Ferro Rod - Keychain Carry

Nathan S

Nathan S

Joined
May 31, 2001
Messages
4,379
I just acquired a few fire steels from forumite Bagheera, and was looking for a good way to attach one to my keychain. So ... after looking around in my gadget drawer, I found a long spy capsule that I got from another forumite, Ryan Malpiede. To get an idea of what these spy capsules look like, click on the link to Ryan's site:
http://www.milltools.com/spycapsules.html

Bear in mind that the capsules shown on Ryan's site are an inch shorter (1 1/2") than the one I used (2 1/2"). I think he still has some of these, or, if not, he can probably get them. Anyway, after I cut one of Bagheera's large steels (2 5/8 x 3/8) down to a length of 2", it fit perfectly into my spy capsule. I'm very pleased with the results, which I feel have the following advantages:

1) I can comfortably carry a thicker ferro rod on my keychain than the usual "mini" model offered by various companies;

2) the attachment to the keychain will not break or come loose;

3) the tight fit of the ferro rod in the capsule prevents it from moving in any way, i.e. no jogging up and down or side to side;

4) the ferro rod is completely protected from the elements (rain, etc.) and from damage caused by accidental drops;

5) the capsule is made from milled aluminum, which eliminates the risk of inadvertent sparking (from banging into keys, pocket contents, etc.).

I just thought I share this with anyone who might be interested. I'm sorry I don't have any pics - I don't own a digital camera.

Let me know what you think.
 
Nathan,

I love those capsules! Just how do you use a two inch ferro rod without loping off fingers and dropping them into your tinder pile?:eek:

One of the difficulties I've run into with smaller rods (like the little ones Jeff sells), are that they are difficult to use.

I recall a post a while back where somebody glued a little ferro rod onto an old house key, allowing it to be carried on a key chain, and providing a handle. A small piece of plastic tubing could be slipped over the rod to protect it from the elements, and prevent accidental ignition of pocket contents.

I think Bagheera has sucessfully drilled a hole thru the end of a rod, allowing it to be put directly on a key ring.

Perhaps you could affix the rod into the cap of the little "cocaine" vial, and solve the handle issue.
 
AM - To answer your question, "carefully". ;) I used a small hacksaw (and sparks flew, I might add), but, after the cut, the rod was still a little long, so I took off the last bit of length (ensuring a "custom" fit) with some heavy grit sandpaper.

The nice thing about the spy capsule is that it eliminates the problem of how to attach the rod to the keychain. No drilling, no gluing, no nuthin'. Just slide the capsule's split ring onto your keychain and you're ready to go.
 
Nathan,

I really like those spy lighters! I got on the site and didn't see his mailing address...do you know what it is? Thanks!
 
Hi nathan,

Glad you like the Large Firesteels, I would suggest just removing the Plastic thumbpiece this leaves over 3" of 3/8" thick Firesteel and drill a 1/16" hole through the end and fit a split-ring.
Attach an P-38 can opener as scraper and you have a double function outfit.

The drilling should be done at low speed and preferable with the steel in a small plastic container under water, as you otherwise have fireworks ;) also use a slow drill speed.

Best Scouting wishes from Holland,

Bagheera
 
Hey Guys...

Hows about something like this ??

firekey.jpg



I just ran down and made this up quick..

sorry for the poor pic..

ttyle

Eric...
 
Eric,

I like the sheath a lot. I wonder if it is possible to coordinate the sheath with the thumb piece so it "locks." It looks a little big for me to carry on my key ring with me, but appears an excellent way to attach a ferro rod to my knife sheath.
 
Hi Arma...

Yes sure there is a way to attach one to your sheath..

There is a better way than the sheath pictured...

Drop me a note,, I will explain my FireSteel Add on carrier..

ttyle

Eric....
 
Normark - Now you've got me curious, too. I hope you don't mind responding twice. Check your e-mail.
 
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