Knowledge Weighs Nothing

How To Start A Fire With A Chapstick

ChapStick firestarter

Ok, firstly the title of the post is a little misleading… You can’t start a fire with a ChapStick alone. You need an ignition source, but if you have a source of ignition such as fire steel, flint or matches, a ChapStick can DRAMATICALLY increase your chances of getting a fire going in even the worst conditions.

Anyone who has tried to light a fire in less than ideal conditions will know how difficult it can be…

Loads of people have a ChapStick (or similar brand) in their pocket, even some of you guys (I know I do!). This is a great tip/trick for those not so practised in starting fires in the wilderness or those caught out in a survival situation, unprepared, in less than ideal conditions.

In the video, they use the ChapStick with cotton balls, but you can use it with any other good tinder material. If you have nothing else, cotton from a t-shirt or jumper works well, just make sure you work the ChapStick into the cotton as shown in the video.

Filed Under: A.K.W.N, Urban Survival, Wilderness Survival

Morse Code – You Never Know When You Might Need It

Click on the image for printable version without website text etc
Modern technology has pretty much rendered Morse Code obsolete, but what if you take away modern technology…. If the SHTF, we might need Morse Code once again.

Being able to communicate and decipher Morse Code might one day save your’s or someone else’s life. At the very least it might be worth printing out a Morse Code key like this, so you can have it in your kit. A piece of paper takes up no space (and you can always use it to start a fire in an emergency!)

Click here to download a Morse Code chart in PDF (then print it out!)

Key from Wikipedia

Filed Under: A.K.W.N, Urban Survival, Wilderness Survival

Paracord Post Round-Up: Things To Make & Do With Paracord

Paracord uses

Paracord: 101 Uses

You probably hear the word “paracord” a lot when you are studying survival training. It has achieved such an elevated status you would think paracord could single-handedly save a person and do the dishes all at the same time. While the material is pretty fantastic, it isn’t going to miraculously save anybody.

If you have done any research into survival training, you have probably heard numerous so-called experts touting the merits of paracord, including the fact there are over 100 uses for the strong rope. Unfortunately, those experts tend to only tell you or show you a handful. How much good does that do you?

For those who are sitting there thinking, “parawhat?” let me explain how valuable this tool truly is. You are probably familiar with the all-encompassing uses of duct tape. The same theory can be applied to paracord, which may also be referred to as 550 cord. The name comes from the idea the cord has a breaking point of 550 pounds.

So what is paracord? The cordage was originally used in parachute construction, hence the name. Because it was intended to be used as a strong, but some light-weight cord that is easily compacted and most importantly, reliable, it has become a hot commodity in the world of survival. It is so lightweight, you could literally carry 100-feet and never even notice.

Now, let’s get into what makes paracord so special. It is typically made of nylon. However, there are some types on the market that have been constructed with Kevlar. Seven inner strands are wrapped in a sheath to produce this highly-coveted tool. Each of those strands has a breaking strength of 30 pounds. Part of the reason paracord is so desirable is the fact you can separate the cord if needed.

Let’s refer back to the paracord’s strength. Keep in mind, breaking strength is not the same as working load. An easy way to remember this is a 5/1 ratio. If you need to lift 500 pounds, you would need cordage with a breaking strength of 2500 pounds.

As with almost anything on the market today, not all paracord is created equal and may not be constructed with the above-mentioned qualities, therefore making it a substandard product. Only buy military-strength paracord. If you are as excited about paracord as the rest of the survival community, check out the video to see 101 ways you really can use paracord.

How To Make A Paracord Survival Bracelet

Excellent video showing how to make your own paracord survival bracelet.

Do you know what? I am betting you are thinking it’s going to be difficult to do… If you follow the video you’ll see it is actually very easy to do. Surprisingly easy actually.

If you are going to bother making one, make sure you make it with official 550 paracord, as used in the military. Don’t use the cheaper stuff, get something you can rely on.

Make A DIY Paracord Watch Strap

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I have done several posts about the uses of paracord and paracord bracelets, such as the review of the excellent: ‘Wazoo Survival Gear’ Minimalist Survival Bracelet. You can of course make your own paracord bracelet but if you are not into wearing an additional bracelet, how about making a paracord watch strap instead?  If you are anything like me, you’re saying – why didn’t I think of that…  A paracord watch strap, it is so obvious.

Anyway if you think it’s a good idea and you’d like to give it a go, head over to the Instructables website below and check out the detailed tutorial.

If you are going to bother making one, make sure you make it with official 550 paracord, as used in the military. Don’t use the cheaper stuff, get something you can rely on.

DIY Paracord Watch Strap

(Photo from: Strormdrane via Instructables)

Make A Paracord Belt With Carabiner Buckle

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Everyone knows how useful paracord can be in a survival situation, but just in case, check out my earlier post: 101 Uses For Paracord (Seriously, there’s 101 uses listed here)

As a result paracord bracelets are particularly popular with preppers and those who practise survival skills. Paracord key-fobs and watch straps are also popular.

Whilst all of these a very useful, the amount of paracord you can carry is very limited.  With this in mind, how about making a paracord belt!  It’s a win, win, as a paracord belt can look really smart if you purchase a nice belt buckle (this belt is a bit more tactical and functional with a carabiner buckle) but the really great thing about a paracord belt is that it can hold over 100 feet of paracord!  That’s right – 100 feet of paracord in one belt, that’s always with you.

If you are interested in making a paracord belt, head over to the Instructables website and check out mobiobi’s tutorial. Also, check out these great belt buckles and make a top notch belt!

Make A Paracord Belt With Carabiner Buckle

(Photo from: mobiobi via Instructables)

How To Make Paracord Handcuffs

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A lot of us don’t carry handcuffs or even own any. If you were in an emergency situation and you needed to hold someone either for your family’s safety or to immobilize them so you could get away, chances are you will have paracord on you somewhere.

These are actually quite simple to make and i would carry a few ready made in my EDC kit or bug out bag. See how to make these below

How To Make Paracord Handcuffs

(Picture Credit: cooldog)

Make An Awesome Hanging Chair From Some Paracord & A Pallet

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This is a brilliant idea, a great hanging chair made from a free pallet and a few dollars worth of 550 paracord.

I have done several posts about reusing old pallets for various things – The 5 Pallet Livestock Feeder and Recycle a Wooden Pallet to Use for Shoe/Boot Storage and a few other Facebook posts which didn’t make the website.  I think this hanging chair might be the best of the lot though, as not only does it serve a purpose, it also looks awesome.

If you’d like to see how to build one yourself, head over to the Instructables website via the link below and have a look at the very detailed tutorial.

Make A Paracord Laced Pallet, Hanging Chair

If you are going to make one, make sure you use official 550 paracord, as used in the military. Don’t use the cheaper stuff, get something you can rely on.

(Photo from: Twotim221 via Instructables)

How To Make A Paracord Cross (Pendant / Necklace)

Everyone knows how useful paracord can be in a survival situation, and many of you have paracord bracelets, but today we’ve got something new to share…

These make excellent pendant style necklaces, or alternatively, you could hang one from your vehicle’s rear-view mirror.  It’s a great way to keep 24 feet of paracord handy, just in case of emergency.

Check out the video below and get making. One of these would make an excellent gift for a loved one! 

Filed Under: DIY, General Prepping, Homesteading, Urban Survival, Wilderness Survival

Preparing for a Disaster – No-Nonsense Tips to Protect Your Family

Preparing for a Disaster – No-Nonsense Tips to Protect Your Family

As our societies grow and we rely more and more on third party services to keep us safe and sound, the danger of suddenly becoming helpless and endangered increases. While there are literally thousands of ways to prepare for a disaster, you should primarily focus on the fundamental tips designed to protect you and your family.

The following tips and techniques were designed by emergency professionals are recommended for all persons in the event of a disaster. Don’t wait until the dreaded winter storm forecast or unexpected natural disaster strikes. Spend time today preparing you and your family for the worst, so you may have the best odds in your favour.

Understand the Most Likely Disasters

One of the fundamental levels of preparing for a disaster is knowing what kind of events you’ll likely face. Live in the mountains? Then you probably won’t have to worry about a tsunami; however, you should concern yourself with landslides, severe weather and health pandemics. The worst mindset you can have is thinking you live in a disaster-free zone. There is no such thing in this world. Review the most likely disaster’s for your area and create disaster-specific plans based upon this information.

Establish a Connection Method

What will you do when the cell networks go down? What happens when local telecommunication systems are non-operational? These are only a sample of questions you must ask yourself. It’s imperative to consider how you’ll connect with your loved ones when a disaster strikes, and traditional forms of communication aren’t available. Disaster relief organizations suggest confirming an out-of-area emergency contact, as local communications may be down while long-distance communications may still be available. Consider investing in satellite phones and battery-operated two-way radios to communicate during the peak of a disaster.

Receive Alerts During a Disaster

While your television and Internet connection may not be available during a major disaster, officials communicate with the general public through a variety of methods. The first step is to sign up for emergency alerts on your cell phone or via an emergency radio – sold at many electronics stores. Communicate with your local officials to uncover their communications plan should a disaster occur. Upon learning this information, adjust your emergency plan to incorporate these methods so you and your family can remain in-the-loop during an emergency.

Prepare Disaster Responses from Multiple Locations

In an ideal world, when a disaster strikes you and all your loved ones are packed safely in your home. However, this may not be the case. When an unexpected disaster occurs and you or your family members are not at home, it’s imperative to have a well-developed response plan for these situations. Plan to react from a variety of locations, such as your place of employment or your car. Plan evacuation routes, communication plans, and meet-up locations throughout the region with your family. Discuss emergency plans with your children’s school or daycare facility to determine how they’ll handle communicating with you during a disaster.

The notion of dealing with a major emergency is not one that many wish to dwell on. While there’s something to be said about positive thinking, when this form of thinking leads to a lack of action, it becomes a serious problem. Even if you believe you’ll never be involved in a serious emergency situation – whether a natural disaster or something more serious – it’s essential to prepare for the worst while hoping for the best.

You’ve likely scanned across articles on blogs, magazines or newspapers discussing the value of preparing your home and family. However, many of these tips are expensive and require a significant amount of time and dedication to accomplish. What would you say if the most effective tips are also the cheapest?

Continue reading to uncover the top 5 emergency preparedness tips designed to keep you and your family safe without having to spend an arm-and-a-leg on advanced supplies and costly provisions.

Plan an Escape Route Out of Your Home

Imagine there was an emergency within your home, such as a fire, and you need to escape quickly and safely. What are the best ways to evacuate your home in the fastest way possible? Take a moment to delve into possible escape routes, then write it down. Make sure all inhabitants within your home fully understands where to go and how to escape the house should it be necessary.

Create a Centralized Meeting Place

So you’ve managed to escape your home – or some other location – during an emergency, now what? In the ideal world, you and your family are together when an emergency happens; however, this isn’t always the case. Designate two different meeting areas. The first should be close to your home, such as at a neighbours house or at the neighbourhood park. The second should be a centralized place within your town or city. Write these locations down and make sure your family and friends understand where to meet should an emergency take place.

Create an Emergency Contact Card

Emergency contact cards are essential should a major disaster happen and you or your family members need to reach specific individuals or visit a specific meeting place, as described above. This card should contain the phone numbers of out-of-state relatives or emergency contacts as well as the locations of your two designated meeting areas. Copy this card and ensure each family member and friend has one for easy reference during a disaster.

Regularly Update Your SHTF Emergency Plan

One of the biggest mistakes many people make when it comes to creating an emergency plan is making it once and never returning to it. Much like life, the details in your emergency plan can, and will, need to change. Whether you move or change emergency contact information, make sure to re-visit your emergency plan every six months and make updates as necessary. What’s worse than not having an emergency plan? Having an outdated emergency plan.

Practice Your SHTF Emergency Plan

There are many times when an emergency plan is thorough and effective, but during an actual emergency you or your family members become disoriented and are unsure how to follow the established plan. To prevent confusion during these stressful and overwhelming times, it’s imperative to practice your emergency plan. Go through each step of your plan as if a real emergency was happening. Drive your planned evacuate route and spend time mapping out alternative escape routes. Practice exiting your home based upon the various escape plans and make sure to keep your emergency kits well-stocked.

Filed Under: A.K.W.N, General, General Prepping, Urban Survival, Wilderness Survival

Everyday Carry Gear (EDC) List – Plus Items To Consider Carrying

Many people think that a bug out bag is the only bag they should assemble as part of their preps. In reality, if you’re truly concerned about your everyday safety as well as about you not being home when SHTF, then what you need is some everyday carry gear (or EDC, for short).

In short, EDC is the sum of all the items you have on your person every single day for survival purposes. They’re also referred to as your “EDC kit” and you’d typically use them:

  • to protect you from thugs, angry mobs and assaults
  • to get you home in case of a major crisis or disaster (many people don’t realize they might not be home when it happens)
  • and to help you take care of a medical emergency (more on that in a minute)

Where should you store these items? Anywhere you can: inside your pockets, your purse, a bag, a pouch, a laptop bag and even inside your wallet. And if you really want some extra room, I suggest you get a few pairs of cargo pants (and cargo shorts for the summer).

OK, let’s get down to business. What should your everyday carry gear be? Well, there is no right answer to this. It depends on your age, sex, location, your fitness, your job and your lifestyle. You’ve got quite a lot of options and to make it easy for you so let’s start with the most obvious one.

Did you know your smartphone is one of the most powerful EDC items? Use it to make emergency calls to family members or the police, use it to take photos of videos of what’s happening (that could, later on, serve as proof), use it to find your way home when you’re lost via GPS. Not to mention you can store hundreds or even thousands of survival books and articles.

In addition, let’s add the following items to the list:

  • cash (use it to pay off angry rioters to leave you alone or to get food and water from vending machines)
  • a folding knife (useful for self-defence and a million other situations)
  • a pen (a tactical pen could act as a self-defence weapon but if you already have a weapon, you can think about getting one with an incorporated flashlight)
  • water purification tablets
  • a small whistle
  • a Paracord bracelet
  • a portable solar phone charger
  • an extra cell phone battery
  • paper clips
  • a bottle of water (This is controversial because water is heavy and you may not want to carry it with you every day. Nevertheless, if you have a messenger bag where you keep your laptop, it might be a good idea since you’ll be carrying it over your shoulder.),
  • a small signalling mirror
  • a mini-first aid kit
  • …and a small multi-tool.

Most of these items are pretty cheap except for the smartphone but, if we leave it aside, you should be able to spend less than 100 bucks for the essential everyday carry gear listed above. Of course, the more stuff you have, the better prepared you’ll be for a wider variety of scenarios so if you want to take your EDC kit to the next level, consider these items:

  • a bigger wallet (to allow for more stuff inside)
  • a credit card knife (those are really popular because they look like credit cards and so they don’t raise suspicion)
  • an extra pair of glasses
  • a headlight
  • a bandana
  • a pair of extra socks
  • a Bic lighter and a few matches
  • a fixed blade survival knife (you may want to check the laws where you live to see if you can walk around town with one)
  • a magnifying glass / Fresnel lens
  • a couple of energy bars
  • instant coffee

Quality Items or Cheap – Which Ones Should You Get?

Here’s the thing. If you get cheaper versions of these items, you’ll only save a few bucks and wake up with them not working when you need it most. Think about it… when chaos breaks loose, can you really afford a faulty folding knife or multi-tool? What will you do if that cheap phone charger doesn’t work?

So always do your research and go for the items that have the best reviews on sites like Amazon.com, forums, blogs etc. the other thing you should do is test your everyday carry gear every once in a while to make sure it’s still working. It doesn’t take long, you can do it twice a year, during daylight savings time (which is also the perfect time to rotate your food stockpile).

What’s Next?

Don’t be fooled: buying things is easy. The hard part is knowing how to use them and what to do in each situation. Plus, you’re gonna need a few more survival bags for various survival scenarios.

For example, a get home bag is something you have in your car or inside your desk with more gear than the one we discussed. It’s designed to get you home and won’t be carrying it with you wherever you go but you’ll need it in case something major happens and getting home is problematic.

Next, you’re going to need a bug out bag. Everyone’s heard of it but making one is tricky. It has to have a lot more stuff than your GHB, enough to keep you alive for at least a week out in the forest.

Last but not least, an INCH bag (which stands for I’m Never Coming Home) is an oversized BOB that can, in theory, keep you alive without permanent shelter for an indefinite amount of time. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves, here.

Let’s start with the EDC because it’s easier and more important and we’ll see where we go from there.

(Image from: Mike Petrucci)

Filed Under: A.K.W.N, General Prepping, Urban Survival, Wilderness Survival

12 Survival Uses for Duct Tape

ductapesurvival

Duct tape has gained almost a cult following due to its wide array of uses. Whether you wish to make a custom wallet or the most colourful dress at the party, duct tape does far more than secure and item. While it features many quirky and fun uses, duct tape has become the go-to item for survivalists throughout the world. Explore how this everyday item could potentially save your life if caught in an emergency situation.

Tent Repair

A leaky or drafty tent could mean the difference between staying safe and warm or being exposed to dangerous elements. Repair tears and holes with a roll of duct tape. Patch the tear or hole by covering with a layer of duct tape on the exterior and interior side of your tent. This is also an excellent fix if your tent zipper has broken. Simply place the tape along the zipper line of the tent.

Repair Your Water Bottle

Patch holes in your water container by placing a small strip of duct tape directly over the holes. IMPORTANT: Make sure the water bottle is empty and completely dry before applying the tape, as it doesn’t stick to wet surfaces. Enhance this fix by completely wrapping the water bottle with duct tape.

Create a Homemade Spear

Grab a pole and attach your camping knife to its tip by wrapping it with several layers of duct tape. This survivalist method turns these two common items into a deadly spear to ward off animal attacks or to catch dinner.

Secure a Sprained Ankle

Sprained ankles could potentially put you and your hiking group in serious danger, especially if you must escape a potentially dangerous situation. Secure a sprained ankle by wrapping it with duct tape. While not a permanent fix, the tape will secure the ankle enough to provide mobility.

Care for Blisters

Whether on your feet or hands, blisters can not only make common movements painful, but if left exposed to the elements, it could become seriously infected. Place a layer of cotton gauze or bandages over the blister and secure with duct tape.

Create Watertight Boots

Prevent water and/or dirt from entering your boots by wrapping the top of the boots with duct tape. Add an extra layer of protection by tightening the ends of your pants with duct tape. Tightly wrap duct tape around the ankle of your pants to prevent dirt, water or bugs from crawling up your legs.

Make Rope

While not the most ideal usage, create decently strong ropes by rolling several pieces of duct tape together in a spiral formation. This method creates a multi-layered rope ideal for securing items or stringing up between trees as a clothes line.

Secure Shelter

If you don’t have a tent, but need to escape the elements, duct tape can be used to secure items, such as a trash bag or a tarp, to trees. Use several layers of duct tape to ensure its security, especially if it’s raining.

Secure Bandages and Splints

Keep bandages (or broken bones) from moving, or being damaged or getting wet, by applying several layers of duct tape over a bandage or an emergency splint. Make sure a sterile dressing fully covers the wound before applying duct tape.

Reseal Cans of Food

Prevent food from going to waste by creating a makeshift can food lid. Fashion a lid out of duct tape by placing a single strip along the centre of the can. Add strips along the left and right side, making sure each strip overlaps the other, until the opening of the can is enclosed in tape.

Catch Flies Without Chemicals

In the summer months, flies in your tent can prove to be a real nuisance. Eliminate these pesky insects by securing 3 to 5 strips of duct tape from the roof of your tent. The sticky side of the tape acts as fly paper, without the harmful chemicals. As the strips become full of flies, simply crumple up into a ball and throw away.

Create a Belt

When your pants are too big, and you don’t have a belt, the sagging clothing can be not only annoying, but potentially dangerous in an emergency situation. Secure your pants by running a strip of duct tape through your belt loops. Allow the tape to overlap 4 to 5 inches and tighten.

12 Survival Uses For Duct Tape

If you don’t have any duct tape, get some! Seriously, it is crazy you don’t have any… There is a use for duct tape in almost any situation you can think of, everything from around the home, DIY through to medical and survival uses.  Don’t leave home without it!

Quick tip – if you want to carry duct tape with you in your hiking/camping or bug-out bag, don’t take the whole bulky roll; instead carefully wrap your water bottle in duct tape. This will protect your water bottle from bumps and allow you to carry some duct tape without any effort or too much additional weight.

Here is some of the best duct tape you can get: 3M Scotch Heavy Duty All-Weather Duct Tape

(Image from: Joe Loong)

Filed Under: A.K.W.N, General, General Prepping, Urban Survival, Wilderness Survival

8 ‘MUST HAVE’ Items Everyone Should Have In Their Bug-Out-Bag

bug out bag item list

The thought of a natural disaster or some other catastrophic event is not one many enjoy meditating on; however, in our modern society, this is a very real threat. To protect your family, and yourself, it’s essential to begin preparing for the worst. While there are many ways to accomplish this goal, the easiest, and most effective in emergencies, is known as a Bug Out Bag.

Bug Out Bags are filled with essential items to keep you safe and protected during an emergency situation. There are many items that may be used, but the following are necessary for any Bug Out Bag.

(Loads of people have asked what bug out bag we use and recommend. We use and highly recommend the 5.11 3 Day Rush Backpack. It is absolutely amazing and given what it costs it’s a steal. We also like that it comes in a range of colors. We chose the black version as you look a lot less like a prepper/survivalist (with loads of gear worth acquiring!), than you do if you go for the usual military colors.)

Map and Compass

What would happen if your smartphone turned not-so-smart due to a lack of electricity or data signal? Being able to find your way around your immediate area could mean the difference between escaping from harm’s way or walking directly into it. Therefore, a current map and compass are essential for every Bug Out Bag.

TIP: Enhance your survival skills by learning how to effectively use a compass and read a variety of maps.

Pocket Knife or Multitool

As pocket knives and multitools are so useful for work and day-to-day activities,  it should be obvious how useful they would be in an emergency scenario. My personal preference is for a good quality medium sized Leatherman multitool, as they are well made, durable and have numerous uses in survival scenarios. Many people will argue that a fixed blade knife is preferable over a multitool, but not everyone is comfortable or proficient with fixed blade knives. There are pros and cons to each, but for everyday folk, I am going with the multitool. By all means, carry both!

LED Flashlights

Flashlights are essential to finding your way in darkness as well as flagging for help. Traditional flashlights aren’t acceptable due to their short battery life and dim light beam. Enhance your ability to navigate during the night by storing a fresh LED flashlight in your bag. For maximum benefit, gather a large and small flashlight to illuminate a variety of situations. You should also store a few sets of backup batteries too.

Tarp for Emergency Shelter

If you’ve escaped traditional shelters, such as homes or buildings, tarps offer lightweight protection from the elements. Choose a brightly coloured tarp, which may be used as a location device when you’re lost in heavily wooded areas (unless your goal is not to be found, in which case choose camo). Of course, the tarp must be accompanied by several ropes. Paracord is vital for securing tarp shelters to trees etc, and it also has many other survival uses as well.

Various Fire-Making Items

Being able to make fire is among the most important elements of survival. Therefore, all Bug Out Bags should contain at least two methods of starting a fire. While matches are common,
gusts of wind of an unexpected rainfall could render these pieces of wood useless. If you must use matches, waterproof lifeboat matches offer the greatest resilience. Include a fire piston, flint and steel or a magnesium fire starter. Make sure to include an accelerant, such as cotton balls soaked with petroleum jelly.

Water Filtration Items

In cases of emergency, clean water may become scarce. Prevent yourself from drinking water of unknown quality by including a water filtration system of some sort. Personal straw filters and
carbon water purification tablets effectively purify water in emergency situations. Enhance your survival ability by learning how to purify water using natural methods.

Extra Clothing Items

Being stranded or having to escape a dangerous situation with only the clothes on your back is a recipe for disaster. The amount of clothing you should pack depends on the size of your Bug Out Bag. Regardless, keep several changes of socks, several shirts, some extra pairs of underwear, a lightweight down bodywarmer and a lightweight waterproof jacket.

Filed Under: A.K.W.N, General Prepping, Urban Survival, Wilderness Survival

These Are Best Homemade Firestarters – You Can Make Over 100 In Minutes!

Homemade firestarters

You might think it looks easy to start a fire in the wilderness, but it’s not… Additionally, it’s also not always all that easy to light a BBQ or wood burner at home either.  Everyone, no matter how proficient at starting fires, can benefit from having some cheap and easy to make firestarters ready to go. These simple to make firestarters are cheap as chips to make and you can literally make 100s in ten minutes or so. They are also highly effective. In most cases, one or two of these babies will do the trick.

BTW – if you are interested in wilderness survival, the outdoors, or prepping/SHTF, you might want to check out our Military eBay post and find out how you can purchase a whole range or ex-military goods, equipment and even vehicles at very low prices. Literally, everything from army clothing, communication equipment, field generators, shipping containers, to humvees and other vehicles.

These DIY firestarters are made from melted candle wax and some cotton cosmetic pads, but you could also use cotton-balls too.

Method

  • Simply melt some candle wax in a pan –  TIP – save the ends and melted wax from old candles to make these with.
  • When melted, remove from the heat and put the cosmetic pads or cotton-ball in the pan. Mix them around so they soak up the wax.
  • When the pads/balls have absorbed the melted wax, remove them from the pan and place them somewhere to dry and harden.
  • Once they have dried, place them in a Ziploc bag or similar and use when required.

When needed – if you have matches or a lighter, just light an edge and they will start burning like a candle. If you are using the sparking method of ignition like fire steel, first scratch off some of the wax on an edge and fluff up the material so it better takes a spark. Once lit these last for ages and ages and they’ll help you get a fire going even in the most difficult of conditions.

These firestarters are similar to the petroleum jelly cotton-ball firestarters most people know about, but the huge benefit with these wax ones is they are much cleaner to use and store. With the petroleum ones, you can’t help but get petroleum jelly everywhere.

(Image from: Jermm’s Outside)

Filed Under: A.K.W.N, DIY, General Prepping, Urban Survival, Wilderness Survival

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