Is Duct Tape a good Fire Starter? Survival Truth Exposed

[@JG-ph3xg]

Butter wrappers work great and take up almost no space. I save them and use as quick way to get a fire going.

[@MikeTheSeeker1961]

Great idea 👍

[@markw.3743]

Hmm ok till the fat in the butter goes rancid.

[@JG-ph3xg]

@@markw.3743 yes it surely will, but I don't mind since it's for burning, not eating.

[@SpamMusubi308]

Waxed or parchment paper works too

[@deamonsoul1]

Wax paper alone actually works too. But the fat would extend the flame so great idea, although rancidity might be a problem in hot weather.

[@cripplers8]

Also wrap a few feet of the duct tape around your lighter so you always have it readily available…..

[@JenniferA886]

Good point 👍👍👍

[@cripplers8]

@@JenniferA886 I have all my bic lighter wrappers in duct tape just for that reason…..

[@JenniferA886]

@@cripplers8 great idea, I’m going to do this right away

[@cripplers8]

@@JenniferA886 I believe I saw it on one of Dave Canterbury’s vids. Plus You can always use some duct tape for quick repairs as well so you’ll always have it…..

[@charlessalmond7076]

Use the duck tape to tape a fire plug to your lighter. I cut the plug in half length wise to thin it out. Pinch off a quarter of the fire plug to mix in with duck tape strands. It helps dramatically when its raining on you as you try to light a fire.🔥

[@memathews]

Folks need to remember: Combustion is Fuel, Oxygen, Ignition in the right mix. Thanks for showing how to change the mix for better combustion.

[@pyrosmoak53]

Yup the good ol fire triangle

[@earlshaner4441]

Good afternoon from Syracuse NY brother and thank you for sharing your skills

[@erolkavlakverizon6112]

Dan, thank you for explaining this better than most u tubers. I have those 1" rolls . I recently got a 2" roll of "T-Rex" tape. It is strong and thicker than Gorilla brand. I have not tried to ignite it with a fero rod yet but a flick of the Bic works. Note. Do not get either one stuck on your finger after it is lit.. ouch. Stay safe out there.

[@crazysquirrel9425]

Did you try it yet?

[@fyrchmyrddin1937]

I wanted to see him use a ferro rod... I hate to say it, but it seems a bit unlikely that a ferro rod would work without something like char cloth to start an ember for the tape to light from. I recently saw an "urban EDC" kit that uses "Gaffer tape" instead of duct tape, and it seems decent, with the plastic/glue elements burning readily as with the Gorilla tape.

[@martinbeagley4481]

Totally agree, stick it onto some long kindling or stick first and not your finger. That way you can take the flame deeper into your tinder/kindling without getting burnt. It can curl up once the flame takes and is damn painful when it attaches itself to you and is difficult to get off!

[@Rickyrock13]

@@fyrchmyrddin1937I have started a birds nest of gorilla tape with a bayite ferro rod, sometimes it takes a few strikes sometimes it lights on the first strike, it works better if you put your ferro rod right into your birds nest of tape and use slow hard pressure to get bigger pieces of hot metal

[@richardglickman7203]

One thing I’ve noticed. Actual “DUCT” tape has fire retardants because ducts are, well, part of heating systems. If your tape burns, don’t use it to wrap duct seams. If your tape is sold to wrap duct seams, don’t depend on it to burn.

[@duellingscarguevara]

Talk to a roady, or light/sound-man about gaffa tape...and an air-con guy about duct tape...they are different?.

[@tomvana4270]

Been in the HVAC world for over 30 years and have never seen anyone in the trade use duct tape on ductwork. Must just be a happy homeowner thing.

[@superdupergrover9857]

@@tomvana4270 Not an HVAC tech, I've only seen them mention the stuff to say to make sure you get legit, foil duct tape and not any of the other "duct" taps. I also have never seen the stuff used on ducts, not that i was looking for it. I had always wondered why it was used; maybe it is never used in new construction and only for leak and rattle repair?

[@tomvana4270]

What is used is called mastic to seal duct work. Its is gray colored goop that you apply with a brush. It’s made just for this purpose. It works but can get messy applying and can make it difficult for people to disassemble the ductwork after it’s dried. Again duct tape is for amateurs and will eventually dry out and fall off.@@superdupergrover9857

[@mortonmorton6083]

I think duct tape was used for the octopus furnaces plastic furnace style that had esbestos and tape that crap around it to hold it in place I honestly don't know much just been in a few old houses using it same as furnace oil red diesel kerosene had duct tape holding all that nasty crap in place lol but never saw regular duct tape on modern hvac just the silver tape with foil in it to wrap around the vents

[@db.mc2]

Thanks Dan! Been carrying that stuff for years thanks to you 👊👍Appreciate you my friend 🙏

[@edwardknudsen4806]

Thanks Dan,great info.

[@keithricketts4867]

100% agreed..!!! You should do a video trying to light multiple brands of tape to prove your point.. I know gorilla brand is awesome, but I also know some brands absolutely will not burn..

[@Rumblestrip]

The.key to gagging is tongue immobilization.... Use of a sock would help lol

[@xploration1437]

I never thought about that. Great tip!

[@simonrichert1886]

You are probably right bud. All I know is that the single lame strip of tape over the mouth portrayed in films/TV would absolutely never work. I guess there are certain techniques in silencing someone, even when using duct tape. Duct tape definitely though has to have the starring role of course... 😉 😁

[@rcsteele]

If you have a SAK with scissors...they work quite well to make that series of small cuts on the end to pull...good video

[@waveman0]

Gorilla brand is great but expensive here in Australia, even the 1" will run over $10 a roll. I've tried a lot of different duct tape and you have to test them as not all of them burn well, the really cheap ones tend to not burn at all.

[@3nertia]

Oof! Hope you find something that works!

[@3nertia]

Can you get Live Fire where you are? Or perhaps order the components to make your own version?

[@waveman0]

@@3nertia I have bought Livefire and do buy Gorilla tape for use as survival tape, it is worth the expense to buy. I have found some reasonably priced duct tape that works nearly as well as Gorilla tape as well.

[@3nertia]

@@waveman0 Awesome! What do you think of the LiveFire?

[@waveman0]

@@3nertia it's great, but again very expensive here in Australia. I prefer fatwood, to be honest, I can get it for nothing, or very cheap from the hardware.

[@wisewoodworking2739]

In other words, gorilla brand duct tape is the most flammable of the tapes! Might take that into consideration in home projects and repairs.

[@DROP_BEARZ]

SERE here. Nice job i know the principals but never seen this specifically. Well done

[@thomasgronek6469]

winter time in lower PA isn't that bad, but I traveled toward the mountains many times. I carried a propane torch, wax. wood, beef jerky, Rumple Minze, dark chocolate, blankets, etc. (Cell phones didn't exist). I decided it I had to build a fire it would be BIG.

[@bushcraftoz2]

Nice video. Stuff that seems obvious if you have been doing it all your life but not obvious to new folks. Great instructions as always.

[@musegreek5308]

Look at you! Answered my question and more.

[@samyoungblood3740]

Tp is the most flammable paper to start a fire with.. only takes a lil bit! Works every time lol

[@dynomitejec]

I keep my receipts anytime a cashier asks so I can use it as fire starter in the fireplace.

[@badger31738]

Another great video

[@simonrichert1886]

Great vid. Just goes to show, duct tape can be used for anything and everything. I reckon its something that all dudes have in common, wherever they might be, using duct tape for pretty much everything. Greetings to all my duct tape using bros out there 👋

[@anymal544]

Bravo! That was very well thought out. Very informative. Thanks

[@brainstem2023]

I prefer jute twine, flint and steel. Duct tape is great for holding stuff together though.

[@azclaimjumper]

I, too, prepare & use jute twine. After I've fluffed the 10" piece of jute twine I do stuff it into a small 3"x 3" ziplok baggie to keep it dry. Warm Regards from Reno, Nevada

[@geobloxmodels1186]

Very versatile stuff. My son used to make wallets out of the stuff. Years ago kids even made prom dresses and suits from duct. If I remember, 3M gave scholarships to the best of them. Great video. Now I can finally use that gorilla tape I wrapped around my ferro rod.

[@Trad.]

Great video!

[@danielfegley2735]

Never thought of duct tape as a fire starter but now that you mentioned it I'm thinking that it could also hold the magnesium powder together so it's not scattered everywhere

[@ryanblystone5153]

Thank you

[@irampotter]

Had a stupid thought about which colour burns best, ( it’s a motorcycle thing because black bikes are always faster ), and thought I might get a small roll of bright orange tape as it can be used as emergency signal marker and way finding marker as well.

[@charlessalmond7076]

Black bike with flames is faster than all black! Just sayin'.😁

[@charlessalmond7076]

Sarcasm aside I think its more about brands than color. If the tape is designed for homeowner use it may have a flame retardant in it. I know I had luck lighting Duck brand duct tape colored red.

[@donaldstrader7241]

@@charlessalmond7076I have heard that some duct tapes take into account their use in duct work and are fire resistant, so you have a good point. Gorilla tape was one I know will burn, just as demonstrated in this video. I wish Dan had also show it started with a ferrocerium rod.

[@bobclark7211]

Thanks Dan for another great tip

[@tomsmith6094]

Let me add this I like all your videos keep up good work 👍

[@janreineke7275]

Wrapping a bit of duct tape around the lighter is a great way to store some and have around when you need it (not just for fire, also to fix stuff).

[@PapajosTraders]

Yep, wrap my lighters and Nalgene bottles with it all the time. Also....Leukotape on a few items also.

[@chuckfunderburk7964]

Dan, I know other folks just really wanna help, but I really dont give a hoot if I can hear you suck air, if your breath smells like beer (mine usually does) or if you have a cigar in yer mouth (mine often does) I just appreciate all the great info that you share. You do a great job sharing great info. You are the man and I enjoy your vids MUCH. Thankya Sir!!

[@Surefootsurvival]

Despised demonstrating this technique during trainings, of course it was always with a fero rod

[@jesseadams45]

I also like to touch the tape on my pants or shirt or something so it's not as sticky. When you light it, you don't want it sticking to your fingers.

[@backpacker3421]

You can use your blade to get it started and then you can get even thinner strips. All but that first 1/4 inch or even less will still be torn and ready to burn.

[@backpacker3421]

Ok, I see you got there in the end... not sure why you started any other way. It works better than any other method and everybody brings a blade... even a tiny one will do.

[@alanrice39]

Great demonstration of this hack,thanks

[@billg7101]

I've been learning from you for years now

[@GlennHernandez-u4r]

Keep it going

[@darrenleigh201]

Excellent video!👍🏻

[@wojomojo]

One thing I like about Shorts or TikTok is that it can condense info like this into like 30 sec.

[@charlessalmond7076]

Maybe, but some of us still have more than a thirty second attention span and like long form videos.

[@wmluna381]

​@@charlessalmond7076Wait until the grid goes down on these people. 😄

[@markfletcher5457]

This was great info. Everything I see on this channel is great stuff. 😊😊

[@marty01957]

Red Green would be so proud! Lol! I subscribed!!

[@WWZenaDo]

Personally I like the relighting birthday candles, although too much humidity can make them malfunction.

[@billg7101]

Thank you so much

[@artthrower7773]

Thank you sir.

[@Jason-xq5xx]

Can't get it to start with a ferro rod yet but I do carry that same roll! Thanks dan! Appreciate all 8 years worth of your videos 😂

[@ManInTheWoods76]

Try the slow scrape method on the Ferro to gather a small pile of unburned Ferro dust IN THE TAPE. Then spark it. Should help with that issue👍

[@Vares65]

The trick with a ferro rod is really thin strips that have nice "fluffy" edges, as in lots of the little fibers sticking out. Then hold the striker stationary on the duct tape and move the ferro rod back across the top. That helps aim the sparks right onto the fluffy edges of the tape.

[@Thirty9Trails]

I want a baby roll of duct tape like that just so I can look like a giant, too!

[@machineman6498]

Thank you for making this

[@justinriley8651]

i have a couple chickens i need to tape together can i use duck tape? i couldn't find any chicken tape they had one for gorillas but i didnt think id need that?

[@Hemantcyclezen]

Good one

[@michaelw2288]

Fine manipulation with your fingertips can be lost with a few nicks and cuts on the tips of your thumb and finger. The multitool pliers tip is one to remember.

[@mannydawnramirez974]

Great information. Thank you

[@billg7101]

Keep up the good work

[@308dad8]

I don’t even take duct tape camping. I have started fire with it for the sake of having done it and yes open flame is the way to go with it. I have had Gorilla brand but didn’t find it to hold better than the real Duck brand. It holds better than the super thin stuff you get from Dollar Tree and the cheap crap from Walmart but the stuff that more closely resembles 100MPH tape isn’t beat in my experience. I like it for repairing things where appropriate and oily paper towels for fire starting and yes you’re going to cook if not in some crazy emergency ran away without taking anything scenario so use that to your advantage. Soak a paper towel or piece of cloth with cooking oil or lard or rendered grease and light that with tinder over it

[@PlayaSinNombre]

Reminder: when using chemical accelerants to start a fire, always stand upwind ( wind at your back)

[@RandallSoong-pp7ih]

Excellent!!

[@eda715]

I once used duct tape to make an o-ring for a sawyer water filter when we lost it. The uses are endless.

[@TheTerryMarsh1]

I was wondering what all the fuss around fire-starting was all about. Then I realised... most of you kids grew up in centrally heated homes, where you have warmth at the touch of a button. Unlike when I was a kid, when knowing how to start a wood or coal fire was commonplace knowledge. In the winter, it was an essential skill to stay alive! 😀

[@justinriley8651]

ya the 1800s were rough man!

[@TheTerryMarsh1]

@@justinriley8651 🤣🤣🤣

[@johnnysparkleface3096]

Another good way to get that tape going is with a Zippo lighter. Works most of the time. If it doesn't light the tape then you're SOL.

[@PenntuckytheCrag]

Just last weekend used strip of gorilla tape

[@MrDefaultti]

I'm always carrying that exact size of Gorilla tape with me. And also around my ferro rod. Works like a charm :-)

[@freddyoutdoors]

Ace tips for the tool box ho yeah

[@superdupergrover9857]

"Duct" tape is a really good survivable resource because it's not just a survival resource, but also an everyday resource. Make sure you have a roll in your go bag, your tool boxes, all of your cars, your duffel bags and your suitcases. You should never be more than a hundred yards away from a roll. Also, don't by the cheapest tape. The gorilla tape he mentions is actually a pretty good tape for intended purpose. The cheap stuff isn't as strong, the glue isn't as sticky and tends to flow over time, letting the tape delaminate... just not good at doing tape things. Also, make sure your cutting device is oil/waxed before cutting duck tape, otherwise the adhesive will gum things up.

[@billg7101]

Long Live the Republic 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 God Bless America 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@johnwyman5939]

Nice job on video and showing off duck tape tips .. Good tool for the toolbox!! 🇺🇸🇺🇸🪓🔪👍👍

[@simonrichert1886]

Completely agree bud. Duct tape is my essential go to for everything and anything. Definitely sounds like we are on the same page my friend 👍

[@Bennybushcraft]

Hey new to this channel great video mate keep it up 😊

[@Hugh_Hunt]

Am I the only one that can smell the tape? Hit me the first time when the tape was ripped! lol

[@Oldmanof6296]

Didn't know they had a channel

[@billg7101]

Yay for that

[@schonbeardwildmark]

Must be an extreme survival situation for me to burn plastic in a forest 😢

[@jackmessick2869]

I imagine it's best if your car has broken down on a desert highway or really rainy conditions.

[@dribrom]

I would assume that the fumes from duct tape are toxic. I would not use it as my first choice.

[@edporter9355]

👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@gregb.8280]

Lol i thought to self , bud its just duck tape not hard to rip then you proceeded to rip on the spool!!!!!! Lol 🤯 mind blown!!!!

[@TinyTitan50]

I’ve got fake nails so cutting it with a knife would be my option. 😊

[@cody9606]

Start it with a knife then tear cutting will not expose the fibers

[@JoeXTheXJuggalo1]

Wanted to say I think your mic is up a little too hight. When you're talking and breathing it sounds like you're doing it directly in my ear amplifier and I'm not even wearing earphones.

[@nohandlexyz]

Glad I decided not to substitute gorilla tape for electrical tape fixing my ceiling fan.

[@waltergottschalk9878]

Ok, now that you've started your fire with the tape, would you roast a piece of meat over a fire (barbecue) like this? I ask because of the harmful substances contained in these tapes! ? Greetings from Germany - Walter

[@charlessalmond7076]

You literally burn it to ash getting your fire going. Theres not going to be any toxic fumes/chemicals affecting your foods. I cook over coals so my cooking fires burn for 25-30 minutes before I pull coals to the side to cook with. Coals provide a more steady cooking temperature as well.

[@jackmessick2869]

This is mostly for survival situations, although as long as duck tape isn't the main fuel, you will be ok. You wouldn't grill meat until you have a good bed of coals, long after the starter has been consumed.

[@RomeoDelta-gw7dd]

By the time your fire is established enough to cook on any carcinogens will be burned off

[@Spunky_72]

Why not make a fatwood handle for your ferro rod and possibly wrap duct tape on part of it?

[@PlayaSinNombre]

Brilliant! And then we can make a soup spoon out of crackers🎉

[@michaelw2288]

Can you make an actual writing pencil out of fatwood. A pencil sharpener will shred any pencil sized wood.

[@3nertia]

The problem I had with tape as a flame extender is that ANY window tends to blow it AND the tinder into the ether lol Roll it up so it's like double stick tape, stick it to a log for your fire and then put your tinder on it

[@georgebowman1060]

💡👍

[@toml.8210]

I've never heard of "Duck tape."

[@YankeeWoodcraft]

Just in case you can't find any woods in the woods.

[@dwaynechatman8655]

You lot are so funny, down here, we call this tape 100 mile hour tape, or cloth tape. DUCT tape is the silver grey pvc type stuff used for aircon ducting.. get it DUCT TAPE....but anyways, we do the same thing in our kits, wrap anything with it, to have a Justin....just in case....lol...

[@jeremynedrow7003]

Black tape will burn as well.

[@azclaimjumper]

NO THANKS, to using Gorilla Tape due to the toxic fumes emitted when burning. I take a 10" strip of jute twine, fluff it up while at home, stuff it into a 3" x 3" ziplok baggie as tinder for my Ferro Rod. Gorilla tape has an almost unlimited "practical"use list, but firestarter isn't one of 'em. Warm Regards from Reno, Nevada

[@leonardzydowicz3480]

Dan wowak?

[@seribas]

Tried that once and was not impressed. Duct tape didn’t burn well at all and thought it worthless

[@charlessalmond7076]

Some brands don't burn. They have flame retardant chemicals in the adhesive.

[@zrig1]

Wrap your Bic lighter first, then the ferro rod. Order of priority.

[@ellenlewis9860]

Crush all "those" fibers. Ok, I'm an a hole. Language drives me nuts. Forgive me. Love your videos.

[@patrickconley3576]

Good lord, should have been a 30 sec vid

[@colectiv77]

Quack quack😊

[@kennethwilson8633]

If you burn all your duct tape how can you go back in time and fix the hole in the Titanic??? Have fun stay safe.

[@PapajosTraders]

Gorilla is the ONLY tape I will buy! Two things (among a lot of other crap) I'll always carry are Gorilla tape and birch bark.....

[@two6520]

Or just turn the thermostat up.

[@crazysquirrel9425]

When wrapping duct tape, about every 6", you cut a small notch on each side. It makes it a LOT easier to rip off a piece that way. Good idea making a duct tape handle for your ferro rod. HINT: make a 'tape tab' on the end of the roll so you can remove the tape more easily.

[@lessharratt8719]

100 mph tape.

[@samyoungblood3740]

I’ve never seen duct tape like that? Looks more like electrical tape? My roll is wide an thick. 🤔

[@samyoungblood3740]

Looks an sounds like “duck tape”

[@SILENTGUARD90]

If you want to compact duct tape use a strip of cardboard and you get flat duct tape... Electrical tape does not work

[@archangel7673]

I got the 2" gorilla tape so....

[@Stryker176]

I have had no issues over the years with a duct tape “birds nest” or “ tootsie roll”. Your way over thinking this.