Fire Starters - Cotton Balls vs Squares

In this video I show an easy to make and use fire starter made from cotton squares and petroleum jelly. This fire starter is also inexpensive (cheap) to make.
I like this fire starter because it's made from two components that are normally used for other purposes and usually found in a first-aid kit.

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• fire
• vaseline
• petroleum
• jelly
• cotton
• ball
• start
• starter
• making
• hiker
• hikers
• backpacker
• outdoors
• bushcraft
• wilderness
• camping
• hunting
• survival
• kit
• Firesteel
• Ferrocerium
• Ferro
• Rod
• matches
• lighter
• homemade
• DIY

[FrethKindheart]

Hey Zelph. I know this is a necro post, but you've given me some ideas with this video. Thanks much!

[hiramcook]

Zelph? I think you're thinking of someone else. I'm Hiram but I hope my videos still help.

[enjoythewildUSA]

Hiram...I just hit "favorite." You just gave me a few great ideas about how to prepare for my snow camp in a day or so. Thank you friend.

[hiramcook]

Thanks for the "fave" hit. Always glad to help.

[loku1125]

do you work at the Maine state prison

[hiramcook]

No. Some summers back my wife and I went camping in Maine. We stopped in at the State prison for a tour. Got the hat at the gift shop.

[FrethKindheart]

@FrethKindheart er oops, I confused you with Zelph. lol Anyway, thanks for the great info!

[heidbrain]

excellent idea -- especially since they are multipurpose--gauze pads for first aid.

[jonathanalvarez713]

wow this is amazing i would love to go camping one day how did you make that striker thing you used to start the fire

[EconoChallenge]

You make and excellent point about carrying items that have more than one purpose. I going to stick with the wax cotton ball but this would be my second choice because of the other uses as mentioned.

[jarhiker]

How well does this work in the rain?

[marcclarke01]

Superb idea. Far less messy than cotton balls soaked in petroleum jelly in my film can. Thanks!