ENTRY LEVEL FIRE KIT.

[12_Gauge_Chimp]

I 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.

I'll take one. Thanks.

[Moab]

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.

Also you can get those large plastic straws at kroger or the dollar store. I have a huge pack of them. 

How do you seal the end after you put the flammable hand sanitizer in? I have a food bag sealer. I guess that would work. A lighter seems problematic. 

[NT2C]

I 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.

Just for that I'm sending you two.

(besides, you were a Marine; you'll manage to break one)

[NT2C]

I 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.

I'll take one. Thanks.

Will do.  I already have the address.

[MacWa77ace]

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.

Also you can get those large plastic straws at kroger or the dollar store. I have a huge pack of them.

How do you seal the end after you put the flammable hand sanitizer in? I have a food bag sealer. I guess that would work. A lighter seems problematic.

I grip the end to be sealed with needle nosed pliers, my Leatherman, with about 2mm extended beyond the edge and melt it with a Bic.

Same thing after you fill it. It's not an issue. Just don't fill it full, so when you pinch the end the fuel doesn't come out, and even if it does just wipe it off and melt it.

The thing about these vs the hard jars and bottles are they are small and can fit in small spaces, you can also put toothpaste and any other stuff that comes in big containers in them.

PRO TIP: After melting keep holding the straw in the pliers and press some scissors or a butter knife flat against the melted edge to solidify the plastic and even it. Sort of like finishing off the end of paracord to make it nice instead of a mushroom cap blob.

[MacWa77ace]

1) Waterproof container can be as simple as a small, empty, plastic peanut butter jar. A ziplock bag. Or a waterproof hard case. Anything that will keep it dry.

You cannot view this attachment.

@Moab I was thinking about your hard containers for storing fuel. And comparing that option to the sealed straw option. I'm going for small size, and I looked at the different  hard options available and even the smallest ones are kinda big for the Altoids minimalist kits. I did find 1/3 oz snap top ones that look nice and they are pretty inexpensive but I'm not going to make 100 fire kits. [They're sold in bulk for pennies]



But I did find this that wasn't mentioned that might also work well for Vaseline. Not so much for the hand sanitizer.
Its the lip balm dispenser. I'm not going to buy this but I think I have a ChapStick somewhere at home and can take the balm out and replace it with Vaseline to see if it works.



https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B013VKVA4A/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A2HPCTZPCCVCQP&psc=1

container with lid measures 2.625" inches (6.7 centimeters).

[majorhavoc]

1) Waterproof container can be as simple as a small, empty, plastic peanut butter jar. A ziplock bag. Or a waterproof hard case. Anything that will keep it dry.

Screenshot_20230227_153202_Chrome.jpg

@Moab I was thinking about your hard containers for storing fuel. And comparing that option to the sealed straw option. I'm going for small size, and I looked at the different  hard options available and even the smallest ones are kinda big for the Altoids minimalist kits. I did find 1/3 oz snap top ones that look nice and they are pretty inexpensive but I'm not going to make 100 fire kits. [They're sold in bulk for pennies]



But I did find this that wasn't mentioned that might also work well for Vaseline. Not so much for the hand sanitizer.
Its the lip balm dispenser. I'm not going to buy this but I think I have a ChapStick somewhere at home and can take the balm out and replace it with Vaseline to see if it works.



https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B013VKVA4A/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A2HPCTZPCCVCQP&psc=1

container with lid measures 2.625" inches (6.7 centimeters).

Why bother removing the balm? Chapstick is primarily petroleum jelly, mineral oil, paraffin and other waxes, isn't it? Would it be any less of a firestarting aid than Vaseline? 

[NT2C]

Why bother removing the balm? Chapstick is primarily petroleum jelly, mineral oil, paraffin and other waxes, isn't it? Would it be any less of a firestarting aid than Vaseline?

Sounds like a field experiment for UFoZS Labs! 

[MacWa77ace]

Why bother removing the balm? Chapstick is primarily petroleum jelly, mineral oil, paraffin and other waxes, isn't it? Would it be any less of a firestarting aid than Vaseline?

Sounds like a field experiment for UFoZS Labs! 

I'm going to do it!

I have no idea whats in the Chapstick, i just know i have one in my nightstand. I never use the stuff. don't even know how I got it, maybe in my Christmas stocking on year. The only thing is that I think its really old so if there was any petroleum in it, it may have evaporated. I always thought it was more waxy but wax coating on tinder helps with ignition IIRC.

I'll see if it ignites if I remember when I get home tonight. And if its not great, I know Vaseline is and I'll replace the lip balm with some useful nay palm.

[Moab]

1) Waterproof container can be as simple as a small, empty, plastic peanut butter jar. A ziplock bag. Or a waterproof hard case. Anything that will keep it dry.

Screenshot_20230227_153202_Chrome.jpg

@Moab I was thinking about your hard containers for storing fuel. And comparing that option to the sealed straw option. I'm going for small size, and I looked at the different  hard options available and even the smallest ones are kinda big for the Altoids minimalist kits. I did find 1/3 oz snap top ones that look nice and they are pretty inexpensive but I'm not going to make 100 fire kits. [They're sold in bulk for pennies]



But I did find this that wasn't mentioned that might also work well for Vaseline. Not so much for the hand sanitizer.
Its the lip balm dispenser. I'm not going to buy this but I think I have a ChapStick somewhere at home and can take the balm out and replace it with Vaseline to see if it works.



https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B013VKVA4A/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A2HPCTZPCCVCQP&psc=1

container with lid measures 2.625" inches (6.7 centimeters).

The peanut butter jar was meant as a holder for the entire kit. To place in your pack. That way everything stays dry. And its a cheaper alternative to a pelican type case. As linked below it. And something you could throw together right now. With simple matches, lighter, dryer lint and vaseline. And your good to go. 

But yes there are many of those small containers for sale all over the place. For accelerant and tinder etc. I linked some nice military surplus ones here.

https://ufozs.com/smf/index.php?topic=790.0

But many other options on aliexpress. Probably ebay too. 

I didn't concentrate on alot of that. As I figured off the shelf options would fit in a peanut butter jar. But I would still like to find another waterproof container. That is either free. Or more readily available than 2 months shipping from china. 

Anyone got any ideas?

I was thinking of those old Alice era first aid kits. (Not waterproof.) But something like that. An old forgotten piece of surplus. Or something in your kitchen. You get the idea. 

Also it would be great if anyone that wanted could search for alternatives for each item listed. From an easier source. And for cheap. Maybe from ebay or ? We can always improve this list. By updating the links.

Again I was only using direct from china to get the price down. As I was concetrating on the "entry level" part of things. But it might be more entry level by making it easier to aquire materials. 

And it seems like a larger or two part idea. In maybe we not only suggest an entry level kit. But we also try to work on a "best" fire kit. As our discussion seems to be improving our already advanced level kits. 

I like the idea of a main fire kit for say your pack. And a mini fire kit for your cargo pocket or chestrig or fanny pack or ? That might just include a small bic lighter, a small fire steel, a small bit of dryer lint and vaseline in a straw. That could be very small. And maybe just carried in a small ziplock. Or other small pocket friendly container. That could be like 2x2x.5 inches almost. Sh*t I could build that in about 10 minutes. I have all the materials here.

Chapstick is a great idea too. But I think in terms of burn time, dryer lint or cotton and vaseline might have that beat. As chapstick would be only an accelerant. Without the lint or cotton as a combustible material. But its good trick to have up your sleeve. I edc chapstik everyday. 

Keep the suggestions coming. 

[Moab]

Also after having to fire up the wood can stoves I used to sell. Time after time in testing. I can tell you a small or even medium consumer bottle of hand sanitizer is necessary for starting a small wood fire everyday. A straw of it might help with the proper tinder. For one time use. But being able to squirt an ounce or two on small sticks or tinder. And have it stay going long enough to get your fire started. Its quicker and easier than vaseline and lint or cotton. 

But long term Vaseline and lint/cotton is a more doable option. As it burns longer. And you don't need as much. A small pinch out of my nag shown above will light a fire no problem with proper tinder. And I could probably get 10 to 20 days out of that 4x4 ziplock bag of it. Its maybe half an inch thick of lint and vaseline. 

I think if your gonna use hand sanitizer its for a quick fire. And vaseline with lint/cotton takes a smaller amount, has a longer burn time, for more multiple days of fire starting. Really I only included it as its something I've had packed as an alternative to stopping and washing your hands with water and soap. So its like a double duty item. 

But I almost think it should be mentioned as an alternative - if you have it on you - but maybe not an essential fire kit item. 

Even a straw tube of vaseline/lint/cotton is better than a straw tube of hand sanitizer. And without a good sealed bottle the hand sanitizer can evaporate way faster than vaseline ever would. I'm not even sure how long it would take vaseline to evaporate.

The only thing better I can think of is if one of these commerical firestarters is made of a combination of vaseline and wax. Or some other combination fo fuels we are not aware of. With longer burn times per volume. I would assume someone on yt has tested this. 

[12_Gauge_Chimp]

If you use hand sanitizer as firestarter fuel, make sure you get the kind without any moisturizing stuff in it.

Also make sure it's got a high alcohol content. I think anything less than 70% alcohol won't work.

[NT2C]

If you use hand sanitizer as firestarter fuel, make sure you get the kind without any moisturizing stuff in it.

Also make sure it's got a high alcohol content. I think anything less than 70% alcohol won't work.

And make sure you didn't just clean your hands with it before lighting it. 

[Moab]

If you use hand sanitizer as firestarter fuel, make sure you get the kind without any moisturizing stuff in it.

Also make sure it's got a high alcohol content. I think anything less than 70% alcohol won't work.

And make sure you didn't just clean your hands with it before lighting it. 

Lmao!!! Sorry. That was just really funny. Good one!

Thats like the guy standing outside the hospital with his oxygen tank. Smoking a cigerette. 

[12_Gauge_Chimp]

If you use hand sanitizer as firestarter fuel, make sure you get the kind without any moisturizing stuff in it.

Also make sure it's got a high alcohol content. I think anything less than 70% alcohol won't work.

And make sure you didn't just clean your hands with it before lighting it. 

Yeah, that wouldn't be good.

[12_Gauge_Chimp]

If you use hand sanitizer as firestarter fuel, make sure you get the kind without any moisturizing stuff in it.

Also make sure it's got a high alcohol content. I think anything less than 70% alcohol won't work.

And make sure you didn't just clean your hands with it before lighting it. 

Lmao!!! Sorry. That was just really funny. Good one!

Thats like the guy standing outside the hospital with his oxygen tank. Smoking a cigerette.

I've actually seen that.

As soon as I heard the lighter clicking, I got up from the bench I was sitting on and moved as far away as I could before the dingus blew himself up.

[Rednex]

A crayon can be used as a candle like fire starter. Stand upright, maybe add some wood shavings to help hold it. Light the top and either have the kindling already piled I like the teepee . or build the kindling stack over the flame of the candle.


What ever ya do don't use gas in a gas can , pour gas from said can onto a fire, then run around in a circle with a flaming gas can over your head, don't splash flaming gas from said gas can that's over your head onto your head and shoulders.

[flybynight]

https://ufozs.com/smf/index.php?topic=1253.msg25432#msg25432



I've thought about this and I think the lighter fluid is un needed. I figure it would evaporate. None of the other videos I've seen on this method use anything but wax. I bought the parrafin and cotton rounds but have not made them yet. 

[majorhavoc]

https://ufozs.com/smf/index.php?topic=1253.msg25432#msg25432



I've thought about this and I think the lighter fluid is un needed. I figure it would evaporate. None of the other videos I've seen on this method use anything but wax. I bought the parrafin and cotton rounds but have not made them yet.

I remember watching that video when you first posted it and thinking it was pretty cool.  I wonder if the parrafin somehow fixes or binds to the lighter fluid and prevents it from evaporating. 

Maybe it's like cooking: follow the recipe to the letter the first time you make something, so you have a baseline how it's supposed to be.  Then start changing things up.

[Moab]

https://youtu.be/aDFNEKKZrnw

Can anyone top this guys video? I've watched a few. And this is the best I've come up with.

Watch till very end. When he soaks a used one, wrings out the water and relights it. I'm convinced adding wax to the vaseline is the way to go. Much longer burn time.

He basically dips make up pads in heated vaseline. Lets them cool. Then dips them twice in wax. Cooling between rounds. Comments state cheaper pads are better. Cause they tare apart easier and fluff up better. So probably buying this all at walmart is a good idea.

He stores them in a twist top flat tin. I forget from which product. But you could easily find a similar waterproof container. Or just use a ziplock. I would prefer a smaller size. But just like lint you can tare these apart into smaller sizes. You don't have to use the whole thing.

He does not test burn times. But other videos like below show wax burns much longer than just vaseline. Jump to 6 minute mark. This guy dips the bottom of a cotton ball in wax. And soaks vaseline into the top. Using the top like a wick. Burn time beats vaseline only by a long shot. Total burn time is 13:30 wax and vaseline on a cotton ball.


https://youtu.be/U2GBjuFYVsE

Not that you'll always need it. But the burn time on either of these almost gets you to the point of the purpose of a tea candle.

Lastly, I also read a comment where a guy mixes normal paraffin wax and bees wax for an even longer burn time. That may be the holy grail. Wax, bees wax, vaseline and make up pads.

I also saw the video on lighter fluid. But I don't see where your not going to lose some from evaporation. This just doesn't seem foolproof.

I wish they made smaller make up pads.