Disintegrating ferro rods

[desmobob]

For the second time, I've pulled out a small outdoor kit in storage to find that the ferro rod in the kit had half turned to a fine, gray dust that got all over everything else. Many years ago, when I was doing a lot of backpacking and canoe camping, I bought a variety of sizes of ferro rods. I customized some of them by attaching them to waterproof aluminum storage capsules that I filled with fire-starting materials.

Sometimes they were put in small pouches attached to knives as sort of "mini go-bags."

I don't know why some of them turned to dust, but it sure is irritating and messy. Can it be prevented? Is the "dust" a health hazard?

 

[desmobob]

I did a little web searching and it seems that ferro rods are prone to oxidize; some brands more than others. It helps to keep them coated with nail polish or vaseline. No word on whether the powder left behind is unhealthy or not...

 

[Tafkaag]

...No word on whether the powder left behind is unhealthy or not...

Please err on the side of caution given that severe lung damage can result from mineral dusts, aerosolized epoxy, fiberglass, and some species of wood.

 

[gadgetgeek]

Yeah, don't breath it, but if it was specifically dangerous, I feel like we would know by now. It sucks, I've struggled to keep them in good shape some times, and not had luck with coatings, but then again, where I am 60% humidity is a "dry" day

 

[Guy McVer]

I did a little web searching and it seems that ferro rods are prone to oxidize; some brands more than others. It helps to keep them coated with nail polish or vaseline.

That's why they have the black coating on when you buy them. It's annoying to get through it before you can start getting sparks, but it's not just for looks.

 

[tiguy7]

Exotac packages some of their FerroCerium rods in Aluminum or Titanium cases with Oring seals. The rods are replaceable so the cases can last a long time.

 

[Blue Sky]

It’s ironic that ferro rods were supposed to be the one thing you could always count on to have fire making capability no matter what. Matches get wet, lighters leak, but ferro rods are always ready. As usual, things aren’t quite so easy.

 

[tiguy7]

It’s ironic that ferro rods were supposed to be the one thing you could always count on to have fire making capability no matter what. Matches get wet, lighters leak, but ferro rods are always ready. As usual, things aren’t quite so easy.

I noticed that old lighters lying around had their flints turn to powder.

 

[ghostguy6]

I put a coat of boiled linseed oil on mine. You have to leave them to dry for a about a week through. I have some that are around 15 years old that look just as good as new. This only works if you plan to store them until use. If they are used you either need to keep using it or recoat it.

 

[Elgatodeacero]

Rub a little beeswax on the rod and it will almost completely stop oxidation and only takes one or two strikes to get through the beeswax to the rod.

Flint and steel is my favorite fire starting method…… I think ferro rods are a passing fad…….!