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Tag: Fire

  • DIY: Making Waterproof Matches In Two Simple Steps

    DIY: Making Waterproof Matches In Two Simple Steps

     

    While my “Go To” firestarter is a Bic lighter, matches are super cheap and widely available. One problem is they are very susceptible to moisture. Ever try lighting a soggy match? Yeah. Kinda like trying to write on wet paper. Try as you might the outcome is not very desirable.

    Waterproof matches are available however they run a steep premium over standard wooden matches. Solution? You can buy inexpensive wooden matches and waterproof them yourself.

     

    Making Waterproof Matches

    STEP #1: Dip the ends of the wooden matches into melted candle wax. Set the matches with the waxed tips hanging off the edge of a table.

     

    STEP #2: Once the matches have cooled inspect to ensure that each match head is completely covered in wax.

    Gee…..that was hard. 

    To test the effectiveness of the waterproofing I dipped an assortment of matches made following the two steps above into a glass of water. I held them in the water for about 5 seconds.

     Below is a short video of one of the matches being lit. Interesting is the matches burn slightly hotter once it gets going due to the wax.


    All the matches in my initial batch successfully survived the dunk test.

    The Soak Test

    A final test was to actually soak the homemade waterproof matches directly in water for an extended period of time. I felt that what would happen is the stick section of the match would absorb water and carry it up underneath the wax thus ruining any chance of ignition. I dropped several matches into a glass of water and let sit for 30 minutes.

    Results

    75% lit and burned pretty much as normal AS LONG AS I dried the tip prior to trying to striking. If any water droplets were still on the match head although it would light the flame would fizzle out quickly.

    I have to admit I was pretty impressed. The main reason I have waterproof matches is not to survive a three-mile trip down the river but to protect them from moisture/humidity. So far these are working out well.

    There are other methods of “DIY” waterproofing matches such as coating with fingernail polish. Might try that at some point.

  • Atlanta Hwy 85 Bridge Fire – What Prepper’s Need to Know

    Atlanta Hwy 85 Bridge Fire – What Prepper’s Need to Know

     

    This past Thursday a fire was purposely set under a bridge in Atlanta on Highway 85. The fire has destroyed the bridge and rendered it inoperable. For those of us that have traveled through this area know the tremendous disruption this has created. Over 250,000 people each and every day travel over that bridge – but now need to find another way.

    Survival and preparedness websites for decades have talked about the possibility of supply chain interruptions and non-passable highways all caused for one reason or another. This event in itself certainly shows an existing vulnerability in our infrastructure that could be exploited. That exploitation – if widespread – could truly create a devasting economic event throughout the United States.

    The Atlanta bridge fire is a reminder that we all spend a lot of time away from home and on the road. What if something occurs and we cannot travel our regular route? What if we have to walk? Are there “bad” sections to travel through? How much gas is in my vehicle at any given point? Is it enough?

    A lot of questions.

    5 Preparedness Recommendations When Traveling:

    1. Don’t let your gas tank drop below half full.
    2. Keep a supply of water such as a case of water bottles in the vehicles trunk or storage area.
    3. Have at a minimum a small food supply such as nutrition bars, MRE’s, crackers, etc.
    4. Toilet paper – a few rolls for when the “S” true hits the fan.
    5. Keep a couple of portable backup battery chargers to keep cell phones operating

    A plastic tote or backpack holding the above supplies – plus more – is advisable. Although cell phones have GPS capability an assortment of maps is a good idea as well

    Be careful out there and drive safely.

    Rourke

     

  • Electronic Survival Library – opportunity

    Electronic Survival Library – opportunity

    I have been working on the latest incarnation of my electronic survival library. Using a Kindle Fire 7″ tablet I’ve loaded it with many books, magazines, manuals, guides,PDF’s – and even movies and TV shows. The goal of the project is to put together an electronic information system easily charged via solar and can be used for both reference and entertainment.

    So far I’m really pleased with the Kindle. It is full color and handles all the media I have thrown at it. I can load it with a multiple of video files as well as PDF’s. A big advantage over similar devices is its ability to take mini-SD cards.  These small storage devices can holds thousands of books and such. The one I am using now is a 32 gb version though I will likely upgrade to a 64 or 128 gb model.

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    If interested in the concept right now is the perfect time. Amazon has the same Kindle Fire I am using – and others – on sale. Their Fire 7″ model is only $39.99. What a bargain. At this price it would be worth getting two.

    A more detailed description of what I have done and how will be coming in the future.

    JR

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