By Michael Norton
Discover the ultimate DIY firestarter hack shared by Mike Norton at our latest meetup. Cheap, waterproof, and reliable!
Why You Need This
Ever struggled to get a fire going in damp conditions? These DIY fire starters are your new secret weapon. They are waterproof, burn for a solid 4-5 minutes, and can be ignited with just a spark. Best of all? You can make a whole batch for pennies.
The Gear List
Before you start, gather your supplies. You'll need:
- Cotton Pads: One package of 2” makeup removal pads.
- Wax: Canning wax or old candle wax works great.
- Lighter Fluid: Standard barbecue liquid.
- Tools:
- Empty metal soup can (clean, label removed).
- Long needle-nose pliers or BBQ tongs.
- Aluminum foil sheet.
- Heat source (camp stove or similar).
⚠️ Critical Safety Warning
This involves flammable liquids and hot wax. Always do this OUTDOORS.
- Be extremely careful with hot wax.
- NEVER mix the lighter fluid near an open flame or heat source.
- Once the wax is melted, remove it completely from the heat before adding lighter fluid.
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prep Your Station
Lay your aluminum foil out flat on a stable work surface. Separate your cotton pads and spread them out so they're ready to grab quickly with your tongs.
2. Melt the Wax
Chip your wax into 1” chunks and fill your soup can about halfway. Place it on your heat source. Watch it closely—you want the melted wax to fill about 1/3 of the can.
3. The Mix (Review Safety Warning!)
Kill the heat. Move the hot can well away from your stove or any open flame. Wearing gloves and eye protection, carefully pour the charcoal lighter fluid into the wax until you have roughly a 50/50 mixture. Give it a gentle stir.
4. Dip & Soak
Grab a cotton pad by the edge with your pliers. Dip it fully into the hot mixture, let it soak for a second, then lift it out. Let the excess drip back into the can for a moment.
5. Cool Down
Lay the hot, soaked pad onto your foil sheet. Repeat until you’ve dipped them all or run out of mix. Let them cool completely until hard to the touch. Pack them in a Ziploc bag, and you're ready for the trail!
How to Ignite
When you're ready to start a fire:
- Expose the Core: Tear a pad halfway open to expose the dry-ish cotton fibers inside.
- Spark It: Strike a Ferro rod, match, or lighter onto the fibers.
- Fire: Watch it catch instantly and burn hot, giving you plenty of time to build up your kindling. Even if they get wet, they'll still light up!
