Fix Bumps on a Ferro Rod: Emergency Fire Techniques

[@mrhalfstep]

Dan, it seems to me that, for those that carry a section of file as a flint striker anyway, they could use it as a pretty effective ferro rod striker as well. That was really throwin' down some sparks and would probably ignite most tender right away AND maintain a round smooth surface on the rod. The whole "two birds" thing.

[@ronmenges6825]

Exactly what I was thinking John Mony. ( As I think of where I put that broken file I knew I'd find a use for someday).

[@swingbelly]

Yah, why waste the sparks in smoothing out the rod. Good solution.

[@causticbase2034]

It might take more material off the rod than the spine of your knife. Plus a knife has multiple uses out in the bush, but a file is less versatile. So, if you're concerned about weight, take the knife leave the file.

[@mrhalfstep]

@@causticbase2034 I guess you overlooked the part where I said some people carry a piece of file to use as a striker for flint and steel. REAL flint and steel, not ferro rod and steel. For those people, since they have the section of file anyway and have already accounted for its weight, why not use it with a ferro rod instead of your knife spine? It certainly seems to throw more sparks. Of course I'm not suggesting that you leave behind the knife and just take a file. That'd be crazy. How did you interpret my comment that way?

[@Stryker176]

I have rods 10 years old. No issues. Thanks for putting this out to the newbies This is important for those with less experience. A 6 inch by 1/2 inch rod should last you for MANY YEARS.

[@jerebigler7520]

wOW! After seeing all the sparks created by the file, I'm tempted to put one in my kit to use as a scraper. I can see leaning the rod just like you had it and showering sparks directly down to the tinder. Can't wait to try it. Thanks for the tip too.

[@badmatt4162]

thought the exact same thing! Small file is going in my kit!

[@msongy4947]

I’ve had good success smoothing out a ferro rod with emery cloth as well.

[@YankeeWoodcraft]

Used properly, one only needs the last 1" of their ferro rod to ignite a tinder bundle. Long multiple strikes on a ferro rod are the results of using marginal tinder. A quick flick of the rod still sends enough sparks to get a fire going. Also, too many guys using the spines of knives which are tempered at 1700° when ferro rods are expelling 3X that heat. Do the math...what happens? The knife's spine gets deformed and rounds off which is what causes the skipping effect leading to the ridges. A good striker mitigates that. The back of any Leatherman's saw blade, the back of a $2 Home Depot utility scissors disassembled (for 2 strikers), Silky saw spines...all outstanding strikers that are much harder than knives and that don't cause ridges. Cheap too.

[@GLEN1061]

At last someone who fully understands! It's the tinder quality that is the important bit, any Ferro Rod of any dimension will do the job if the tinder good to go!

[@YankeeWoodcraft]

@@GLEN1061 Absolutely.

[@rhino5419]

Hi. I am new to your channel and have only watched a few videos so far but i would like to say that i like the way you share your (large) knowledge, simply and with humour. Thank you. All the best.

[@klausheisler5014]

Belt grinder is WAY more fun. I only get ridges with cheaper & presumably softer ferro rods. Never had an issue with light my fire & exotac rods, exotac is probably my favorite. They cost more but it's worth it imo.....

[@GUARDIAN.13]

Your a lifesaver brother. My favorite outdoor KZbinr

[@MasterYoist]

Oh man, I thought this was a commercial at first. Nice humor at the beginning. And as usual, your tips are spot-on.

[@doc650adventures]

Excellent info! I have also used a file to true up my ferro rod. I was surprised how many sparks were flying the first time I used it. Great info as always! Cheers!

[@YsterbergZA]

Thanks Dan, talking about quality, the only rod I can get in South Africa is the one from Coghlan's which seems not to be very good quality. But it works a. Did take but of damage in about a year. I will try the way you recommend.

[@earlshaner4441]

Good afternoon from Syracuse NY USA brother and thank you for sharing your adventures and equipment testing

[@TheWtfnonamez]

Top tip... think "knife sharpening". One of the first videos I watched about knife sharpening impressed upon me that using all areas of the stone equally is the most important part of your technique. If you always apply pressure in certain spots (the middle), the sharpening stone will wear away unevenly, and the more your stone becomes "not flat", the faster your knife will become "not sharp". It basically creates dead spots.... and you can either reflatten your stones every time, or learn to use the whole stones area in order to do that process LESS. This was a thought process that applies to a lot of different tools and situations: spreading the load maximises the life span of the item, focusing the load can make one area fail long before the rest of the item has worn out. Its just like moving furniture around periodically so it doesnt wreck your carpet.... I think with ferro rods its always good too be mindful of how you use them, and try and "front load" the wear, so they naturally get worn slightly more at the front than the back. Especially since once that dip is created, the geometry will naturally make itself worse and worse. I hope that made sense. Great video as always.

[@catoosa9395]

Buy a uberleben striker and don't worry about it again. Loved your video on wax and lighter fluid starters. Thanks.

[@cunninglinguist9853]

You're hilarious. But you're also extremely knowledgeable. This isn't the first video of yours that I have added to one of my folders labeled "How To". Thank you.

[@stevenholland8167]

You have funny introductions...makes me laugh...but I enjoy the tutorial videos...keep 'em coming, Coalcracker Bushcraft 👍🏻

[@JoeCool-mj1so]

Looks good. Doing this now.

[@johnduffy6546]

TOTALLY loved the intro! As far as fire starting goes, i almost said something totally inappropriate

[@tm5aw357]

Excellent video

[@Alex-uc2zp]

Love that intro

[@creatamax16]

Just what i was after nice one!! Subscribed!.

[@jeffhussey6049]

Put your rod in your drill driver , wrap some coarse sandpaper around it and run your driver slowly… I understand in camp you might not have a drill driver but at home it’s easier than filing it. I will be buying a small file to include in my bushcraft kit! Thanks for the tip!

[@tikkidaddy]

If you have an 18 V drill in your trunk etc, you can whittle out a fire board and "spindle " to chuck up in the drill and build the FASTEST "BOW 😆 drill ember" you've ever seen in your life man!😂😂

[@hikermichael9443]

FINALLY SOMEONE KNOWS! THANK YOU

[@quinntheeskimooutdoors6234]

Thanks Dan, I do have one rod wth speed bumps😮 this will help

[@randyyeager]

Seems like using a file for a striker might be a great idea. A file like that is big, but useful for a ton of stuff in the woods, like filing chips and rolls out of a knife edge before sharpening, sharpening an axe, cleaning up bushcraft projects like cups and spoons, and now, striking your ferro rod...

[@randyyeager]

@ginaparker-langley but what does this have to do with what I said? Anyway, I call bs on your buck knife chopping a bolt in half. The steel buck uses would get messed up trying to cut any steel.

[@kalstreksandtrails7606]

Learn something new everyday. Awesome video my friend

[@sarahangel3439]

Thanks Dan 😊

[@TalonsKrafts]

Coalcracker Financial Services, I love it!😂

[@pnyarrow]

Hi Dan. Really great - thanks for sharing. Stay safe. ATB. Nigel

[@jasonz7788]

Awesome video thank you

[@linklesstennessee2078]

Good information Dan

[@michaelmaier7262]

I never thought of using the file on a multitool as a striker AND a smoother! Thanks!

[@joycedimaggio3816]

Thanks for the tips

[@skougi]

reminds me of the same sort of thing I see on dirt roads from folks driving at jinky speeds. I wonder if they're related at all. thanks for posting.

[@Flashahol]

No one ever mentioned a file for a striker, but that's a great concentrated bunch of sparks for wet tinder right there!!!

[@james76gore48]

Another great video. Thanks.

[@cillaloves2fish688]

Thanks Dan!

[@lewistaylor228]

Now that was a great video! Short very informative and educational! Those quickies are good too!

[@williefick]

Great intro.

[@jessicaleighdargaclark4536]

That was beautiful!

[@backwoodstrails]

Great information - Does this technique work the same for both left handed and right handed ferro rods? :)

[@charlessalmond7076]

Two part video. I think he's releasing lefty rods tomorrow. 🙉🙈🙊

[@johnbaldwin143]

Love that initial 'tongue in cheek' humour. Just like Brit humour but from across the pond!

[@ryanblystone5153]

Thank you

[@davidchang7500]

Fixing bumps on Ferro Rods is easier on which type? Hexagonal or round? With regards to fixing this issue, a round one is better to get?

[@markpoore3260]

Sand paper or Emory cloth works good also

[@GLEN1061]

It's the tinder quality that is the important bit, any Ferro Rod of any dimension will do the job if the tinder is good to go!

[@markphillips5724]

100 grit sand paper works really good too.

[@TrekSquad]

lol Love the intro! I may have to borrow some of those lines if that okay with you?

[@michalurbanful]

Another great tip!!!

[@brianbartulis9709]

Are those Eric X rods? I don't know how many 6" x 1/2" have holes drilled, but near my only..except the smaller Orange two piece Strike Force (SF) that has a built in striker as my first. The SF doesn't have any speed bumps, but its design (built in striker) near makes one to grip tight/strike hard..full length. ~ My Eric X...ahem; As in many of videos, folks are using back of their knives for sparks, so I did too. (good 90° back) That side of the Eric' has speed bumps from knife use...and fook dat, I tired of cleaning that flash cwap off the knife. ~ ~ So I began using the file edge in my '94 Leatherman PST vs knife blades...in/of which the Eric' is smooth on down. Methinks using my pocket folder on the Eric', I tended to sneak up on the sparking not wanting to loosen up my knife...that I created them bumps. With the old PST Leatherman file and the SF design it was No Holds Barred. Blah blah, sorry so long here; Actually the back of my quite old Fiskars 6" saw does spark well. (as I learn) Its an old saw where the blade retracts, and only have to slide out as much blade needed. 1.5" is plenty to bear down on/long handle. lol, P.S. Ya made me cringe somewhat laying the file in snow.

[@Bayan1905]

Or perhaps an alternate title to this video "When your Ferro Rod gets Peyronie's disease."

[@horatiodreamt]

Good vid.

[@mvblitzyo]

Looks like a big file works best for a easy start fire haha just kidding thanks for so many excellent how to videos

[@robmarshallofficial]

Thanks for this video. I couldn’t find mine for last year for camping and was looking at buying another, however a lot on Amazon and eBay were Chinese rubbish which had nothing but bad ratings. We have some outdoor shops but most are so expensive and not knowing which to get in regard to quality, I didn’t want to buy without knowing. Maybe you could do a video on these and what makes a good one and a bad one and have some from different places to show what they are like. Also do you ship to the U.K. on your items?

[@orbayladin]

Hello Dan. T6Zero coyote brown out of stock ... is it possible pruduce coyote brown again...? I want to buy one..

[@jjm6187]

Mine looked like roadside rumble strips after trying to use it the first time. Thanks!

[@canuck7268]

Can do the same thing with an old sharpening stone that's worn down uneven over the years. Alot more likely to have that with you in the woods than a file.

[@4StonesHandcraft]

Yes, yes, yes, and yes.

[@allenleach9371]

What's a good brand for ferro rod

[@Jason-xq5xx]

Love the opening scene!!! Coal cracker financial services lmao... I've only bought 4... So far.

[@erolkavlakverizon6112]

Thanks for this info

[@choppertcp1045]

Get you a mill bastard that will fix the rod! Thanks for sharing Dan.

[@sophiaannelizabeth]

Thanks!

[@freddyoutdoors]

Ace tip thanks dude

[@catalinobrocea1101]

Hi! Why to waste magnesium? It works fine with those "bumps" too.. just to correct its shape by scrapping it on tinder before making the ignition spark

[@TokinWhiteKid]

Great idea. Might prematurely wear out your file this way though with the heat generated by the sparks at the tips of the file's ridges. Might want to use an old worn-out file for this

[@notquiteultralight1701]

Hey Dan. It’s good to see another awesome instructional vid from you. The teaching that you do here and on site at your property makes me think about the lives that have been lost here in New England due to folks being ill-informed and severely unprepared. Very sad. Most states have a gun safety course that you have to take if you want to proceed with your hunting hobby. It seems like a hiker safety course with a license at the end of it, could help. I can’t help but think that would be helpful in minimizing the casualties here in New England from exposure. I’m not saying the ultralighters have to roll with a coalcracker canvas tarp and a woolie but I feel like people need a little heads up about what one should expect when you leave the car. You can get hypothermia in the middle of the summer up in the white mtns let alone hiking around up there in the winter. Dan, thank you again for everything that you give this community!! Its very appreciated and God please be with those families who lost love ones this winter.

[@torchofkck4989]

Would never ReDress rod... Just for sake of ReDressing. I would in fact, Use my 6" long single cut bastard file that I pack [ as a multi-tool (auger, sharper, & dressed edge - steel for flint)] ... in placement of normal striker for the rod... if I were to be concerned enough. It's just way too much material to waste, just to have a comfortable scrape. But, Thanks for addressing the viewer's question & thanks for sharing.

[@torchofkck4989]

Note: If you do come to a point where you feel it necessary to ReDress your rod... May I suggest that you not only do as I already suggested, But... hold it by the handle (if it has one) as you usually do & just work the surface flat, after that work on one outer edge at a 45° & the other edge is trued up. Afterwards, if needed, you can easily use whatever striking tool you want. I just never suggest using anything with saw blade type of teeth that leaves gouges. My two cents... Not expecting any returns. Y'all have a blessed day.

[@magicworldbyjorg]

[@loneoaksurvival]

Lol loved the joke in the beginning and good info

[@keiththompson2289]

My question is this - what would it hurt if it does have speed bumps? Won't it still throw sparks? And with smooth operation, won't they wear out with use? (OK- that was more than one question)

[@marcm4268]

Ferro rod patina?

[@i_am_a_freespirit]

🤓🤣😂🤣🤓love the Humor, thank you so much...

[@seamus6387]

I'm guessing he wanted to go shopping and the wife said "it's fine, do whatever you want..." LoL

[@Feuerspray31]

Do the speedbumps actually hurt functionality? I have a few jacked up rods that still strike.

[@way2kul4any1]

If they got deep enough, your striker could catch a deep spot and break the rod at that spot.

[@YankeeWoodcraft]

What are you using as a striker? You can smooth them out with an aggressive striker like a saw blade and salvage the rod.

[@Feuerspray31]

@@YankeeWoodcraft I use whatever I have handy. I have dedicated strikers, saw and knife spines, and even one of those Corona sharpeners. My favorite so far is the back of a multitool saw.

[@adamgrimes820]

What are your go to rods?

[@Flockingtheherd]

Wow after watching this. Leatherman multi tool file + ferro rod = best way to start a fire

[@jimjasinski4861]

Lol Selling gear from your front yard, impressive 👏

[@olbaid84]

If you want to speed up the process, you can stick an end in the chuck of a drill, just be careful on how aggressive you get.

[@Thatsmisteroldguytou]

Well, he IS OUTDOORS, WITH NO DRILL. DANG DUDE!

[@olbaid84]

@@Thatsmisteroldguytou lol, was more of a suggestion for folks at home

[@shreksburgers]

how do i fix without a nail file? mine looks like one of those trees a beaver chewed through halfway before leaving it still standing. i ruined it with bad technique (i also used the curved blade of the knife and pumped too much)

[@gralfca]

Just bring the file to the field! Look at all those nice sparks! It's doing a better job than my knife 😀

[@14ederan]

The problem is if you spare the rod you may spoil the child. Just saying.

[@Feuerspray31]

No doubt about it.

[@Thatsmisteroldguytou]

This isn't about that. It's about ruining your ferro rod.

[@14ederan]

@@Thatsmisteroldguytou What can I say? My mind works in mysterious ways that even I don’t understand at times.

[@ryanwalker1825]

What's that mean I really interested

[@backpackerofearth330]

Ahhh good old V For Vendetta quotes. Disgusting fingermen.

[@randy-9842]

Haven't noticed any speed bumps, yet, but I'm new to Ferro Rods. Are there "good" ferro rods and "bad" ferro rods? How do we recognize the latter if/when we buy a new one? I do have one of yours and I also have an old one that I "lost" and just re-found (no idea who made it).

[@YankeeWoodcraft]

They pretty much all come from China or Austria. The $5 eBay ones are the best (softer, more molten ferrocerium dispersed for less striking).

[@randy-9842]

@@YankeeWoodcraft thanks!

[@nubsandhoney0913]

Just curious, I'm an arm amputee and was wondering, what do you think the best way to use a ferro rod 1 handed would be?

[@stevenmeinecke795]

Kneel on your striker and then pull your rod with your good arm.

[@nobiivey432]

Maybe try the Exotac nanoSpark. I think it might be very tinder dependent tho.

[@bradfarrahgerwing154]

Yup the exotek one handed strikers are about your only option I can think of as well....lots of cotton with vaseline for tinder

[@yetanotheaverageguy]

You could chat and chuck it up in a drill and then file. It'll give a more concentric shape to the cylinder. Obviously, not great for the bush.

[@woodknotts6050]

LOVE the Intro ..... LOL

[@christiandoeman4599]

Appreciate it😌

[@stevenmeinecke795]

Those speed bumps suck. If you are in a place much and don’t have access to a file. Turn your rod over and try again. 👍

[@TxHornyToad]

What I see are pits forming rather than ridges. Especially if the ferro rod is left in a loop on a knife sheath.

[@souzanewsvideos5239]

Show gostei

[@josephnebeker7976]

From now on I'll be using a file with my ferro rod to start fire. More efficient spark thrower, and fix my rod at the same time I'm using it.

[@jcwoods2311]

Maybe use a small flat bastard to strike the Pharoah See Reeum Rod instead of the back of a knife? Sure seemed like a whole lotta more sparks were flyin' right there. Mo' sparks, keep it smooth and round.

[@NickFrom1228]

Hmm, I would be tempted to clamp the file to something and chuck up the rod in a drill and smooth it up real nice.

[@BeSeeP]

I’ve had this happen when the spine needs to be sharpened back to 90 degrees. Or maybe it was a coincidence.

[@YankeeWoodcraft]

No, that's exactly it. Knife spines are too soft and deform with the heat from the sparks. That causes the ridges.

[@Brandon-0028]

Those "Speed Bumps" are more likely to occur when you are using the Ferro in a deluge or heavy rain or if it is extremely wet. It's not only technique.. .. it is physics.

[@johneaton3839]

Dan I would like to file bankruptcy for the second time and my wife is pretty ok with you but she is definitely done with me again I only have 17 ferro rods is it ok to have 18 ? I’m new to this living outdoors well actually it’s my backyard but she is mad anyway thank you for the great content and I’m sure she might let me back in from the Boston whackos ps she really liked QandA just saying

[@KeepEvery1Guessing]

It looks to me as though a file is a great striker.

[@billg7101]

👍

[@Fresh-uc9vb]

want to see you do it on a grinder. Woohoo!

[@tonythetourist2025]

Always Carry a file and start a fire while correcting the shape of you rod, as well as sharpen your tools.