Cotton ball/Vaseline technique

[flounder_al]

Just tried out the cotton ball and Vaseline fire lighting technique. Have to say I am mightily impressed with how quickly they catch when using a magnesium fire stick. Certainly a good back up to have whilst I refine my 'natural' tinder techniques.

Sorry if this is old news to people but i'm new to all this and easily impressed

 

[Stringmaker]

All of us began at the same level; it is impressive isn't it?

If you get into fire lighting then it is an endless journey of discovery.

Nice one

 

[Elen Sentier]

All of us began at the same level; it is impressive isn't it?

If you get into fire lighting then it is an endless journey of discovery.

Nice one

+1 to all that

 

[Mr Wolf]

Nothing beats the feeling of making '' sensible'' and controlled fire

 

[Mesquite]

All of us began at the same level; it is impressive isn't it?

If you get into fire lighting then it is an endless journey of discovery.

Nice one

You know... thinking about it using vaseline and cotton wool with a ferro rod is something I've never tried.

Just never seen the need as I've used natural tinders with one, flint and steel or a lighter for all my firelighting.

Me think's I might go have a play sometime soon

 

[dave89]

Some one on here mentioned home make firelighter made from makeup pads, candle wax and vasoline, i tried them and the burn for ages alos theres no overpowering smell like normal firelighers use them all the time now even at home for starting the fire and bbq

 

[dave89]

http://www.bushcraftuk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=103466&highlight=firelighters

Found the link

 

[Folcwigga]

How are vaseline balls made, simply melt some vaseline and dunk the balls? Or is there more technique to it?

 

[Dave-the-rave]

Mate there's actually less tequnique. Just open em up a bit and smear on some vaseline. Job done.

 

[Folcwigga]

Mate there's actually less tequnique. Just open em up a bit and smear on some vaseline. Job done.

Happy days. Cheers.

 

[kiltedpict]

I have a few old film canisters filled with them and always have one on me if out camping etc. very useful.

 

[Graham_S]

Try getting some of the big plastic straws from coffee shops and stuffing them with cotton wool/vasaline.
Melt the ends shut, you have waterproof storage that can be cut to length for storage in kits.
Cut it open and spark it.
The plastic straw burns hot too as an extra bonus.

 

[Gray]

Try getting some of the big plastic straws from coffee shops and stuffing them with cotton wool/vasaline.
Melt the ends shut, you have waterproof storage that can be cut to length for storage in kits.
Cut it open and spark it.
The plastic straw burns hot too as an extra bonus.

thats a good idea

 

[spandit]

If you have too much Vaseline, it actually makes them more difficult to light - you need the fine fibres to catch the spark so just squidging it in with fingers is more effective than soaking them

 

[rancid badger]

You know... thinking about it using vaseline and cotton wool with a ferro rod is something I've never tried.

Just never seen the need as I've used natural tinders with one, flint and steel or a lighter for all my firelighting.

Me think's I might go have a play sometime soon

Easily the bestest fun you can have with your clothes on-actually,"clothes on" is highly advisable when playing with firesteels-(don't ask!)
[video=youtube;xnMrQuV3UJ0]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnMrQuV3UJ0[/video]

If I'm out and about, particularly canoeing but almost any time "out in the cuds" I carry cotton wool soaked in petroleum jelly as my back up.

cheers and enjoy!

Steve

 

[ozzy1977]

It is a great and simple thing to know, very rewarding for the first time.