liked fire.
when you filled it up, you lit the tip and it stayed lit like a lamp, but when you turned it over and pressed the bottom a stream of flame shot out. It worked great for recreating Iwo Jima with those little army men.

I had the Evil Kneivel doll with the hand crank motorcycle. We always had a 5 gallon can of gas beside the house for the lawnmower. We used to soak him in gas, light him on fire, and jump him off the steps. Lol. 

The weird thing was his clothes never burned. Or at least for a long time. Idk what it was made out of. But we all fantasized it was fireproof fabric. Lol. 

One day in the middle of winter the nozzle on the 5 gallon gas can caught on fire. We froze. I knew I was a goner. But my friend quickly shoved the nozzle in the snow. And it went out. He was our hero for the rest of the day. Lol. 

Quote from: MacWa77ace on February 28, 2023, 01:04:53 PM

Quote from: NT2C on February 27, 2023, 09:57:26 PM

Quote from: Moab on February 27, 2023, 09:19:32 PMA zippo will run on just about anything.

https://www.primalsurvivor.net/zippo-fuel-alternatives/

Maybe I'll put one back in my BOB. With that sealed case above. Bics gotta run out sometime.

You ain't lying.  BITD most of the paints we used were oil-based and brushes and rollers were cleaned with benzene. My dad and I used to fill our lighters with the stuff, Years later we switched to varnolene, which was only slightly less unhealthy.

When I was a little kid, I found a lighter like those Zippos, it was out of fuel. And being a kid with little wisdom I just put gasoline in it and it worked.

This is the same kid that made a flame thrower out of an old oil can filled with gasoline. Yeah, I liked fire.
when you filled it up, you lit the tip and it stayed lit like a lamp, but when you turned it over and pressed the bottom a stream of flame shot out. It worked great for recreating Iwo Jima with those little army men.

I taped a candle to a can of hairspray I stole from my mother's bathroom. Instant kid-portable flamethrower. Many an insect perished with the deployment of that grade-school force multiplier.

"Kill it with fire" was a well-used phrase from my childhood long before it became an internet meme.

When I was in high school, I got tapped to be the kid who burnt Brown Recluse nests by the auto shop building.

My teacher, who was a former Green Beret, had this makeshift flamethrower that was basically a BBQ propane tank on wheels and one of those weed burner things from Home Depot. Guy gives me the rundown on how to operate it safely (which was key because I was a bit of a moron at age 16) and off I went to bring doom to the spiders.

I found out soon that Brown Recluse spiders make a high pitched squeaking sound and pop like a paper bag when you light them on fire.

I'm still surprised I didn't accidentally burn down my school doing that. I'd have figured a spider would've scurried off into a crack somewhere in the building and caught fire to the insulation.

ETA: I just remembered why none of the spiders ever scurried off and burnt down my school.

The actual flamethrower part had a something (about the size and shape of a beer can) on the end that I had to cover the spiders with. I'd pop that over the spider, hit the trigger and roast the little bastard.

Quote from: Moab on February 27, 2023, 06:52:47 PM

Quote from: NT2C on February 27, 2023, 06:39:43 PMI just received a box of these so I can add one to each of the ten kits I bought.  That leaves a few left over and I'd be happy to mail you one for addition to your kit.

Yes. I wanted to add this to the list of items. I have not had time yet to find a single lens or magnifying lens. Did you happen to run across any when looking for these?

And yes. Thank you. I would love to have one. PM incoming.

Changed your mind?  No PM in my box.

And the offer is open to any member who wants one.  I have a hundred more already en route to me.

Quote from: NT2C on February 28, 2023, 02:12:23 PM

Quote from: Moab on February 27, 2023, 06:52:47 PM

Quote from: NT2C on February 27, 2023, 06:39:43 PMI just received a box of these so I can add one to each of the ten kits I bought.  That leaves a few left over and I'd be happy to mail you one for addition to your kit.

Yes. I wanted to add this to the list of items. I have not had time yet to find a single lens or magnifying lens. Did you happen to run across any when looking for these?

And yes. Thank you. I would love to have one. PM incoming.

Changed your mind?  No PM in my box.

And the offer is open to any member who wants one.  I have a hundred more already en route to me.

Sent. Sorry.