DIY Easy Fire Starters

Learn to make your own fire starters for this winter with these 2 simple items. It's cheap and easy and can be done in the house or while you are enjoying a campfire. Even try making them on top of your woodstove!
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This is the gear we used in this video (we receive a small commission for each purchase through Amazon):
Tin
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Paraffin Wax
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[@jek__]

It's rare to see cheap and easy DIY tools that are actually useful. Simple materials, simple method, no tricks or product placement. Great video

[@CrawldaBeast]

I have found those super cheap $10ish mini crock pots are great for dedicated wax melting. I usually toss in a little shortening to cut cost and soften them a bit. The nice thing about the crock pot setup is the ability to walk away and not have to worry about it flashing from overheating.

[@g2outdooradventures4]

Great idea!!

[@lisarogers5873]

Thank you for the tutorial. Easy to follow with no annoying music or graphics.

[@SolarSeeker45]

I've watched a lot of fire starting videos. This one shows very clearly that you've put a LOT of thought and time into coming up with the best method for starting a fire quickly and reliably. Making the fire starters also very quick and reliable. I couldn't have done better myself.

[@neolithicnobody8184]

I do something similar. I use dryer lint and an egg carton. Nuggets instead of discs and I store them in an old Cheese Balls container. I also keep a Ziploc bag of them with my camping supplies at all times.

[@g2outdooradventures4]

Great ideas & great way to use up things that would normally go in the trash!

[@carolgladney9890]

Same. Also use to start my fireplace fires

[@Sluggo773]

Been doing this for awhile now but never thought of the cheese ball container for storage gonna have to do that thanks for the tip

[@adventureswithfrodo2721]

Problem is drier lint is a lot of synthetic material and not cotton.

[@bergeracvandamme]

These work really well. Much cheaper than buying pre-made tinder too.

[@g2outdooradventures4]

Yes cheaper and don't have to worry about them getting wet as easily

[@robb4044]

I have that exact same cookie stick can right here as I watch this video. Good idea there.

[@jeffanon1772]

I make my firestarters from Walmart items...taking Vaseline covered cotton balls & placing them in between one of those pressed sawdust/paraffin sticks & a stick of fat wood...add some strike anywhere matches sticking out of the ends & bind the bundle together with waxed dental floss and seal it in plastic. Slice open the plastic & strike it against a rock or hit it with a Ferro rod & the entire bundle is flammable...

[@richroc7]

Great video, my version of fire starters burn for a half hour each. I use cedar chips hamster bedding ($4/bag) and a 1lb block of gulf wax melted. After melting it I add 1/3 cup of liquid paraffin lamp oil and no more than a third of a cup or else it ruins the mixture and it won’t solidify. I fill paper ramekins with the cedar chips and pour over them with the melted wax mixture and let cool for 30 minutes in the freezer. Best fire starters I’ve ever used. Inexpensive as well.

[@owyheekid7186]

I’ve been doing similar for years. I use cosmetic cotton pads and petroleum jelly. Each pad will burn for approximately 10 minutes. I put several of them in a snuff puck. God bless!

[@funigurl72]

Well done video and keeping it simple. Thanks. I like to add petroleum jelly to the discs before soaking in the wax. It will give you a longer AND hotter fire.

[@robe4037]

I do the same

[@jek__]

Nice tip! Petroleum jelly is often made using paraffin wax already so they should mix well if you melt them together in the bowl. Should make the process a little easier than having to double coat

[@jameskelly1680]

I do the same. If you warm the petroleum jelly, it will soak in really well. Then let them cool down, and dip them in melted wax. It's the best firestarter I've ever made.

[@unclescipio3136]

This works like crazy, and I have a use for all those candle stubs now, too.

[@g2outdooradventures4]

Perfect!

[@SheepDoggy68]

Mixing a little liquid paraffin into the wax once melted improved my fire starters! After experimenting a bit I found mixing in enough to soften the wax just a bit once cool was workable for me. I stack 5 or 6 on top of each other and wrap them in the aluminum foil I cooled them on as an easy compact way of carrying them!

[@g2outdooradventures4]

Yes sir !!

[@boge2001]

I do the same, the liquid keeps the wax from cracking off. I keep mine in round Tobacco dip containers

[@floridaflipper6717]

Your way is much nicer looking than what I do. I just use dryer lint and leftover candle wax.

[@g2outdooradventures4]

While on the go lint from your pockets can also aid in fire starting

[@montanaminuteman]

Fire starter tutorial and helpful tip for the flint and steel tip. Love it!

[@paulodelima2966]

Very simple, very useful idea, nicely presented! Thanks for sharing!

[@longrider42]

Yep, made many of those. They work great, and are waterproof.

[@abandonedotter4270]

Love these things. I eat so many when I'm camping. Best cookies ever

[@wilfor03]

Pretty slick, my Friend....and thank you for sharing

[@benzilla4]

Great job on the DIY! BlackBeard Firestarters banned me from posting after I called out their firestarters for being cotton rope and wax, which is what I do. That works great--but no one needs to pay $12 each for something like that! Thanks for sharing your tips!

[@doelbaughman1924]

Good on you! Great job! A business model based on greed, not profit, deserves being called out. Time and materials plus reasonable overhead is kosher. $12? Nah.

[@MrJames_Bondage]

I was thinking of buying 1 inch cotton rope and making some myself, I wonder if the wax type matters

[@benzilla4]

@@MrJames_Bondage Hey Tim - I used old broken and unused candles collected throughout the years--yeah, they smell like Christmas and there's some glitter, but who cares!

[@woogieman02]

Saved me from buying some. Will have to make some myself

[@block4565]

They probably band you for being annoying. I bet some people might think you're not worth your hourly wage, but it's not up to them, is it? Just like it's not up to you what other companies "should charge" for their product. People pay for convenience. That's why Starbucks exists and people go by the droves to pay $6 for a cup of coffee. I bet we could find a few things you overpay for, but they're convenient for you... so you pay.

[@toml.8210]

There are a lot of things you can use for fire-starters, like makeup pads soaked in wax or Vaseline, cotton wads soaked on Vaseline, newspaper rolls tied with cotton twine coated with wax, and other stuff. I would use my penny stove to melt the wax.

[@colinremmer2417]

Plus, because you used Yankee Candle wax, they'll smell lovely. Great idea. Thanks

[@johnwilliams8654]

Great idea! Gonna have to try it.

[@CheekyMonkey1776]

I like the green tint.

[@mywrkout1]

I really appreciate this how to video, thank you for sharing!

[@g2outdooradventures4]

Thanks watching, please share it too

[@brendanmccreesh5112]

Thanks a bunch this is gonna save me money good job

[@quinntheeskimooutdoors6234]

😊nice, thanks for showing us. Take care.

[@bovdogsandthewoods]

Man these look cool proper space savers! I will buy some pads

[@Trigger-ZX]

never thought of using my laplander with a ferro rod, cool!

[@SimonAmazingClarke]

Excellent idea

[@rodbaeza7781]

Brilliant there are fantastic for my wood burner. Thank u

[@marquinhoedc_outdoor7927]

Excelente vídeo irmão. Sou do Brasil e irei usar este método para iniciar o fogo de minhas fogueiras e do meu fogão a lenha em casa. Muito obrigado por isso 🙏🏼. Excellent video brother. I'm from Brazil and I'm going to use this method to start fires in my campfires and wood stove at home. Thank you so much for this 🙏🏼.

[@YouTuber-mc2el]

Love these things. I started making them a few years ago and they are great. I've experimented a little with paraffin oil, kerosene etc. to see if I can get more heat, fire and extended burn time. The added accelerant does increase burn time and flame length. However G2 Outdoor Adventures basic method works great as well. P.S. they are great for a bug out bag/fire starter kit set up.

[@eiward]

Pine pitch will make it burn hotter.

[@willblack5419]

Great idea!

[@sherifeldawayaty8656]

amazing ides and super easy and also cheap for doing a fire in camps

[@g2outdooradventures4]

Yes excellent way to use up that last bits of candle wax!

[@msscotian4209]

This is great, and a great use for my left over wax melts ;-) thanks so much

[@g2outdooradventures4]

You are so welcome!

[@greywolfoutdoorshomestead9962]

Me and my 15 yr old son made some using wax and lamp oil.they work great

[@richardbartling4435]

Great video, very helpful

[@saadsalman1650]

Really useful stuff, thanks

[@georgeohwell7988]

Greetings from Northern Ireland, Great video.....subscribed

[@randypowell4799]

Great video. Thanks

[@nitrorc4life1]

Nice video, we been doing the exact same thing for awhile, I also like to take a chainsaw and cut hardwood WITH the grain, take those thin shavings and soak thoroughly with wax and/or a little Vaseline, but not over saturated, make it loose or pack into bricks.

[@jimattrill8933]

I save all my used tea bags - we have many of them! Dry them in the sun (this is South Africa) and use old jars and paraffin. I save all my candle ends but haven't used them yet. We have an open fire for about 4 months of the year so I save a fortune in expensive firelighters!

[@allkindsofoutdooractivities]

Great DIY! Very nice video

[@royallan3717]

Good work,thanks for your video

[@CraigMansfield]

Great idea

[@thomasoverton7131]

Great tips. Thanks for sharing 👍

[@g2outdooradventures4]

Thanks for watching.

[@doelbaughman1924]

I use cotton balls and vaseline. This is a great tip. Thank you!

[@g2outdooradventures4]

Great tip!

[@jasonfreitag1100]

This will save me $20 a month on fire starter sticks from menards! I cook my dinner over wood 4-5 nights a week. Or just have a nice fire when it's cold in Naperville, near Chicago. Thank you!

[@bbox5938]

Thank you!

[@gordonbrown4240]

I plan on making these for my hunter education classes.

[@g2outdooradventures4]

sounds fun

[@jhonrutger3508]

that's a really good idea I'm trying to make some looks a lot more convenient then fatwood.

[@bbox5938]

Thank you

[@wboardman]

Do you need to use the paraffin wax or would you get the same results with normal candle scraps melted down?

[@Masterchief68]

I use a mini muffin pan with sawdust and paraffin. They are a little bigger but I’ve never had a fire not start with them.

[@josezavalapina7392]

great video!!! I definitely need to start doing this and save some money!! Next trip, Dollar Store/99 cents store...

[@g2outdooradventures4]

Definitely!!

[@OWK000]

I like to save that red wax on the outside of some kinds of cheese . . . like gouda or baby bells

[@user-js4vh2lw6n]

Awesome video! Is there a certain ratio of candle wax to parrafin wax?

[@TalRohan]

You are the first person I have seen pull the ferro rod back, as is most efficient, instead of pushing the striker forward....well done that man (excellent beard btw)

[@g2outdooradventures4]

yes sir it also reduces the chance of knocking over you fire material accidentally

[@hersidi_yhoni_pitono]

amazing

[@g2outdooradventures4]

Thanks

[@whysprs]

I usually melt and dip them in petroleum jelly and then into the wax myself.. have carried them for years

[@davejalenderki]

That’s pretty cool. Thanks for sharing. Do the fire starters leave any residue behind after they burn up?

[@the-nomad]

I live on the road and use birch bark, dry rotted wood, stuff like that but, these are great when I don't want to mess about lighting a fire or the wind is a bitt too strong. :-)

[@mauriziobarbati9081]

Complimenti👍🔥🔥🔥

[@tomhenry897]

I use plastic dip cans, trick candle, petroleum jelly and lint

[@MaverickShooter9]

those cotton patches work perfectly as shotgun cleaning patches

[@toddhendricks8239]

I use vasalean / cotton ball on a bit of aluminum foil or a old cigarette pack liner . Burns prox 5 minutes. The foil keeps the vasalean from running off into the ground or snow. .pre pack the ready balls in my old made bottle 10 per bottle

[@thomaslogan5467]

The cotton pads you are using also make good char cloth.

[@steves7013]

I make these with my scouts & cub scouts 🇬🇧

[@hokudadog7637]

Any reason not to dump the paraffin in the glass wax jar? Thank you for this great demonstration - very economical!

[@mauriziobarbati9081]

Bel video Fratello.Hai usato c'era per candele,più vaselina?

[@Seamus3051]

Thanks for emphasizing that the ferro rod is drawn toward you, while allowing the hand holding the knife, or striker to remain stationary; don't know how many good fire lays I knocked over before learning this technique, 🙂🙂

[@g2outdooradventures4]

I feel your pain lol

[@VTK72]

❤❤❤

[@ImaOkie]

Yep I reckon I use the same method cept I'll steer in just a we bit of napalm and lighter fluid ! Doc says my eyebrows will grew back in due time .

[@redfaux74]

Never waste the wax at the bottom of your candle. I cut up my garden jeans when I can no longer use them to make the same. They make awesome wicks and fire balls.

[@mary-ruthflores4107]

I make these but I keep my used makeup removal cottons and make the fire starter with those. I also use the new ones and can’t tell any difference. Just another way to keep trash out of the landfill. Old crayons work as well as old candles

[@double0newb]

So is the wax required, or will just the parafin do the job? Whitters asked the same question 2 months ago. Thanks!

[@stuartmccloud307]

Nice simple idea. I guess you could save the wax off little baby Bel cheeses too, if you eat them out that side of the Pond

[@jtr6554]

Great idea but why do you mix candle wax and paraffin?

[@johnruckman2320]

I've been wondering if you could mix pine sap with paraffin, beeswax, meat fat, or (?). Raw pine sap will of course pop and burst. I haven't tried to melt pine sap yet so I don't know what a chunk of that will act to fire. I've been thinking of how to reduce or eliminate the stickiness of the pine sap. Even the sap sticks you can make are still sticky even though they are hard. I would probably only have a tin that big at home for storage or grab in a SHTF situation. Mostly I'd just use a ziplock bag or tin foil or plastic wrap.

[@g2outdooradventures4]

yes ,these are all options see what works best for you, is you melt the pine sap you can add a natural dry material like deer poop or dry grass to it, also u can try fine ash from a campfire

[@toml.8210]

Before you start building a fire pile, you need to clear the area of combustible things, like dry leaves and dry grass!

[@brandonwilliams9956]

Dude...shut up!

[@remyllebeau77]

I've also seen someone mix the wax 50/50 with lighter fluid. Not sure it is necessary, but it's an idea.

[@John-vi4ys]

Have you ever left your tin in the sun, or in a vehicle on a hot day and had all the pads melt together in a block?

[@g2outdooradventures4]

they will melt together but don't really cause an issue

[@jamesdacy7332]

I've made some using cotton balls and wax but had an issue with the cotton burning out before the wax would start burning. I added a small bit of Vaseline and that seems to start burning a lot sooner giving the wax more time to start burning but it feels like a lot of time waiting for the wax balls to cool then adding Vaseline. Any ideas?

[@g2outdooradventures4]

Nothing is better than experience , thanks for the tip

[@jasonwills6694]

Got a like and a sub from me. Nice work

[@TheDigitaldelimma]

This is awesome but can you just use the candle and x out the paraffin wax? My wife is a candle crazy person 😊.

[@g2outdooradventures4]

Yes you can! also petroleum jelly

[@kaersten3623]

Fantastic, this is exactly what I was looking for. Could you use petroleum jelly soaked into the cotton pads in place of the wax?

[@g2outdooradventures4]

Yes, but I usually use petroleum jelly on cotton balls instead. Then I store them in an old prescription bottle.

[@tom_olofsson]

Fire Pringles.

[@FishOnIsMyHandle]

Nice ! BTW....what's your brand of beard balm? -- thanks

[@g2outdooradventures4]

Thanks and I use Oak City Beard Company

[@FishOnIsMyHandle]

@@g2outdooradventures4 Thanks!

[@peterwehrmeyer925]

I like melting vapo rub like that. BAd muscles need help. You still can light fire after.

[@woogieman02]

Can you use canning wax? Have a few boxes and want to give this a try

[@calmlikeabomb1340]

I use gulf wax and those pads works good

[@kylesmith9655]

Lol I store mine in used Pringle cans.

[@millenium2003]

Why do you dip the cotton ball in Vaseline or wax?

[@raphmaster23]

So i melt alot of wax in my wax scent burner, could i use that instead?

[@g2outdooradventures4]

I would yes!!! Excellent use of that wax

[@demonhighwayman9403]

I guess an old pringles tube would be ok for storing them ? seeing as paraffin wax doesn't evaporate.

[@g2outdooradventures4]

true but a all tin can will be multi purpose, you could put it in the fire and make char cloth

[@adventureswithfrodo2721]

PJCB are just as good if not better and FAR EASIER to make.

[@thetman0068]

Would this work with 100% candle wax or is the paraffin required?

[@g2outdooradventures4]

candle was will work also u can use petroleum jelly for a little different effect

[@thetman0068]

@@g2outdooradventures4 Thanks!

[@anthonybasile7636]

Isn't candle wax parrafin wax? I simply use the candle wax. I go to garage sales and sometimes you can get an entire shopping bag full of stick candles for $5.

[@johnavery3372]

Can you use any wax?

[@finfish260]

I make these all the time and mostly use Paraffin canning wax. I also throw an and crayon in the melt which gives it some color. Beeswax works also great but it's expensive. Beeswax doesn't give off that black smoke like Paraffin but who cares when you're lighting a fire.

[@jek__]

I wonder how soy wax would fare for these, it seems to have a lower flash point than paraffin so it might make it easier to start fires. Also the offgas is less harmful to humans but that doesnt matter so much for a little firestarter