DIY Candles for UCO Candle Lantern!

[@westmichiganpreparedness]

Great job Lilly, I like the fact that you didn't go spend a bunch of money on molds but instead used what you had around you. Very ingenuitive!

[@ashleyhoward8926]

Very what?

[@doubled3983]

Hello from Oklahoma! Good Video! This is what Bushcraft is all about. So happy to see you doing this! Thanks for all U do! God Bless!

[@carllatta871]

that's probably the best build I have ever seen you do.

[@25brettt]

If you heat the exterior of the metal tube with a hair dryer after they are cool, then the new candle will slide out easier. Great idea! Thanks for the inspiration.

[@MoonbeameSmith]

or dip in warm/hot water for an even heating

[@gibbyrockerhunter]

Oh man. It is amazing to search for a topic, click on a video, and then I hear “Hi guys, my name’s Lilly!” You are so cool. I would love to spend two weeks in the bush with you. I realized in my last survival gig I had become lazy with my tactics. I was teaching primitive survival so the basics were our main focus. After a few stays I realized I wasn’t building to my primitive pack. I had plans at the beginning to make some rabbit down socks and turn them into camp slippers as I had time to collect and tan some thicker hide. I never even attempted them. I would hike, teach, and rest. My gear stayed at about two weeks of work, which was partially on purpose because students often didn’t like when the teachers gear was better. Anywho. I’m trying to say I love your continues quest in the field. And I really enjoy learning from others with different experiences and knowledge. Thanks for the always great content Lilly.

[@bboxall7452]

I have been having a go at this too. I tried 32mm PVC waste pipe with beeswax, but it was impossible to remove the candles after drying. I tried freezing and reheating to get a quick change in expansion/contraction but this did not work. Nor did a mallet and a piece of 1 inch dowel. I had to saw them in half in the end. Some of the wax stuck to the inside of the pipe, so the candles came out somewhat broken. I am going to try metal tubes, and I found a great source for the pipes - a vaccuum cleaner extension tube. For a well known small brand, this is exactly the correct diameter - 32mm!!!! I will report back. I am also using 40mm push fit plugs which look like the ones Lily is using. They fit with a similar bit of taping.

[@TheNypenfan]

These are the kind of videos that made me watch Lilly in the first place. These and the survival shelter videos.

[@AnxiousStacker]

The cost of the candles is exactly why I haven't pulled the trigger on getting it. Great video Lily. Appreciate you doing this.

[@LovingIdaho]

I have been using these since the late 80s . They still look new and work great enough that I have never found something to replace it with . The white candle lasts around 10 hours . I usually buy the white candles. A lot of people complain that the candles make a mess in the lantern . They dont make a mess in lantern if you let wax cool before moving the lantern . I clean my lanterns about every 4 or 5 candles . So , that about a cleaning every 40-50 hours of use . I would not waste time making the candle , I would make oil lamps for them if I was going to make anything . Since uco white candles average cost is 12 cents a hour as of 2024 .

[@fookingsog]

Add Stearin (Stearic Acid) to make candles burn longer with a steadier flame and and also makes them droplets. Also soaking your wick material (not waxed) in Boric Acid and salt solution and then drying to make a longer and better burning wick with less soot and ash. Also makes for a brighter burn too!!!

[@KumaBones]

How much salt should be mixed with the boric acid? (For the wick)

[@fookingsog]

@@KumaBones I'm not sure what the ratio is for your situation, but it's probably not much!!! Just Google it!!!

[@cmiller9800]

I was just about to make the Stearic acid remark, but thanks for the boric acid one

[@jguitarz1]

Nice video Lilly. Something to check into for wicks are 100% hemp wicks, they tend to burn slower than standard wicks also echo friendly. :)

[@mrmicro22]

Echo, echo,echo.......

[@belchnasty]

Brilliant idea & excellent execution!

[@kele1264]

I want to get the UCO Candelier - the one with 3 candles in it. It's $40 US, and the natural beeswax candles are $64 US for 20. Very expensive. $30 US for 20 of the white candles. You did a fantastic job making new candles, Lilly! They are perfect!

[@debragriffith6628]

Thank you, I seldom use my Uco because the candles are so expensive. Now I will make my own for much less and be able to use it more often!

[@sebastienbolduc5654]

I keep my UCO in my winter emergency survival car kit. They give off enough heat to eventually warm up the interior of a midsize car. UCO is expensive here in North America as well, but not as expensive as Europe. The prices have never gone down after all these years being on the market. You're a very good DIYer btw.

[@LaurenC1.4]

Fantastic video Lilly! I loved the breakdown of how to complete the project and the cost savings. It is crazy how much those candles would cost you to buy new in Europe. It was very wise to look at making them yourself.

[@matthewmahalic3562]

Necessity is the mother of Invention! Good job lily

[@rogerrynearson2500]

Thank you for your efforts, I have been thinking what way to make these candles

[@cynthiabroaddrick7197]

Me and my son watched this and are amazed at your ingenuity! Thank you for showing this! Great idea!

[@billcotton1551]

Wow Lilly! You are right , candles are expensive in Europe. You figured out a great fix.

[@thewheelchairprepper8070]

Great job Lilly!👍👍👍👍👍

[@agaig9812]

Thank you for saving us a bunch of money!! Well done! Keep the great videos coming!! 🎉

[@14kt.]

Just watched you on coming to America naked and afraid. And by far you two were my favorite of all time. You guys really had each other's back. I live in the states so you guys rocked!! 😊

[@henryganzer4685]

i found i little glass bottle with a metal lid who fits inside the candle tube. i managed to install a little metal tube in the bottle lid as a wick holder - now it is a dual use lamp works perfekt as oil lamp and also with candles. with lamp oil it burns much cheaper than with candles, even cheaper than with homemade candles. your candle project gives me an idea to make some candles for an other candle lantern who also needs special size candles - the swiss military folding lantern.

[@nathanking4234]

I like how creative and self sufficient you are. Thanks for this idea.

[@KumaBones]

Wholesome community u got here Lily. A lot of awesome tips in the comment.

[@heatherconrad5308]

This is by far the most unique prepper project I’ve ever seen! Thank you!! Amazingly useful! Various uses.

[@UrbanGrrl69]

Nice little project Lilly. The holes are caused by air bubbles, you can try giving the moulds a shake around as you pour etc.

[@barbara-holley]

they turned out beautiful!! when i do this i will probably add some citronella or peppermint oil to the wax to deter bugs!! thanks for doing this, i wasn't going to buy the uco lantern because of the price of the candles!!!

[@copperhousefarm4794]

Thanks to you Lilly, I am no longer living under a rock!🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 Also you can buy candle molds to make these candles.

[@scottfergusson8411]

Saving all of your used cooking oil is good too. Making oil lamps out of bacon grease and cooking oil after you filter it is VERY cost effective…. Just need jars and coffee filters.

[@kathym2501]

Christmas 2021 I got my 4 grown kids and my grown grandkids the 3 candle UCOs with extra candles. Then I got myself 2 UCOs and 60 extra candles for myself and whoever needs them. I also got a wood burning stove fan to sit on the candleir to distribute the heat. Rudy on Alaska Prepper had a great video on the UCO. If need be, you can place a cup or small pot on top of the candleir to warm up water and food.

[@mortsnerd5100]

What model stove fan did you buy?

[@mortsnerd5100]

Hi, I saw your reply, but I think it got deleted because you mentioned the A word maybe? Thank you anyway.

[@Divenity]

When I went to buy one of these a couple years ago, I saw how expensive their proprietary candles were and went looking for a different lantern. I pretty immediately discovered that they make one that just uses tea candles, so I got one of those, and a 300 pack of 8 hour burn time tea candles for like $35. For anyone who doesn't want to pay for the expensive UCO candles, and doesn't want to make your own candles, it's a great option.

[@ashleyhoward8926]

You are correct, but the tea light version can spill hot wax if it falls over, whereas the other one is less likely to do so. Bushlite use any ordinary household candles anyway.

[@MI_Prepper]

Great project! A couple of tips... when melting candle wax, always use a double boiler for safety. Wax can flash fire very easily. If you get some either some food grade silicone spray or high temp baking spray like Pam and grease your pipes with it before you pour, the candles will slide right out of the pipes easily. Also, you will LOVE their 3 candle candelier lantern. You can actually put a metal cup on top with a lid and boil water on it! Plus, 3 times the heat and light. I really recommend getting the neoprene cases for the uco lanterns to protect your investment from damage. Especially if you get the three candle candelier.

[@Waldhandwerk]

Wie immer sehr schlau gelöst liebe Lilly! Danke fürs zeigen! Beste Grüße Sepp

[@luminarygoddess8642]

Poke holes towards centre of wick while it’s still cooling so it helps prevent as much shrinkage and you can see where you need to fill and have no holes in the middle 💕🇨🇦

[@barryfriend3589]

Hey lilly,i own couple of these candle lanterns and can agree that the candles are expensive, citronella and bees wax especially,until this point it was just easier to purchase new 1s after your video it seems quite simple and cost effective to make your own so im going to give it a try and make my own 😁thanks for this awesome tutorial, your awesome!have a good day and god bless from 🇺🇲🇺🇲

[@survivallilly-deutsch255]

Thanks Barry

[@rodneymiddleton1044]

G'Day Lilly that is a nifty Candle lamp and good on you for making your own candles I keep a small amount in one of my prep boxes of odds and ends lol. Stay safe mate and good to see you.

[@tonylogsdon2618]

Been meaning to make molds for a while. Beeswax are great and don’t forget some insect repelling candles for outdoor emergencies/camping. Thank You for the video.

[@Asgardsteve1]

The residue is from when you did the second pour, that's the separation point between the two pours. Try doing the pour using a small metal funnel to make it easier getting the hot wax into the moulds. Good video. Try buying the beeswax in blocks instead of granules it works out cheaper. If you have the 3 candle UCO lantern you can use the three tubes as moulds and do a mass production using them and then revert them back to being used in the lantern until you need more candles.

[@effeojnedib7208]

I use an old crockpot to melt wax. Put an old tin can in it with my wax, set it on high and wait. It doesn't take too long once it warms up. I use old toilet paper rolls for forms, or sometimes mini cups (Dixie cups) But believe we have the same wicks. Great idea on the clothes pins.

[@lunacruz7638]

I love making candles. I make my own soap as well. If you know anyone who keeps bees you can get wax from them. I get my wax from a friend of mine. Thank goodness. Great video as always Lilly😁

[@tf586]

Gratulation Lilly, 7 vs. wild ruft nach dir!! Freu mich schon dich in der wohl erfolgreichsten deutschsprachigen internetshow zu sehen!! Lieben Gruß, Frischi

[@dog-gone-it5944]

I am so impressed. I can't wait to try this. I bought wax years ago and probably have all the pipes here except the bottom. Loved this, thanks. You saved a ton of money..

[@richschwartz8004]

Also burning the beeswax has been shown to provide other health benefits. Thank you for sharing.

[@jairojairo9786]

Você é o Máximo, adoro sua inteligência!

[@offgridDAVID]

I was just thinking of making some LARD CANDLES. I love this gadget

[@Lostinthesand]

Hi Lilly: I wish you had put this video up a few weeks ago. I just bought Three more of the UCO lanterns with three extra candles each. I bought my first one in 1984. Now I will use your trick to make my own candles.

[@tomheady8934]

A friend makes her own ,she adds peppermint oil ,it helps repel mosquitoes. Excellent video as always Lilly!

[@KumaBones]

Awesome tip, thank you!

[@cynthiaweathers6979]

I love these kinds of videos 😍. When I make my pillar candles I use the cardboard tube from paper towels and toilet paper. I oil them good inside. It works very well.

[@ram1brn]

yes the bees wax will burn a really long time i made some tealights and they had about a 3 to 4 hour burn time just for a little tea light

[@chriskeating5926]

That is Wicked Awesome Lilly 👌 😎 great job ...those candles are too much money

[@shannaandrews9807]

Amazing idea!!! It’s hard to get good quality one now they are cutting the wax with something other then paraffin now to make them cheaper but have jacked up the price. Totally love love love this tutorial and will be making my own now‼️ Thank you Lilly

[@fullofhope2222]

where will you source the 'pipe;?

[@theparticularoverallcollec666]

Thank you for this video!!! 🕯️🕯️🕯️

[@Flashahol]

Well done! I've tried making my own and here is my big discovery: the candle doesn't need to be the exact same shape at the top, what is important is that it fills the diameter of the tube to prevent molten wax from flowing down or IT WILL go through the side opening and create a major fire hazard (at least a horrendous mess if you catch it on time like I did). Secondly, I learned that modern candle wicks are "self-trimming", meaning they will burn out past a certain length. If you use cotton twine, the wick may keep growing longer and require you to trim it by hand on a regular basis or it will create a lot of soot.

[@JavierZamora87]

I love making things by myself even if are just common things you can buy. It's so satisfying

[@koko2bware]

It's just fantastic, very creative.

[@madamecampsalot6384]

Most excellent Lilly!

[@allanpeterson2364]

I use some Chapstick or FIXIN wax or even Antibiotic cream to lube the inside of the tube. I find it helps to let the candle slide a bit easier as it burns.

[@thaliahelene]

Try crisco/ vegetable shortening. It doesn’t move from where you put it.

[@richardwysocki8300]

Great job, Lilly! You are a woman of many talents. 🙂

[@asmc4494]

I have several of these lanterns. 2 of them are solid brass. They do very well for camping and for emergencies. You did a fantastic job on this video. Thank you for sharing your discovery.

[@petezahrbock]

That's awesome!! Great video Lilly 📹!!

[@SurvivalLilly]

UCO Candle Lantern USA: amzn.to/3otdCJ5 Warning: My method of heating the wax works, but if the wax gets too hot, it can catch fire. For safety reasons it is better to use a waterbath for melting the wax! Also, the wick I used in the video is a bit too wide in diameter. Make sure you use a really thin wick otherwise the flame will get too big.

[@fullofhope2222]

wow ty SL - I bought several triple UCO lanterns years ago - they have really risen in price.

[@tylkoarka6148]

hello and greetings from Poland, recently there was a broadcast of naked survival instinct on TV. Respect for you

[@Dies1r4e]

these are like a dollar in the USA crazy

[@fullofhope2222]

@@Dies1r4e you are blessed (for now...)

[@Dies1r4e]

@@fullofhope2222 things are crazy, my food bills have nearly doubled and gas has literally tripled in the last two years.

[@tonydevault3844]

Great video. Cooking spray works well as a release agent. Just spray the inside of the tubes and let it dry. The candles should slip out.

[@johnwyman5939]

Nice job on showing how too make the candles!!! Nicely done on video! Thanks for the idea. 🇺🇸🪓🔪👍👍

[@hughgalbraith8370]

You are very creative and handy in many ways. good for you!

[@clydenail7747]

Excellent presentation Lilly, thank you.

[@Gman1024]

Awesome project, great results. Thank you for sharing.

[@mep4488]

Beautifully done!

[@preplikeagypsy10]

You're a genius! Very impressive work

[@ben31tube]

Good work! Excellent way to stay ready and also save money. Thank you for the video.

[@kurtsteiner8384]

Lilly very good. I make my own candles out of old used wax. I use toilet roll centre and cotton string. The wax i heat in an old saucepan. Works pretty well.

[@bungarraoz254]

You did a good job, Lilly.

[@chriskoplin8850]

Silicone the pipe in and place it on good wax paper no need for the pipe end. Great idea. Love what you teach.

[@kippitheclone3078]

An alternative way of securing the wicks in place is to use strong magnets in the bottom of the mold. Buy some neodymium magnets and glue them in place at the middle on the opposite side of the mold. The wick should then self-align because the foot is made of iron! Great project Lilly! Keep going strong!

[@SurvivalLilly]

Awesome idea. 👌

[@BraxxJuventa]

Thanks for showing us Lilly! 👍😁

[@sunowl5301]

Great project Lily!! Awesome savings in the long run and so simple now that you’ve got it all set up.

[@unclebobsbees4899]

I always get the hole or shrinkage with beeswax. Mold release spray would make the candles come out easier. A heated knife makes trimming the top easier for the beeswax.

[@Mgt461]

I’ve thought about buying one of these lanterns but have always been put off by the cost of the replacement candles. This video solves the problem. Thanks for the really helpful info. 👏👏

[@EvaderGuy]

Very creative DIY. Thanks for the idea!

[@jefferydoty5141]

I just purchased the uco candle lantern. Thanks for sharing this great idea for making your own candles.

[@hnangell]

Another great presentation, thanks Lily!

[@judymacrillo3541]

Thank you so much Lilly! A couple of days ago I just ordered more UCO candles, which have gone up very much in price, and they were expensive to start with. Now I can make my own! I have a few UCO candle lanterns, and someone got me the candolier for Christmas. I had never got it for myself because it takes three candles. Now I love it, and I don’t have to worry about the candles.

[@MI_Prepper]

For this particular UCO lantern, there is also a "hack" using a small red bull can instead of the aluminum tube that normally holds their proprietary candle and then using a stack of tea light candles with a circle of cardboard under the burning one to keep the one under the burning one from melting.

[@lyellclare9365]

Have done that and it works well.

[@pjviitas]

Wow excellent video....thanks for sharing Lilly

[@ThePreppingArtists]

I’ve been making my own candles for years but this is really cool that they r perfect size. I was a little concerned u would have a problem getting them out without using a mold release but it seems they worked perfectly! Good job and great video!

[@RobertSmith-ub6tk]

That’s an awesome job. Where did you get that candle holder at never seen one like that

[@NewHampshireJack]

Excellent DIY project. Absolutely worth your time, especially when you add in the enjoyment factor. Thank you for posting

[@whiskeypapa8842]

You're the best Lilly! Thank you for this awesome video.

[@barrywebber100]

Great job Lilly with a great result. Thanks for posting.

[@WD-41469]

You can use modeling clay to cap off the pipes, much easier. Just make a clay patty (like a tiny hamburger) and poke your wick through the center. Lower your pipe onto the clay pad, with the wick through the center, and embed the pipe into the clay. Self standing, re-useable, and releases easily.

[@BiffaloBuff893]

I tried this with PVC pipe a couple years ago, but the wax made it past the clay and just ended up as a puddle on the table. It didn't seal tight enough no matter what I did. Maybe it was the type of clay (it was modeling clay that got softer with heat) or maybe the liquid wax was too thin and got past the seal. Maybe a different kind of clay would work, but I just ended up using silicone to make a reusable mold.

[@WD-41469]

@@BiffaloBuff893 know what? You’re right, I just remembered that it was ceramic clay that I used (I was a Potter at the time) and yes, now that I think about it, that heat would immediately begin to melt the modeling clay. Thanks for your response!

[@BiffaloBuff893]

@@WD-41469 That would make sense-I was just using cheap dollar store clay, while you were using real stuff. I imagine ceramic clay would do a good job keeping the wax separate too since it's got water in it, right?

[@johnmknox]

I use Blu-Tack to cover the tiny hole at the bottom of my large candle mold that the wick goes through and have never had a problem with the wax leaking out.

[@hdrvman]

WOW...!!! Leave it to you Lilly !!!

[@dingus01]

Used your affiliate link. Got me one of those lanterns with a repair kit. Will look into the metal tube idea as well to reuse old candle wax or from broken candles ect. Waste not want not. Schön grüss hab dich leib. Tchüss!

[@ironspur2000]

Great job Lily, I’ve been considering doing this for a while now.

[@ChrisStanley61]

Excellent video! Thank you for posting!

[@frankward423]

Great job on the candles. I have several UCO lanterns that I converted to burn oil.

[@survivallilly-deutsch255]

Ok what kind of wick are you using?

[@frankward423]

I use a Zippo type wick. Simon,a bloke in the woods has a good video on his channel about converting UCOs to oil. It's the one I used.

[@thenaturalhuman9568]

That’s a brilliant little invention

[@williammaurer9450]

Awesome is right! Love my UCO lantern.

[@mnmike6884]

What were the costs on the supplies you needed to make your molds and the items for the candles themselves, your melting stove and then how much time was involved? it seems quite costly unless you are using up candles at a high rate. Burn time is about 9 hours each. You don’t need to buy UCO replacement candles. You can also use the generic “ plumber’s candle” as they are the same size. But Amazon had a pack of 20 UCO candles listed for $27 US in June 2023. That’s only $1.35 US each.

[@bigman20640]

Great video! If you really want to get the most out of it also buy an oil insert for it, I got one and it almost doubled the burn time, great video!