Mini Firestarter

[RyanMalpiede]

One of you guys posted these a couple of weeks ago:

*Mini Kit Sparker

This 1/8 by 2 inch Ferrocerium rod is specifically designed to fit in the Mini Kit shown in Volume 3 of the Woodsmaster Series. A quick scrape with any sharp object including GLASS will result in a shower of fire starting sparks. Essential for your survival kit. Keep one with you at all times. With instructions. $3.50 each. (or buy 5 for $15)

http://survival.instantestore.net/pd_mini.cfm#

Made a little keychain rig out of some shrink tube, 20lbs nylon black line threaded through the top and melted, and a 0 size miniclip:

Haven't tested if I can make a fire with it yet though.

Very cool ....

 

[underaged!]

How much of the rod is exposed?

 

[RyanMalpiede]

made it again with more exposed ... I thought I would be able to pull the firestarter out of the tube, that stuff is tight.

 

[RyanMalpiede]

OK ... now done

Just a little 550 melted at one end with a little bit of 7 strands at the bottom to make a plug, nano miniclip through the top (melted a hole through the nylon sheath).

 

[Lenny]

That's slick!
Where do you get the miniclips and how did you plug the end?
7 strands?
Thanks,
Lenny

 

[RyanMalpiede]

Lenny,

you can get the mini clips here:
http://countycomm.com/gateclip.htm

just pull the 7 strands inside of the shell all the way out, cut .5" of the 7 strands off, fold them over, and squeeze the little folded piece of 7 strands into the bottom of the shell. Melt the end with a lighter till its black. plug made.

 

[Flotsam]

Neat little project, but why not use a BSA hotspark? = about the same size, molded handle w/ hole for a lanyard/keyring built in. You could shave the sides down a bit if you wished to make it more compact.

Also, I'd coat the rods w/ nail polish or some other sealant, especially if you are going to keep them inside the paracord - they do corrode if exposed to moisture.

Sam