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- Dec 11, 2006
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I've never tried that, but when I saw this post I imagined doing this.
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How to waterproof matches?
- Thread starter CShepherd
- Start date
I've never tried that, but when I saw this post I imagined doing this.
I have waterproofed my own with wax and they seemed to work fine- though I have never held onto them long enough t o find out how badly they degrade. I have, however, used store bought (way over priced, IMO) wax-waterproofed matches that were several years old and they worked just fine (the heads at least).
- Joined
- Mar 8, 2008
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- 636
I did the dip your strike-anywhere match in wax routine recently and I tried them out under adverse circumstances. My absolute conclusion is DO NOT do this. They either did not light or after trying multiple matches only a few did ignite. The wax build-up on the head, even though stored upright immediately upon dipping, prevented the match from igniting. I have never tried nail polish so I am going to see how that works.
When I do mine, I use tea-light candle wax. At least the brand I use is sort of brittle. I apply pressure to the match to crack the wax (or even the false-edge/clip on a knife blade), and then strike. I have never had one fail to ignite, including those that I dunk tested. Even if I don't precrack the wax, it cracks up pretty easily. I got some test strip containers from a relative who had to do blood-sugar testing, and I made those into my match case.
Aside from my adversion to the store bought waxed matches due to the exhorbinant price, I think it is idiotic that WATERPROOF matches come packed in PAPERBOARD boxes- especially when you have to use the on-nox striker to light the match. Also, the wood sometimes sucks- and can snap easy.
I store mine in a Nalgene 1oz wide mouth container.
Cotton is placed on top of the matches to keep them from moving. Also provides some extra tinder in an emergency.
The insides. I also have cotton down in the bottom to keep the heads from moving in case of an accidental strike. (Doubt it would happen, but I'm not taking chances.)
All spread out.
I took this idea from K_Estela in the way he stores his Storm Proof matches in a 2oz Nalgene. I'll post some pictures of that in a bit. I've modified some small things for the Storm Proofs. So I'm pretty sure it's not quite the same as Kevin's, but it's the same idea. As for the label on the Nalgene. Use a Sharpie to write the contents on it, then take packing tape and tape over it. I found over time that if you have it stored with other items that the Sharpie will wear off the bottle unprotected.
Cotton is placed on top of the matches to keep them from moving. Also provides some extra tinder in an emergency.
The insides. I also have cotton down in the bottom to keep the heads from moving in case of an accidental strike. (Doubt it would happen, but I'm not taking chances.)
All spread out.
I took this idea from K_Estela in the way he stores his Storm Proof matches in a 2oz Nalgene. I'll post some pictures of that in a bit. I've modified some small things for the Storm Proofs. So I'm pretty sure it's not quite the same as Kevin's, but it's the same idea. As for the label on the Nalgene. Use a Sharpie to write the contents on it, then take packing tape and tape over it. I found over time that if you have it stored with other items that the Sharpie will wear off the bottle unprotected.
Ethan Becker
Moderator
- Joined
- Sep 1, 1999
- Messages
- 3,564
Hey Everybody....
I have used the parrafin trick for a long time and recently found out that over a period of a couple of years that the match heads do degrade...oops....I now use a trick learned from Sgt Mike last year at PWYP and spray lacquer on the whole match....Drill a bunch of 5/32 holes in a board, stand 'em up, spray'em, let'em dry and reverse the matches in the holes and repeat.....Kephart used shellac(vol I p. 173) and if he said it it most probably works.....
All Best....
ethan
I have used the parrafin trick for a long time and recently found out that over a period of a couple of years that the match heads do degrade...oops....I now use a trick learned from Sgt Mike last year at PWYP and spray lacquer on the whole match....Drill a bunch of 5/32 holes in a board, stand 'em up, spray'em, let'em dry and reverse the matches in the holes and repeat.....Kephart used shellac(vol I p. 173) and if he said it it most probably works.....
All Best....
ethan