I just made myself a fire piston...

Joined
Dec 20, 2004
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3,863
...and it actually works!

I found some DIY instructions online and made it using:

1. A 1/2" copper pipe stub (it's closed at one end)
2. A 1/2" wooden dowel
3. An appropriately sized o-ring (this took some experimenting).

I cut the pipe stub down to about 5" and smoothed out the cut edge well. Then I cut the dowel to about 7" and carefully made a notch near the end with a small file. I also hollowed out the end with a drill to make a tinder cup.

Next, I sealed the business end of the dowel with super glue to make sure it was air tight. I also coated it with urethane stain. I lubed the o-ring with a bit of Vaseline.

Finally, I stuck a rubber furniture foot knob on the other end of the dowel. There is space under it for a spare o-ring and a bit of char cloth.

It works pretty consistently, although it would work more easily with smaller diameter tubing and dowels.

I don't think I would rely on such a thing for my main fire starter, but it is a cool little gadget to add to my repertoire.
 
Would you be able to add a pic or two? This is something I would really like to do.
 
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