Ferro Rod Pro Tips and Tricks from Survival Instructor and Certified Badass, Dan Wowak.

Tips and tricks to help you start a fire with a ferro rod from survival instructor and certified badass Dan Wowak.
Maybe you are ready to take fire making to the next level? Maybe it is time you become a fire wizard? Maybe… well….you get the point! Here are 5 tips that will help you how to get the most out of your ferrocerium rod...
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[@neilredmond1011]

This is the best bushcraft channel excellent tips and information. Very informative.

[@bigbuck762]

I would recommend when you first get the ferro rod to scrape the black coating off so that way it’s ready to use it an emergency. And the other thing is you can also use a piece of glass or a rock to strike the ferro rod

[@klounpound6945]

Only certain rocks with the right shape. Iv tried glass before. But it always just shatters the glass.

[@bjellison905]

I practice daily. I've made 3 fires on first strike. Practice is definitely a must with a ferro rod

[@jeffv774]

That scraping off some ferrocerium rod pieces before striking sparks on it and the Duct Tape tip is awesome! You've earned a new subscriber!

[@iwantcheesypuffs]

Modified the p38 on my keychain to be used as a striker. Works great and still opens cans like a champ.

[@johnduffy6546]

By far, this is the best ferro rod I've seen. Thank you

[@t.curran8243]

You use yellow/orange fluorescent tape said I find it if I drop it in the woods. Good vid.

[@archangel20031]

You can use anything hard, like flints, obsidian, chert, and quartz or even a piece of broken glass as a striker.

[@markodelagarza8099]

My all-time favorite natural tinder... Pine needles. Favorite man made material: Dryer lent. Fantasic videos. I am learning A LOT. Thank you!

[@KENFEDOR22]

Marko, try experimenting with cotton filler material. some food delivery packaging has this compressed cotton. a piece the size of your palm will hold a flame for almost a minute versus dryer lint. Also, any pet hairs in dryer lint won't catch and/or smell nasty when ignited.

[@markodelagarza8099]

@@KENFEDOR22 Thanks Ken!

[@cowboykelly6590]

Yep, and pine cones . Ohh.. the smell. n I c e ... & the meat cooked over it.. yumm ! Only use good Dried split logs with the bark . 🤠🖖

[@dwardconsult]

Excellent clear info..thanks. I'm not a survivalist or bushcraft enthusiast. But I do fish and hike. I carry a kit for emergencies because outdoor activities can go wrong sometimes. A tool can be useless without skill to employee it correctly. This video gives big value to my ferro rod in my kit. Thanks again!

[@sebkent6691]

We use ferro rods as our main ignition for our log burning stove at home, purely because of the discipline it enforces. Prepare for the fire before you light it. That said it is always handy to revisit the basics. I mean who is it going to hurt? Glad I did as well because of the hint on the speedbumps

[@BBQDad463]

I keep both my ferro-cerium rod and my magnesium bar thickly coated with beeswax. The coating keeps them from oxidizing and can be used in conjunction with your tinder. (I found out only a few months ago that beeswax contains more energy, pound for pound, than propane.) Thanks for this video. Excellent guidelines and some serious, pro tips.☺

[@mat-ventures]

Didn't know the "ducktape as tinder" trick! Thanks Dan for all the tricks and tips!

[@Thatsmisteroldguytou]

Howling Wolf, thx.

[@bryanwork6081]

Same here. That’s a great idea

[@troysnyder8174]

Same

[@Thatsmisteroldguytou]

Try it guys. It will burn. I haven't done it with the ferro rod nut have used it with a lighter.

[@AllWeatherFirestarters]

Nice video! Thank you!

[@dennisleighton2812]

Best tip! Leave your ferro rod kit in your pack as an emergency back-up (or till you realize you don't need it!). Replace it with a Bic lighter (or a $2,73 3-pack) and a candle! A neat refinement on the candle: cut away two opposite sides of the candle wax, forming a flat candle. Get a normal wooden school ruler and cut in half (2 x 6" lengths). Place the candle between them and tape up with duct tape (so the candle doesn't break in your pack). Now you have all you'll ever need to make easy and RELIABLE camp fires. All the components can be readily replaced and give you thousands of fire starts. The components are small, light and easy to pack, even in your pocket. No more fannying about with ferro rods, and square-backed knives, and ultra-thin tinder and kindling. In an emergency one can even use the ruler bits and duct tape to start the fire, and replace them for the next trip! Nothing stopping you having great fun making fantastic feathersticks, as many people thoroughly enjoy doing. That will just make it even easier, and you might not even need the candle. But it is much easier lighting a fire with a candle than a microscopic piece of tinder coal. This is a technique taught me by a very clever Scoutmaster about 55 years ago, so I claim no credit! Just adhere to the Scouters' motto: "Be Prepared!" Cheers.

[@johnfoster4414]

You can also use a sharp edge on a hard rock to get a spark.

[@mrchordstriker]

Best advice tips I've seen in years simply awesome!!!

[@anzerupnik1442]

I found out that stabilizing the ferror rod helps a lot. So instead of just hoding the back end it is a good practice to lean the front end on something so if you can aim the sparks more precisely and, if multiple strikes are required, to the same target.

[@MrDorian61]

What an outstanding teacher you are Dan!

[@garymoore3446]

Thanks

[@troytaylor1913]

We got billions of strikers laying on the ground where I'm from. Flint or very hard agate stone is laying around everywhere. Most of the time I can find pieces laying around sharp enough to cut meats.

[@davidreichard3053]

Ferro rods are also mounted in the squeeze-to-light sparkers for lighting gas torches. There's a convenient metal cup around the mechanism.

[@StevanOutdoor]

I carry at least 3 fire steels and 2 lighters in the outdoors and the fire steel is my primary ignition tool. It works when cold or wet but most of all it forces you to make good tinder bundles.

[@nickcosta8062]

Love your channel Dan.. Keep it comin brother... Good stuff!

[@AliceAttentionWhore]

Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction 0:21 Intro animation 0:28 Pro tip #1 - Prep it (duct tape) 2:03 Pro tip #2 - Scrape it (scrape off metal) 3:25 Pro tip #3 - Strike it (striking surfaces) 4:46 Pro tip #4 - Repair it 5:46 Pro tip #5 - Enjoy it (try different things) 6:13 Final words 6:25 Closer

[@TawnyRain2332]

"There goes my heroooo"

[@gregderichsweiler8952]

I have found that you can create sparks using a sharp rock if you have no steel to strike with. I don’t think I have ever seen anyone try a rock and rod in a video and it’s good to know.

[@brianlink391]

my dad made a handle for the rod made from fat wood. Kendal and spark in 1

[@alvarocarrilho]

Cool tips (loved the repair one). One more: the cord could be bigger (and also used as tinder) but should be a bright color one (if we loose on the ground, it it's easier to find). Cheers from Lisbon - Portugal

[@robertcwillifordii2630]

Just flatten the bumps. Don't round over your rod (I think this is bad advice from him). More striking surface produces more sparks (that's a no-brainer) which means fewer strikes required to start a fire. I have a hack to optimize a rod's performance. Chuck it in a vice and cut it lengthwise down the middle with a coping saw (an admittedly slow process). Scraping the full width of the center of the rod will shower your tinder with sparks like you've never seen before. Much fewer strikes are needed with this mod. I suggest this mod for half inch thick rods and up, like mine.

[@redinabloogs8477]

snap: great minds think alike :)...i put mine on a strip of flannel cotton sheet...long enough i can use without taking striker off ...can use cotton as starter if needed or can take off threads to sew something if needed ...plus its long enough to wear around my neck so if i get parted from my pack etc...should still have striker with me ....thats my thinking anyhow but if anyone has better ideas i'd love to hear em :)

[@CademanLillywhite]

Excellent video man. Thanks!

[@skitterman5]

I'm new to this stuff. Your videos are priceless, you are the bushcraft guru. Please keep making them.

[@deanoboland]

Great work on video Dan 👍👍👍

[@johnwriterpoet1783]

One tip is to put Vaseline on parts that have been scraped. This prevents moisture from deteriorating the rod. That is, preventing pitting. Thanks for the video!

[@jayroi1814]

Yeah i usually do that when i yank my rod too hard

[@leebanks2687]

@@jayroi1814 M

[@gypsyvardo4909]

@@jayroi1814 :)

[@FeldwebelWolfenstool]

..I use a short 2 1/2" piece of hacksaw blade as a striker...sometimes it's more effective drawing the rod over the striker, keeping the striker immobile....

[@steveneasley506]

Excellent video, Thanks Brother!

[@davidschmidt270]

Watched your video and instantly subbed..thanks brother...I saw your hat and the background and it definitely looks like Washington to me...used to live in Oly...5 miles from town 10 acre lot with Puget sound access....live in Phoenix now..man brother I miss those days... chopping wood... digging ditches.... watching my Dad chainsaw a 4 ft. wide 40' y'all tree...no BS... hahaha...ahhh the good ole' days... anyhow... thanks

[@GroceryStoreStories101]

Thank you for showing me how to remove the bumps on my ferro rod, I always thought my EDC one was trash now I'm going to do that

[@robertcwillifordii2630]

Just flatten the bumps. Don't round over your rod (I think this is bad advice from him). More striking surface produces more sparks (that's a no-brainer) which means fewer strikes required to start a fire. I have a hack to optimize a rod's performance. Chuck it in a vice and cut it lengthwise down the middle with a coping saw (an admittedly slow process). Scraping the full width of the center of the rod will shower your tinder with sparks like you've never seen before. Much fewer strikes are needed with this mod. I suggest this mod for half inch thick rods and up, like mine.

[@garbagecanfpv9901]

love all your tips ...im slowly buying gear to go out in the wild now ...iv gone "striker" crazy have about 4 different styles in the mail good to have a few options

[@proudcanadian9816]

HOLY CRAP DAN !!!! I only needed to get to the 1m40s spot on the video before I had to pause it to hit the "LIKE" "SUB" and "NOTIFY" button. I have a ferro rod in my bag, but that's it. As SOON as I finish this video, guess what I'm going to do. . . . HUGE CREDS my friend, H U G E !!!!!

[@Labyrnthdom]

If you lose the striker, knife or multi tool. Fero rod can throw sparks using certain rocks like chirt, flint and quartz and even glass will make the spark you need.

[@ManicMechanic82]

It’s nice to actually see another person who knows how to use a file correctly!!! Great video!

[@rigohook1160]

I, too, want a badass certification....

[@LachanceM]

I'm glad I found your channels among many others creators for bushcraft/survival topic. I keep watching your videos from time to time and they bring a lot of practical tips people don't think of.

[@LachanceM]

Now I just need to go out and practice everything to get better at it...

[@uprebel5150]

Love the duct tape idea. I also carry a small ZipLock bag with wood chips from a chainsaw. I have used a carpenters pencil to create shavings from a twig too.

[@WhiteCollarWarriorWallStFraudE]

Your vids are evolving into real professionalism and value. Keep up the great job! I’ve subscribed.

[@pinasexoticpetshaven8369]

very helpfull tips...thank you.. subscribed btw😊

[@k54dhKJFGiht]

Great advice! Thanks!

[@Thatsmisteroldguytou]

Very useful!

[@Greg-mw5kh]

Great tips...thank you

[@PetroDobrynin]

I actually was surprised with your Ferro Rod. I was amazed with the sparks it gives, it almost seems like you mixed magnesium into it. And I immediately wanted to buy one, but sadly I'm way too far away for shipping and no one seems to supply your products into my country(

[@trimbaker1893]

I bought a few ferro rods, put one in my boat kit, one in the winter coat and one in the 4 runner.

[@Roscoe_357]

Thumbnail Had Me Thinking Daniel Brian Got Into Bushcraftin' 🤣🤣

[@Speargrass2015]

Thanks another good accelerant is a small bicycle inner tube

[@cowboykelly6590]

What ? Didn't know

[@Speargrass2015]

@@cowboykelly6590 Before use slice into thin feathers but keep on the main stalk. I keep a piece of candle and tinder inside the inner tube with the ends taped.

[@hankjackson7312]

This is the 2nd video of yours I have watched and that is all it took for me to see that your are a very good teacher. I learned something valuable and new to me in both instances. Keep it up, you are a natural

[@USMCarter]

I almost died hearing the saw make that sound on the ferro rod 😂

[@liggerstuxin1]

Brilliant tips😊

[@throwingitoutthere]

Thanks Dan, great tips! I will for sure use the duct tape idea and the repair info. If using a knife as a striker, I like to put the blade down on the tinder bundle and draw the ferro rod across the spine of the knife. 2 reasons: control the knife blade (no stabs or slashes) and direct the spark directly to tinder. Love your channel, I just subscribed. Also I like to use the file of the multi tool, just for the reasons you mentioned about smaller person and pressure on rod.

[@sonnydaguy617]

I'm new here n well I just wanna say I LUV THIS CHANNEL! I've learn so much with only a few episodes. THANX MANG! 👍

[@mattbrennan8088]

thanks for putting in the links for the rod, and striker

[@thomashunting9969]

Only mayb 2 per cent of instructional vids are worthy of a THUMBS UP AND POSITIVE COMMENT /THANK YOU .........this vid is in that category

[@rosscurran5650]

That saw on the ferro rod sounds like fireworks 🎆

[@vinhha6073]

Fire will save life..👍👍

[@MJA5]

Loved the video! Thanks for putting it together!

[@johnnyventurino8947]

Your very smart you been teaching me alot thank you buddy.

[@pauldouglas1024]

If you have a file, maybe on the multi-tool, could you file away the ripples to smooth out the ferro rod but also throw sparks (as you did in the demonstration) to start a fire? And if you have no striker or 90 degree spine knife edge, could the file be used? Great videos. Great resourcefulness. Which ONE tool on a multi-tool has the most different kinds of uses? Please think about doing a video which lists and briefly demonstrates all of the uses of each tool in a multi-tool. Thanks!

[@KENFEDOR22]

Paul, I've used the file on my multitool but found that it removed almost too much material from the ferro rod. Back of a knife is ideal for me; more accessible, less material loss.

[@markfcoble]

Thanks! From former Penn Cove guy.

[@TheOwenValentine]

Awesome Training 👍🏽

[@ScientistPrepper]

Great video. Real helpful. And lots of different ideas. My goal is lighting the nest on 2 strikes max.

[@andrexxxuk]

I think the biggest problem I have with any of these fero rod/magnesium type of firestarters, is that if you are prepping to take all of this stuff with you, just take a storm lighter/jet lighter, and it will light anything in pretty much any weather conditions.it’s not as though a ferro rod is traditional like a Flint and steel - it is a very modern man-made item. So just use a gas lighter.

[@Alex_Rosefur]

My pocket knife spine strikes my ferro rod without opening it and I wouldn't be caught dead without my pocket knife and rod 🗡️🪄🔥 Real useful tips dude thanks!

[@bobphelan4822]

I never knew there was an Institute of Badassery Certification. 😉 Where do I apply?

[@williamkeating893]

Great tips

[@carvedwood1953]

I really like a fatwood handle on a ferro rod but the duct tape has so many more uses.

[@andrewwolfe8742]

Emergency fire starter? It's my go to and matches are my emergency! Lol just kidding. It takes skill. Good job man. I like the duct tape idea I'm gonna use it.

[@Francois_Dupont]

i carry firesteel+matches+bic lighter in winter i also carry a peanut lighter (like a zippo but very small) i also have a wax compressed wood block in my backpack and some petroleum jelly cotton balls. you want to have the most options possible. i almost froze to death more than once in the past and its -30C+ in the winter here, you wont even get tru the night in normal winter clothing without a fire.

[@kocyszemaitis2310]

Can one use the can opener and other holes embedded into the striker for starting fires? What are their other uses other than the obvious? Cheers.

[@robwalls6057]

I have been an avid outdoorsman for 40 years in many different states and countries and I was also in the military for 20 years. Yes you should take a Ferro rod with you, but as a backup. My primary fire starter has and always will be a good quality lighter. I always take at least two with me and keep them in either a water proof bag or container. I have never had any issues starting a fire whatsoever in any type of weather conditions. It blows my mind why people would rather use a Ferro rod over a lighter. Seriously, is there some unwritten rule to use a lighter or is it simply not the cool guy thing to use?

[@JoeMama-vj8es]

I believe he and we all really just believe that you need to adept at using the firesteel and that skill comes with practice ergo utilize your firesteel.

[@angelus_solus]

I carry a 1/2x6 inch rod and use the flint striker from my flint and steel kit as the scraper. I also use it as much as I can, even starting my wood stove. Btw, the "blade" you mention is the edge, which is part of the blade. Sorry but it really irritates me when people use that term wrong.

[@johnfarmer4099]

My tip would be that if you don't have the strength to make a spark with the ferro rod, stay home, you're not going to make it in the woods.

[@rossmckee2709]

Great tips, and I thought there's no way I don't know everything. I was wrong..

[@fjb4932]

Ross McKee, A fool knows everything. A wise man knows little ...

[@cowboykelly6590]

@@fjb4932 ; And A "FJ B" knows much. 🤠🖖

[@wjf213]

Good video. I remove all but one inner strands of the 550, and use it to pull like 5 loops of waxed micro jute twine through it. I end up with about 6 feet of waxed jute with a 15 inch length of 550, and when tied off, it makes around a 6 inch looped lanyard. I do this to boot laces as well. In one lace I put waxed jute and the other I get around 40 feet of 30 pound test braided fishing line, and a couple split shot on each end of the lace, and duct tape a few #8 hooks under the eyelets. I've just found that a few short strands of 550 guts to be all but pointless really. Keep up the great work.

[@ryanlaseter7626]

We all need that "Certified Badass" title how does I get me one of those 😂

[@randysmith6493]

Was the Gorilla Tape? you keep saying Duct Tape? So I will take your word on Duct Tape, I’ll try both. Good video .

[@Sam-gf1eb]

Question: Why would anyone carry a ferro rod without a knife or multitool?

[@fjb4932]

Duct tape. Picking at the end of the tape to peel it away from the roll shows a lack of planning. Fold the end of the duct tape over unto itself about 1/4". This leaves a tab to pull up next time. Proper prior planning ...

[@buckybarnes5241]

Awesome video

[@whathappenedwas7083]

Dan has anyone told you, that you have an intense stare? Lol 😆 as always great information ty

[@klounpound6945]

You know he's seen some shit.

[@Thatsmisteroldguytou]

What is uco? I thought Dan was with Coalcrackerbuschcraft?

[@carvedwood1953]

So what the hell is UCO? Is this a spinoff of Coalcracker or something different entirely?

[@jackmaverick5481]

Here is a way to prolong the life of your ferro rod by only striking it one time every time. Take your tinder box of charred dry grass and strike the ferro rod over those charred grasses and you will get more than enough embers to get your fire started by holding some dry glasses on those embers and blowing.

[@redfaux74]

How many channels do you have? Great video.

[@duydangdroid]

one channel. the rest are stolen

[@trimbaker1893]

Right on Dan, very nice.

[@dwaynerobertson383]

That last 'tip' - enjoy it - that's my favourite. Although you might not be in a life threatening situation all of the time, that ferro rod is capable of saving your life ALL OF THE TIME. Take care of 'em, keep 'em properly secured and stored/stowed at all times, have plenty of 'em (redundancy is a good thing here)...and enjoy 'em! Play with it! These things are simply enjoyable to use, and they are invaluable. I keep one in the glovebox of the car and truck, and 2 or 3 in my bushcraft gear, for no particular reason. I can not think of a more reliable means of constantly producing fire, literally, in seconds. When/if every other method fails these never do.

[@terrybest8973]

thats right george you are corect lol lol good video bud lol

[@poly-wogbushcraft8643]

U left out that some rocks u can break and then u can use a sharp edge to strike the rod an glass.if u were to lose ur striker.

[@leonardnunez4596]

Does it matter a half inch stretcher or 1/8 striker Is the size of the striker makes a

[@gooberdooberwunderb]

Does anybody have any suggestions for a very soft midsize ferro?

[@AverageReviewsYT]

As far as scraping a guy on KZbin (I can link it) showed that a harder rod won’t work that well with scraping. It tries to burn.

[@kamuelalee]

Certified badass?! Wow...then next up, Grizzly bear rasslin' or Dan versus Ursus arctos horribilis

[@chrisiman2406]

"Certified badass" ?? Is he a Navy SEAL, Army Ranger, Force Recon or MARSOC, Air Force Combat Controller or Para rescue, SAS, ?? Just gotta put that out there. But hey.... Nice video. 👍

[@xderiwx]

Anyone know what kind of pry bar he's using as a striker here?

[@charlesschrader2988]

Dan what knife are you using sir, thank you. Love your tips an just subscribed.

[@cowboykelly6590]

He's Not going to answer you. I notice he's lazy in that Department.