How to make long lasting DIY Fire Plugs! + DIY Fire Plugs VS Bigfoot Bush Craft Fire Starters!

[@kuzinit2374]

I use individual wrapped alcohol wipes , tiny, stackable and light , you just open , unfold , crumple up and light , they last about 4 minutes , plus you can use them for first aid , hobo bath , cleaning equipment and a dozen other uses

[@lanemerrill]

alot of medical salves are petroleum based and combined with gauze make a good fire starter as well

[@Namugaseum]

That’s an excellent idea, thanks for sharing!

[@iramkjr76]

Alcohol wipes are great and have so many uses I always kept so on hand . But use a lot of one purpose items first so r these plus are great .

[@YouTuber-mc2el]

I have made a bunch of these at a multitude of varying recipes. The one I came up with that I think is Blue Ribbon quality is this: Empty toilet paper rolls filled with any combustible material you like. (sawdust, lint, wood pellets etc.). Then fill with wax/parrafin lamp oil(10%). Now you have a fire starter that you can cut to a desired length to provide the burntime you need. I've found a 5/8" thick slice will burn about 6-7 mins depending on combustibles used.

[@tomkilty3192]

In boy scouts we were to use a tapered candle, cut in 1-2 inch pieces and wrap it in waxed paper and twist the ends so it looked like a piece of candy. They worked in rain and snow. Forget how long they burned but cheap an easy, until my mom couldn’t find her dinner candles😮😂😂

[@DisisI_M_6514]

A tip - I usuallt treat the cotton rolls by bundling them with a rubber band, melting the mixture in a wide pan and set the bundle for 20-30 sec, then turn the bundle upside down and let it sit till the rolls are fully treated. Once done, put on a baking sheet and remove the rubber band, spread them out to dry. Speeds up the process enormously doing it in batches of 50 rolls at a time. I don't use quite the same mixture you do since I like mine a little softer.

[@OutdoorMike]

I like that. It would definitely speed up the process! Thanks for sharing this!

[@bradjones914]

What's your mix that makes them a bit softer?

[@DisisI_M_6514]

@@bradjones914 Been trying different mixes for years, and still no final solution. Currently I'm using 2 parts Stearin wax, 1 part Coconut oil, 1 part Vaseline. Vaseline burns slightly more intensely than the wax, but also adds some soot to the smoke, can be replaced with Coconut oil to get rif of the soot but will burn less slightly intensely. The downside to dental rolls, compared to cotton rounds, is that you need to work the fibres loose a bit more to ensure a good flame from the start. Burn time is strangely about the same, despite the rolls only absorbing about half as much mixture as the rounds, my guess is this is due to a gentler burning - which still should suffice for just about anything but soaked wood.

[@smsgtbulldog]

Thanks I’ll have to try that mix

[@dennisleighton2812]

@@DisisI_M_6514 There is a very simple solution. Use cotton make-up remover pads instead, but no prior prep needed. When you want to make a fire, take out one pad and add a little blob of Covid style hand sanitiser GEL and rub it in. Ignite with a ferro-rod or lighter (even if empty!). Then ignite some fine kindling and build the fire as usual. The old KISS principle applies. [Keep It Simple Stupid! ] Cheers mate.

[@jerichojoe307]

Absolutely love it. I've even called out firebeard for the overpricing of their stuff. Here's the specs on their pirate's plunder kit. They say that they use all-natural wax and oil blend. Cool not hard to find. But here's what is in their kit. *4-five and a half inch long, 1 inch diameter firesticks. Comprised of roughly thirty three strands of twisted cotton rope. They claimed an 8-minute burn time per strand. And it isn't even 2 ft worth of rope *1 USB rechargeable Arc lighter *1- 5 inch long by half-inch ferrocerium rod with striker and paracord lanyard. *1 carry pouch They charge $120 retail for this😮 When I called them out they said that they would send me either a kit for free or venmo me that $120 if I could put a kit together for less......... HOLD MY BEER 🤣🤣🤣🤣 *I was able to find a nearly identical cotton rope to the one that they use with even more strands and tighter twisting meaning more material for .89¢per foot😂 multiply that by 4 to give the equivalent of the amount of sticks they have in their kit and you have$3.56 for the rope. And it would take roughly a half a package of the same wax you used in this video to imbue that rope with wax. So add roughly another $1.70 for a total of $5.26 for the firesticks. And you would have a full 2 ft of it. The oil I used was coconut oil which not only give a longer burn time but also a very pleasant aroma. Used about a dollar worth of that. *USB C rechargeable waterproof Arc lighter I was able to find one$7 it also comes with flashlight capability and an emergency whistle *Half inch by 6 inch ferrocerium rod with striker and paracord handle I was able to obtain for $5 *And I actually found the same exact carry case that they use (unbranded) standard, on Temu for $1.29 and identical water-resistant one $1.59. So I was able to put together a BETTER kit for $19.85 LESS THAN$20!!!!!! I've been putting together fire starting kits for a long time. And continue to keep telling my friends to stop wasting their money on companies that prey on your ignorance for a profit. Pretty much any organic fiber dipped or soaked in wax, will get you one heck of a firestarter. I even make my own wax wood which is comparable to fatwood in a pinch. Glad to see somebody else willing to show people how to do it instead of trying to profit from their ignorance. Kudos to you.

[@OutdoorMike]

Thanks! That is awesome that you did that as well with the rope! I read the back of the big foot bush craft bag and it says that it uses a special fuel for longer burn time. Well, apparently, gulf wax and peanut oil works better. LOL. Thanks for the info on the rope and for the view. Catch you down the line!

[@johnsmithfakename8422]

For someone willing to put in the R&D and manpower to make it themselves, it is a scam. For those that are willing to spend a few bucks to have someone else do the work, the value is for them to decide. I would rather spend the R&D and Manpower to make it myself. This is stupidly easy to make and it does not take long. The Dental cotton does most of the work.

[@rolandatc9197]

Hey @jerichojoe307 did redbeard come thru and send you a kit like they said?!?!

[@MyHouseOnTheMoon]

So did you get the $120???

[@Namugaseum]

@@MyHouseOnTheMoonI’d love to know this as well. Did they keep their promise and send another kit or refund the $120?

[@c.e.benson3263]

Thank you! This is something I can teach my daughter. God bless! Christina🙏

[@OutdoorMike]

Glad you liked it! Thanks for watching!

[@dorian3260]

I use corn chips. A couple of Doritos in the kindling and they work great.

[@mondob2867]

Excellent informative video. You are showing folks how to DIY it and at a much better price point! I love learning something new and it happens just about everyday watching KZbin. Thanks!

[@OutdoorMike]

Glad you liked it! Thanks for watching!

[@JimMesser-s6m]

Another advantage of the crayons, color coding. If the white ones have a different burn time, you'll know which one that is by the color used. Perfect for testing new batches, made with different ingredients.

[@genemullen6962]

Almost order the commercial product till I saw your video...ordered the swabs and everything else I had. Thank you!!!

[@OutdoorMike]

Glad it helped! Thanks for watching!

[@dirkkrex5303]

This was a great tip! I made some today and added a couple tablespoons of lamp oil into the wax when it was fully melted. I got a 6 minute burn time, and great wind resistance. Thank you!

[@OutdoorMike]

So happy to hear that you found it helpful! Thanks for watching!

[@WayneTheSeine]

Awesome. I have made the makeup pad type and they work quite well too. Using my knife tip I pick open a spot in the middle. They certainly don't have the burn time yours do. As big as they are you could cut them in half and double your stash. I cannot imagine not getting a sustainable fire out of a 1/2. As you stated, if you can't get a fire with these you need to work on you fire lay skills. I will definately get busy making some of these. I will try cutting some in half and leaving some whole. I subbed.

[@OutdoorMike]

Thank you! So glad to hear that you found it helpful! I absolutely love these. My kids even have no trouble at all starting a fire with them. Thanks for Joining the Outdoor Mike family!

[@michaelsupple6081]

I used those same makeup pads dipped in straight wax with my wood burning stove when I hiked the Appalachian trail. I was actually able to get my fires started with 1/4 of one pad. That's a HUGE return on your investment as they are super cheap. They also take up less room. I'm not sure how the vegetable oil enhances the process but I would like to know. Mine were no mess at all. You could literally carry them in your pocket uncovered if you wanted to. Way better than Vaseline balls imho.

[@ronaldgoodrich5460]

Buy candles at good will for your wax. Also garage sales.

[@OutdoorMike]

Thanks for the tip! Thanks for watching!

[@Wideranger]

Well doesn't that put things in perspective! Thanks. Definitely going to give this a shot.

[@OutdoorMike]

Happy to help. Thanks for watching!

[@ramblinjay3816]

Nice! I didn't realize it would be that easy to make them. I bought some blackbeard ones just to try some out while camping. I'm probably gonna start making my own soon. Thanks for the video!

[@OutdoorMike]

No problem. Thanks for watching.

[@johnsmithfakename8422]

I made my own using straight gulf wax. Next time I make my own I am going to add some mineral oil to compare the two. I use a small and cheap cake pan as my wax melting container. I found that if I leave the dental cotton in a shallow pool of wax, the capillary action will soak up the wax just as good if it was submerged. I also let the wax sit for around a minute to improve the chances of complete saturation. When it comes to cotton and wax, this is my favorite fire starter. It is easy to make and easy to light.

[@williamyeske737]

What oil to wax ratio did you use? I heard you say about 1/4 cup of oil, but didn’t hear hiw much wax.

[@OutdoorMike]

I used one bar of wax. It's about a quarter pound.

[@linmarie4252]

Wonderful video! Thank you! I'm a 75 year old widow. I can make these for emergencies. So informative. So appreciated!

[@chrissewell1608]

I heard you say, you added some cooking oil into the melted wax. Have you ever tried melting petroleum jelly and mixing it in with wax? Or even soaking the sticks in petroleum jelly, partially drying them, then dipping them in wax? Napalm sticks! How about using a tampoon? That might give you 30 minutes worth of burn time!

[@OutdoorMike]

I have not tried that. Good ideas though.

[@CasperLabuschagne]

Cotton balls covered in petroleum jelly (vaseline) and stored in a jar though empty pill bottles work well for a compact storage option. The wax + vegetable oil options are something I will experiment with. Don't underestimate crumpled news paper balls as a potent kindling.

[@karebearzzz]

First video of yours that I’ve watched. Subbed at the end because WELL F’n done!!

[@OutdoorMike]

@karebearzzz Thank you! Glad you enjoyed the video and welcome to the Outdoor Mike family!

[@WilliamBowden-u7n]

That’s real smart. Thanks for the advice on how to make the fire stick s

[@OutdoorMike]

No problem. Thanks for watching!

[@aarontownsend3999]

Thanks for the vid! I'm going to try making some this week.

[@OutdoorMike]

Glad you liked it! Thanks for watching!

[@aarontownsend3999]

@@OutdoorMike I was thinking about adding Paraffin oil to the wax should I soak them in the oil first then in the wax or combine the two together?

[@OutdoorMike]

@aarontownsend3999 I would combine them first. So you get a mix of both. I have never worked with paraphin oil though. So not sure about its flash temperature. Probably do it outside away from any structures just to be safe.

[@aarontownsend3999]

@@OutdoorMike...thanks man. I'm going to start with a quarter cup first and see how it works out. I'll keep you posted.

[@bobbarker5884]

Thanks!!

[@josephhuston7590]

The original did burn hotter at the start. I would prefer that over another minute of burn time. Still a good video. There are almost unlimited ways to improve fire starters with the combos we can come up with today.

[@kennethanway7979]

I love the turtle trivet!

[@michaelmeyers4950]

Great video mike. Now that I think about it it's actually genious to use the ones from the dentist. Brilliant idea!

[@DadCanCook]

Bigfoot started out hotter but also extinguished quicker., outdoor Mike's the winner.🎉

[@iVyiVy1593]

Cheese puffs are great too😂! Thanks for the wax info! A guy said he orders his from Amazon. I’d rather pick it up at Walmart and not wait. Might I dare say tampons (cotton, $1.25 at Dollar Tree) work the same way as a quick last minute thing😅!

[@magnuspitruzelli]

Using crayons actually helps because they are really flammable as well.

[@OutdoorMike]

Yeah they actually work great as an emergency candle! Thanks for watching!

[@rickchollett]

You can also use dryer lint instead of the cotton rolls.

[@chrissewell1608]

True, but why? Other than it being free, and easily in bulk. You'd have to control the mess, pack it, and shape it. So its really no comparison to these baby tampoons.

[@rickchollett]

@@chrissewell1608 well, I'm retired so I have quite a bit of time.

[@kenbetterman7910]

They work great.

[@OutdoorMike]

Glad you like them!

[@kenbetterman7910]

@@OutdoorMike you don’t realize how much money you are saving people

[@stratman103]

Awesome idea. Thank you for sharing that.

[@OutdoorMike]

Glad you liked it! Thanks for watching!

[@QuantumMechanic_88]

Thanks for your very interesting method . All the best.

[@inahuffman6999]

I just made some out of nose bleed plugs by mistake. Dont know if it will work but I look forward to trying.

[@OutdoorMike]

Should work pretty much the same.

[@michaelsupple6081]

Curious as to why the oil. I've used various cotton pads/balls with straight up wax and had excellent results. Does the oil make it messy at all? Straight wax is not messy at all. I've actually carried them uncovered in my packet on day trips. Thanks for sharing.

[@OutdoorMike]

It is not messy at all just helps with longer burn time. Thanks for watching!

[@johnterrance3075]

@@OutdoorMike Thank you for taking the time to answer Michael's question. I was wondering the same thing as well (about the purpose of the oil).

[@stevejones9905]

Road flare burns for around 15 minutes. Burn temperature around (1450 °C, 2650 °F) cost around $8 plus comes with a way to ignite.

[@SteveAdal-u1w]

Lovely Sir great video❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@ChrisvilleUSA]

Thanks

[@OutdoorMike]

Thanks for watching! Glad you liked it!

[@mitchpeterson5426]

Thanks for doing this!

[@richjoebushcraft]

I love the crayon idea! I hadn't thought of that for my firestarters. I gave a subscribe 👍

[@OutdoorMike]

Thanks! Glad you liked the idea and thanks for the sub!

[@JinKee]

Crayons also make a great snack.

[@Ker-f4o]

@@JinKee Thank you for your service.

[@LiterOfFarva]

@@Ker-f4o 🤣

[@AlanMacLeod-q5i]

Great video, thanks Mike

[@mike1261]

My fire starters aren't as refined but they're cheap and effective. I mix sawdust with melted candle wax from old used candles and spoon it into paper egg cartons. All the materials are reclaimed and free. They burn for ten to twelve minutes and cost only the propane fuel to melt the wax.

[@pedroclaro7822]

Awesome idea, using dental cotton pads! Looks neat, they stack nicely, and you can easily make them in a batch. Plus you can use old cooking oil, or even car engine oil? Better than just dumping it

[@vanjosh7763]

Does Cannola oil work good too? I'm kind of avoiding coconut oil since my homemade ones tend to attract ants and might eat the fire starters if I'll use it.

[@OutdoorMike]

Canola oil works just fine.

[@vanjosh7763]

@@OutdoorMike Thanks! Gonna make thise since lighter fluid is just too expensive lol.

[@bombardier3qtrlbpsi]

Works great. Thanks for sharing 👍

[@OutdoorMike]

Glas you liked it! Thanks for watching!

[@johnterrance3075]

Bit of an odd question, but I was wondering if I would be able to use my dogs (shed) fur, as one of the ingredients in my firestarter. I currently use wood chips, a couple of pellets and dryer lint, topped off with paraffin wax (to prolong the burn). But my dog sheds a lot, and I usually end up throwing that fur out. I was just wondering if there was any better use for that fur.

[@OutdoorMike]

Not thatI know of. I have never used it for that. I have heard of people making yarn out of really fluffy dog fur though.

[@salvationknight]

I used pure wax with mine, i ised braided cotton rolls. They got really hard its dificult to get the fibers but they burn for 7 and a half minutes

[@OutdoorMike]

That's a good burn time at least. Thanks for watching.

[@screenname6829]

That's not bad at all. Definitely easier to pack than soda can sized rolls of cardboard soaked in wax. Works basically the same though

[@BingWatcher]

A great idea and a great video! I have a lot of cotton balls, so would I be able to use them to make fire starters with your same ingrediants? Thank You

[@OutdoorMike]

Thank you I am glad you liked the video. I don't see why it wouldn't work. I don't know that they would burn as long, as the plugs are more compact but they should burn just fine.

[@BingWatcher]

@@OutdoorMike Great 👍 thank you. I had not considered that the fire plugs are smaller than cotton balls yet are more compact and dense.

[@stevejones9905]

great job

[@YaboiBillyBob]

I am so doing this! Thank you! Question: How do you store these? I’m thinking an altoid tin for backpacking, but maybe something bigger for camping.

[@OutdoorMike]

I keep them in an old lunch meat container at home and I just put some in a small snack zip lock bag in my pack when I go out. Altoid box would work great though

[@marlind.odermatt8108]

Good video and I like the crayon trick. In snow it would be hard to find a white plug. In blowing snow probably impossible.

[@OutdoorMike]

Glad to hear your feedback! Thanks for watching!

[@gardy90]

What type of oil are you using?

[@OutdoorMike]

@@gardy90 peanut oil

[@NellaBartolaiDrexler-dc1xn]

Thank you

[@skyhigh12345678]

What kind and how much oil did you use?

[@OutdoorMike]

@@skyhigh12345678 I used peanut oil. About a 1/4 cup.

[@Jack-klawon]

Great vid man definitely going to have to try this out!

[@OutdoorMike]

Glad you liked it. Thanks for watching!

[@robertwagner2079]

Try saving the lint from the dryer and soaking balls with paraffin, as needed peel back a bit of the lint and light. As a poor camper in a backpack I used this for a decade.

[@OutdoorMike]

I like that method as well. Thanks!

[@carolinasunfarms8562]

Great video

[@OutdoorMike]

Thank you! Thanks for watching!

[@mauriceupp9381]

Find your red crayons would make them easier to see when you dropped them when you were trying to like the thing in the dark and all you got to match or something to give you light

[@T-Bonebubba]

Which one Burns hotter

[@OutdoorMike]

No idea.

[@bretfaulkner]

awesome.God bless.

[@darylkaufman9142]

Great video 👍❤️💪

[@OutdoorMike]

Thank you. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@jerryodom7358]

Years ago when I did camping and fishing I used solid closed cell styrofoam soaked in gasoline for a minute or so, mashed and well saturated (doesn’t take much), take clump out, let sit for a minute or just put in a glass jar with hole in lid to carry…when your ready to use it take out a small putty piece, placed on and under wood, wet or dry, stays lit wind or rain…. Smother it out with can or something to put it out…when putting out fire….

[@brucesurrett2015]

Like to see some one fire plugs with wax and sterno mixed

[@DunnickFayuro]

I have the intuition that adding some sugar would further increase the burn time. It wouldn't probably matter much because like you said, if your fire isn't going after 2 minutes, there's a problem elsewhere...

[@rhiannonneubet4768]

When I get I use leftover candle wax with sent it because I just wanted to see how I do that was just my and I just use cotton rounds and leftover wax out of my candle wex warm canand then let them dry on wax paper instead aluminum foil

[@OutdoorMike]

Thanks for watching!

[@byroncudworth6918]

That's fantastic, i was worried about lighting my new woodburning stove as the commercial firelighters are pricey for the quantity. Thanks for the pro tip mate 😁

[@OutdoorMike]

No problem! Glad you found this useful. Thanks for watching!

[@Freeman-Dl70]

Split up some kindling, place it in a pile, and start that. Then place gradually bigger logs onto thefire.

[@Next72Hours]

Very cool thanks for sharing... do they work straight away? How long would you leave them to set or dry first before using them?

[@OutdoorMike]

As soon as the wax dries/cools they are good to go!

[@Next72Hours]

thanks does the wax make a difference ie beeswax's and soy over paraffin wax? And the type of oil? I have made some with a mix of the above two waxes and olive oil but find them very solid and hard to take the spark, but burn time of 8 to 9 mins out of them? what would you recommend if you wanted more natural wax? @@OutdoorMike

[@OutdoorMike]

@Next72Hours I haven't tried it with any other types of wax so I really can't say what would work best.

[@Gator-357]

Adding mineral spirits, naptha or charcoal lighter fluid, will help them ignite a bit easier

[@WayneTheSeine]

They were one strike as they were.

[@travisburt1317]

Great idea

[@OutdoorMike]

Thanks!

[@OmegaPaladin144]

Really interesting stuff. I wonder how it might work with mineral oil, as I fairly often get surplus mineral oil at work, Probably about as well as petroleum jelly, since they are roughly similar. Have you checked to see if they can handle being in a hot car or similar situation?

[@OutdoorMike]

I haven't tried that yet. I live in Az though and out back on my shop it gets pretty hot and the have held up good out there so far.

[@johnsmithfakename8422]

I think mineral oil is more energy dense than cooking oil. If I was to hazard a guess using the same ratios, you might get a difference of at most 15 seconds. It is not a lot but at that point it comes down to cost.

[@Danielxperez14]

Awesome video! Instead of oil would lighter fluid work better? I would imagine it would be a better flame?

[@OutdoorMike]

It would probably work. However, lighter fluid evaporates very quickly where oil does not.

[@Danielxperez14]

@@OutdoorMike okay thanks! I’m going to just stick to your method, thanks again!

[@cheryl4860]

Not related, but where'd ya get the turtle trivet?

[@OutdoorMike]

If I remember right, it was a gift. So, no idea where we got it.

[@jamesadams8572]

Thanks great video and work!!!

[@Limicola1]

I notice when you break them open it is easy to get fluffy cotton that will ignite with a ferro rod. Is that because the wax/oil mixture has not fully penetrated?

[@OutdoorMike]

No. It has the wax oil mixture all the way through the cotton roll. They are just compressed, so when you break them apart, they just fluff up a bit.

[@Limicola1]

@@OutdoorMike Interesting. Thanks.

[@Limicola1]

@@OutdoorMike I just made up a batch of these and they work like a charm. Thanks! I've always used cotton balls soaked in melted vaseline. My trick with those is when I pull them out of the melted vaseline, I squeeze each one in a garlic press to get rid of the excess vaseline. Then they fluff up and can be lit with a ferro rod. You can store a bunch of these in a film canister (yes, a real film canister :) ). You can also cut them in half or 1/4 and store them in small pill containers or in a straw. But I do like your starters a lot. I can only get 6 in a film canister though. The container for those little flat first aid kits they sell at checkout counters works great for storing these fire starters. I can fit 27 perfectly into one. How are these starters in the summer heat? Do they melt and stick together? Thanks again!

[@OutdoorMike]

@@Limicola1 I have not had any issues with them melting in the summer heat.

[@KOOLlE]

How do they feel compared to the bushcraft commercial ones? Are they similar in texture and firmness? Could you tell them apart from feel alone?

[@OutdoorMike]

They are about the same in firmness as well as texture. If you shut you eyes you wouldn't be able to tell the difference.

[@KOOLlE]

@@OutdoorMike that’s awesome. Would vegetable oil or coconut oil burn just as long? We can’t have peanut oil due to sufferers. Maybe try different oils to see how they compare? This vid earned a sub.

[@OutdoorMike]

I am sure Vegetable oil will have about the same burn time. Will have to try the coconut oil though.

[@robertmiller9142]

I like this idea but where do you find the plugs?

[@OutdoorMike]

They are on Amazon. I added a link in the description below that takes you right to them.

[@philipdove6987]

What is Gulf wax? is there an equivalent product in the UK?

[@OutdoorMike]

It is the wax that is used in canning. It is in the same isle as your jars, pectin and other canning products. It is on Amazon. In the link below

[@HuskyTommo]

Brilliant! Thankyou.

[@DadCanCook]

The only problem is that in extreme heat like here in the Midwest they tend to melt and become one clump of wax.good idea for milder weather 🌡️ or lower

[@OutdoorMike]

I am I'm Az and keep some in a bag in my truck. Even in the summer none of them melted together so far.

[@Movement-l6l]

What oil did you use?

[@OutdoorMike]

@@Movement-l6l peanut oil.

[@Movement-l6l]

@@OutdoorMike thank you! Gonna give this a try!

[@OutdoorMike]

@crerar01 No problem. I use them all the time. I also cut them in half and just use the smaller pieces so I get even more fire starters out of them.

[@Movement-l6l]

Hey thank you for this awesome video I want it to report back! I got a chance to do these today and they worked out to about 7 to 8 minutes of burn time in the wind. I do have a question I couldn't find peanut oil so I use regular vegetable oil do you think that makes a difference? I use the crayon the same way but I did not get the consistency like you did or the coloring how did you get that to do that with the crayons ? ​@@OutdoorMike

[@OutdoorMike]

@crerar01 I think as long as you use some sort of vegetable oil, your burn time will average about the same. I use peanut oil because I keep my oil from deep frying turkey and re-ues it for other applications like this. As far as the crayon goes, I just put about a half inch to an inch long piece in with the mix for color. It's not a necessary step, but I like to do the colors more for fun. I also did it in the video so it was clear that I was showing the two different versions store bought vs homemade. Hope this helps. Glad you enjoyed the video! Is there anything else in this realm of videos that you would like to see me do?

[@tommywenz2368]

Just wondering what type of oil did u use 🤔

[@OutdoorMike]

I used Peanut oil.

[@tommywenz2368]

@@OutdoorMike thank u

[@billyscgp]

COOL THANKS I WONDER HOW CIGERET BUTTS WOULD DO THEY ARE MORE DENCE BUT FLUFF UP ?

[@OutdoorMike]

I wouldn't use used cigarette butts for this. The chance of the nicotine leaching out could make it toxic.

[@David-hy9ni]

Cool brother THANK!!!!!!!

[@daleweller5193]

How did you make them , duuu !

[@walterstewart4581]

Nice! Good stuff!!👍

[@OutdoorMike]

Thanks! Thank you for watching!

[@stancetv2005]

You scored big time on the gulf wax. It’s about $15/lb now. I checked Walmart and Amazon.

[@OutdoorMike]

Wow didn't know it jumped up so much. Check out ACE hardware as well. They carry canning supplies and you can use their coupons to get it for less.

[@stancetv2005]

Good thinking. Just checked, $5.99 there so heading there now. Thanks!@@OutdoorMike

[@johnsmithfakename8422]

I checked amazon, in bulk it gets a lot cheaper. 10 pounds for under $40.

[@christopherharrell32]

I just ordered the 1 lb box of Gulf wax on Amazon and it was $12.00

[@Gator-357]

If you use the cotton facial pads that you can get 100 for $1.25 at the dollar tree, you càn have 300 for $3. I save and reuse the wax from my wife's wax melts, add some lighter fluid and dip the cotton pads in it and have fire starters that light easily and burn for 4 or 5min for about a penny apiece.

[@OutdoorMike]

Thanks for the tips. Thanks for watching!

[@c.e.benson3263]

I wonder if it's worth it to get a box of tampons from the Dollar store and cut them after they have been dipped and dried.......or would the thickness be overkill? 🤔 Trying to think inexpensive and out of the box

[@c.e.benson3263]

Love the facial pad idea

[@adambugno1701]

What would happen if you only used wax and no oil?

[@OutdoorMike]

It would still work but I don't believe your burn time would be as good. I also feel like it makes them a little more pliable when it's time to use them. I may just have to try a head to head though and see.

[@adambugno1701]

@@OutdoorMike Would be very interested to see!

[@michaelsupple6081]

I've used straight wax on makeup pads and they work great. I am usually able to get a fire started with 1/4 of one pad although they are so cheap I'd say splurge and use half! :)

[@travisburt1317]

what oil are you using

[@OutdoorMike]

Peanut oil.

[@equipyourselflifeskills5802]

What type of oil did you add? Lamp, corn, vegetable, etc? You failed to specify or I missed it….

[@equipyourselflifeskills5802]

Got it, you said it in the supplies needed. I subbed to help you get started.

[@OutdoorMike]

Haha I was replying and then saw your follow up comment. Yes vegetables oil. I have tried a few kinds and peanut oil seems to get the best burn time. I use my old fryer oil from deep frying turkeys at Thanksgiving. Thank you for the Sub! I will do my best to keep putting out quality videos.

[@americanveteran4986]

No mention of the type of oil in the beginning

[@OutdoorMike]

It was peanut oil.

[@americanveteran4986]

@@OutdoorMike ok I'm one person you informed edit video with text overlay

[@OutdoorMike]

At approximately 56 seconds I say use Vegetable oil what ever you have on hand and then at approximately 4:10 in the video I say that I used peanut oil.

[@ronaldgoodrich5460]

Try tallow.

[@Movement-l6l]

Anyone try beeswax instead of gulf wax? Curious to longer burn time since they burn longer already?

[@OutdoorMike]

@@Movement-l6l I will give it a try and let you know. ... maybe a head to head video to see which one is better!

[@Movement-l6l]

​@OutdoorMike I guess I could post a video of me doing it because I'm getting 7/8 minutes easy and up to 9 Minutes doing the exact same method that you have done. Any guess on why I can't get the color consistency?

[@OutdoorMike]

@@Movement-l6l what color are you trying to use?

[@Movement-l6l]

Red and orange. I'll upload a video tomorrow. I'm getting close to 9 minute's steady.​@OutdoorMike

[@Movement-l6l]

​@OutdoorMike, if you check later today, I will upload my video. 8.5 minutes. Thank you!

[@hmooblor3994]

Nice!!! Just subscribed 😎 been using regular cotton pads but will definitely buy those cotton rolls for testing

[@OutdoorMike]

Thanks for Joining the OutdoorMike family! I am really happy with these cotton rolls as fire starters. Thanks for watching.

[@equipyourselflifeskills5802]

Got it, you said it in the very beginning during the supplies needed. I subbed to get you moving along….. Thanks.

[@facts1752]

Does it have to be peanut oil?

[@OutdoorMike]

No. That was just what I used.

[@facts1752]

@@OutdoorMike thank you

[@abefroman5191]

Throw a little boric acid in there instead of crayons. You'll have green flames.

[@AirtacPh8839]

What kind of oil do you use sir?

[@OutdoorMike]

Peanut oil. I save the oil from frying turkey every year and reuse it. Thanks for watching!

[@AverageJoeTrueNorth]

Hello sir and greetings from canada. Is it ok to use candle wax for this project. Do you have a recipe I could use. Thank you for the video. Have an awesome weekend sir. 😊👋🏻👍🏻🇨🇦🔥🔥🔥

[@OutdoorMike]

I have not tried it with candle wax. I used the gulf wax because it melts fairly easy and it was something cheap that most anyone could get. I don't see why candle wax won't work though. People make candles out of gulf wax so yeah give it a shot. The video is my recipe. I don't really have anything other than that.

[@AverageJoeTrueNorth]

@@OutdoorMike thank you mike. Ill just add some cooking oil to it. Might be a while before my dental cotton rolls show up from ali exspress. I got 100 for 4 dollars free shipping. Ill give you a shout out on the video when I make it.. Have a good one. 😊👋🏻👍🏻🇨🇦🔥🔥🔥

[@OutdoorMike]

@@AverageJoeTrueNorth thanks! Hope it all works out well for you!

[@johnsmithfakename8422]

I do not see any issue with candle wax, as long as it is not spoiled/rancid. There are 3 types of waxes for candles and such. Soy wax, Paraffin Wax, and beeswax. Paraffin wax and Beeswax is said to be able to last a long time, while soy wax can go bad in as little as 2 years (this is from bad storage). Most candle wax on the market is Soy Wax because it is cheap to make and relatively safe.

[@Wideranger]

Candle wax works just fine. I use remnants and melt them down without any lighter fluid or oil but have been using flat cotton discs stolen from the wife and daughter! I get 6 mins burn time from each one but I would like to try the cotton rolls as they can be stored in small tins more easily. Nice to see how different folk have been making their own versions of these commercial products. Love it when the underdog comes up with a homemade method that works better!

[@sureshgunarathna1565]

gulf wax somthing like what ? is that like glue?

[@OutdoorMike]

Gulf wax is found in either the canning or baking section of the grocery store or you can order it online. It's a paraffin like wax. Used a lot of the time to seal jars when canning food.

[@sureshgunarathna1565]

@@OutdoorMike thanks I got it☺

[@johnsmithfakename8422]

Gulf wax is Paraffin wax, and it is intended to be used in canning. People have put new uses to it.

[@JK-zl7vv]

I have used this same process, but used cat tails instead of the cotton dental pads, and the cat tails burnt for 1 hour each, try cat tails and film that process, let me know what you think 🤠👍😁

[@OutdoorMike]

I would love too. However cat tails are hard to come by out here in the desert 🏜. If I happen across some I'll give it a try.