https://survival.works/survival-skills/survival-fire-starter-options/
Knowing how to adapt to whatever situation you’re placed in can increase your odds of survival. When you’re in survival mode, one of the skills you need to know is how to start a fire.
Shows and cartoons that depict people rubbing two sticks or two rocks together don’t show how difficult friction fire starting can be. When you’re trying to survive, you don’t have time for outdated methods.
When you’re looking to find the best fire starter options, you want to look for something that’s simple and offers longevity of use. No matter how skilled you are, you want something that’s easy because you want any member of your family, both young and old, to be able to start a fire.
There are some fire starter options you can begin storing right now and they’re fairly inexpensive, too. Many survivalists know that cotton balls that have been coated heavily with petroleum jelly can be used successfully as fire starters. The petroleum jelly keeps the cotton ball burning. If it’s completely coated, the cotton balls will burn for several minutes.
You can also pre-soak small twigs that you find in the woods in lighter fluid. Keep these stored in a special container away from heat and when you need to start a fire, these twigs will catch very easily. You’ll need waterproof matches or a cigarette lighter, but don’t forget that these won’t last long unless you have a good supply on hand.
Some survivalists make their own fire starter with dryer lint that’s packed and coated in wax. These will work much like a cotton ball soaked in petroleum jelly. You’ll want to make sure you pack these tightly so that they don’t fall apart.
Tinder tablets are small, lightweight fire starters that will burn even if they get wet. Because they’re small and lightweight, they won’t take up a lot of space.
Fire paste is another option for you. This is a flammable compound that comes in a handy tube. It quickly starts a fire but won’t flame up like a liquid fire starter. Another fire starter is a magnesium block.
This one is a particular favorite because it’s lightweight and easy to take along. It can even be attached to your keychain. The block comes with a scraper to shave the magnesium onto the wood pieces.
While a few people tout the benefits of a spring loaded fire starter, you want to be careful with this kind. They crack easily in the cold weather and if the spring breaks, it’s unusable and you really need something you can depend on in survival situations.