How To Use A Fire Piston

The fire piston is a very unique and effective device for making fire. This clever fire starter uses the rapid compression of air to create an internal temperature of over 500 degrees... hot enough to easily ignite char cloth, as well as certain natural materials found in-the-field. As with any fire-starting method, practice and knowledge of basic fire making principles are recommended prior to use. All-in-all, the fire piston is a great alternate, backup, or even primary means to get a fire going.
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*Closed*
Courtesy of our friends over at Campfirepiston.com, we will be giving away one of these awesome fire pistons. To enter simply leave a comment as usual and then include a line at the end that says "Count me in". I'll randomly select a winner in a couple of weeks and get one of these fire piston packages out to someone. Thanks for playin' along ;-)
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You can check out these awesome fire pistons by visiting:
www.campfirepiston.com/
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Copyright 2013 -- IntenseAngler Outdoors -- All Rights Reserved

[@kylew.7740]

All you comment section scientists need to calm the hell down. The man demonstrates proper use and functionality of this tool. Clearly and plainly, I might add. Excellent video. I didn't know how to use this tool prior to viewing this and it will work regardless of knowing the science behind it. Thank you, sir.

[@IntenseAngler]

Kyle W. You're more than welcome brother. Appreciate you taking the time to watch and comment. Glad to hear the video helped out by the way :) ATB -John

[@christopherterry5235]

I wasn't gonna say anything until I saw this (6 mo old post) as the "friction" thing isn't relevant to the functionality. But, now having been called out, as a "sciency" person I have to represent. It's nit-picking, but there is a reason. What happens in that cylinder in the split second that it takes to operate it is a slew of physical processes, of which friction is the most minor. It's almost like magic. Basically, the pressure increase when he hits it is causing massive adiabatic heating by concentrating the normal kinetic energy in what was the ambient air at the start, into a volume at least 2 orders of magnitude smaller by the end of compression. That elegant little device can be used as an example to introduce a 1hour lecture in subjects like general physics, meteorology, aerospace, rocketry, planetary science, yada, yada, yada. What happens in that cylinder is also responsible for thunderstorms and why you can by dry ice at the grocery. So cut the science folks a little slack. That said - yeah, I cam here to learn how to operate it properly - and I did. Awesome video. Might subscribe (not that he needs it). I wasn't looking for advanced physics. And actually - I think 500 degrees might be an understatement. Anyways - no slight intended, just an explanation.

[@patrickblack9374]

It’s important to know why things work the way they do! It’s the immense pressure of the air that causes the heat, not friction. Actually a similar process to the hydrogen burning in the sun!

[@zapazap]

We are calm. One can calmly critique.

[@whiskeybeardoutdoors6568]

Awesome video

[@ewokvn]

I learned a long time ago to save the dryer lint for tinder, it is lightweight and very flammable. Will add a fire piston to my shtf list.

[@newjargon1697]

Dryer lint is excellent for lighting a fire. I got a comment when I posted something similar. It read something to the effect of, "If you are drying cotton clothes then it'll work". I responded to the comment that I dry mostly cotton, polyester, and wool in my machine. It burns real well.

[@rockhopper3694]

Thanks for the idea. I have plenty of that lol. Now to learn to make charcloth.

[@Gyarren]

My brother wants me to order one of these on Amazon for him, so I decided to check out this video because the concept intrigued me. I was not disappointed. What a neat little thing! Also, the video was very good. You said everything in plain English, gave simple, easy-to-follow instructions, and demonstrated what you were doing. That's the right way to make a video! I know next to nothing about woods survival, but I think even I could probably use a fire piston properly now, thanks to this video!

[@santamuri]

I actually had not heard of a fire piston until today. I'm glad I subscribed! Count me in good sir!

[@waveman0]

in my experience (I have 2 different types of store bought fire pistons, one being a second gen with pressure release valve at the base) the fire piston is too hit and miss to rely on for sure fire out in the bush. They are also very gimmicky, though as you note very cool. I would recommend that any one using a fire piston only rely on them for base camp fire building. I often had problems with the ember being dislodged into the piston after the compression stroke, resulting in the loss of the ember before I had time to retrieve it. One last point, I always transferred the ember from the piston onto a large piece of char cloth, then put that piece of char cloth into my birds nest, gave better and more reliable results. Over all a ferro rod gives far more reliable results, but the idea of making fire from compression is still fascinating.

[@popcornshiner3937]

Agreed ferro and char cloth is the safest method for survival.

[@Makermook]

Sounds like your problem is user error.

[@ckeilah]

What about two sticks?

[@waveman0]

@@ckeilah have you ever tried friction fire? It sucks. I prefer percussion fire-making.

[@MNixon130]

It's getting heat from pressure, following ideal gas law, not friction.

[@Psycosmurf43]

When air is compressed sufficiently, molecules are pushed against each other, creating friction. How do you think it creates heat? From friction.

[@MNixon130]

It is true that the molecules are pushed against each other more often and that is what is creating the thermal energy, but it is not via friction. In fact, we don't discuss friction in a quantum (in this case approaching it by kinetic theory) because it doesn't have meaning the same way you are considering. You can consider the collisions between particles completely elastic and the higher amount of collisions in a more tightly packed area imparts a higher kinetic energy on each particle. Thus the temperature rises. KE=(3/2)NkT for the system.

[@TheDEADBEEFCAFE]

+Psychosmurf43 What Matt said. It's the same concept that allows refrigerators and air conditioners to cool via expanding gas, just in reverse. PV=nRT

[@unknownkw]

Also the increased air pressure also causes oxygen to become highly reactive, that greatly reduces the ignition temperature required. In fact with enough oxygen pressure even a piece of wood can spontaneously combust at room temperature.

[@Community-Action]

It's how Diesel engines work. It's all in the pressure

[@AltairDhauglu]

Now this is what I call Connection! Just today I was wondering how a fire piston works, and you come out of nothing with this guide! You're awesome John, you never let us down. Count me in!

[@toml.8210]

This is high school physics stuff put to practical use.( the combined gas law)

[@jasonallenwise]

I bought one of these yesterday and saw on the manufacturers website a link to this video. The fire piston really is this simple to use and now has a place in my kit. If only they made a brass or copper one...

[@i.rickets5359]

Hi John, awesome video. I didn’t even know this tool exists. Thank you for sharing. When the smoke appeared, right before the flames I could almost smell it.

[@TheCrazyCanuck420]

Thanks for posting this. I keep seeing these on Amazon and wanted to see this in action before trying it myself.

[@IntenseAngler]

You're more than welcome my friend. Yeah, they're pretty cool (and effective)... definitely worth trying out for sure. Love to hear how you like it if you decide to pick one up. Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment by the way... it's very much appreciated.

[@dougmpage]

Your videos helped me and my son on our first trip to Algonquin Park last month! Thanks for all the videos. Count me in!

[@MarvinCZ]

Thank you, it was a very nice demonstration. Most of all I appreciate how you made a point of holding the ember for a while and showing how long it keeps hot. It was much longer than I would have expected. I would be the person rushing things from fear of the ember getting cold.

[@IntenseAngler]

You're more than welcome. I'm very glad that you enjoyed the demonstration my friend. I hear you about how easy it is to want to rush things along (definitely been there myself more than once). Patience is certainly a virtue when it comes to getting a fire going using this method, that's for sure. Thank you for taking the time to watch and comment by the way... it's very much appreciated.

[@rockhopper3694]

Thank you for a quick simple instructions on using the fire piston. Mine came without instructions. You were to the point and clear on how to use. Others can take a lesson from you on making videos. Thank you again.

[@IntenseAngler]

You're more than welcome my friend. I'm really glad to hear that you found this video helpful. Thank you very much for taking the time to watch, as well as for your generous comment... it truly means a lot to me. Best.....

[@JasonPalenske]

Good to see you back making videos, yours have been some of my favorites. Count me in and looking forward to the next one.

[@IntenseAngler]

Thanks Brother. I'm with ya... always enjoy practicing different methods of fire making.

[@googleisshittoss]

You not only come out with some great stuff...you're a genuinely nice guy too!

[@jenniferasbury7564]

Great video. I really appreciate the clear and concise description and demonstration. It is very helpful. Thank you.

[@IntenseAngler]

You're more than welcome Jennifer. I'm very happy to hear that you found this helpful. I truly appreciate you taking the time to watch and leaving such a generous comment... it really means a lot.

[@gilbertstal167]

great video I remember making these in the scouts out of wood a 3/8 drill bit and 3/8 wood dowel rod drill in to piece of wood put a o ring on the dowel rod and carve a little hole for your char cloth and you are ready brings back memories Thanks John

[@dcordry]

Excellent demonstration, Jon! Thanks for sharing this with us. Count me in, brother!

[@sylvainlegrand5449]

Merci mon ami. I never used that device to light a fire. I have to try. But you've lighten up my curiosity. If not to late "Count me in".

[@WrathRuin]

nice bit of kit there mate, and the addition of the charcloth makes it even better.count me in dude

[@scotts5993]

John, Thanks for taking the time to put together these informative and entertaining videos!

[@alanbacklund2813]

That's an awesome method. Keeping some char cloth stored in the same pocket or bag where you keep the fire piston will ensure you've always got a quick method to get a fire going. Love your videos! Come me in!!

[@nbntech]

Been tearing through your videos ever since I found your channel a couple days ago - it's awesome! Count me in!

[@daileyd01]

Another great fire starting method with a nice looking tool. Count me in.

[@auburnw7136]

Thanks for all the videos! Count me in!

[@ronnieelenez]

Very cool video, thanks for continuing with all the great videos. I was actually researching how to make a diy fire piston. Count me in!

[@tjgorla]

Fire pistons are cool will either make one or purchase one soon. another quality tip of the week my brother keep them coming.

[@mattywollaston3996]

Great video mate, very well presented and highly informative. Can't go wrong.

[@kevanstarr3313]

Great device, I've never heard of them before, I'll be sure to keep my eyes peeled! Count me in!

[@RealitySurvival]

Great instruction! Good stuff. Thanks!

[@BansheeFifteen]

It's quite remarkable how the fire piston works. I'm going to try to make one of these. Thanks for the video.

[@IntenseAngler]

You're very welcome my friend. I couldn't agree with you more... it certainly is remarkable how these things work. That's awesome that you're going to try to make one of these by the way! You'll definitely have to let me know how it turns out man. Thanks for watching and commenting... it's much appreciated.

[@grundywarsire8352]

Awesome video . I'll be trying these fire pistons out.

[@AlbertKopp]

Awesome video John! I haven't tried using any fire pistons yet. I'm gonna have to check this out. Thanks. Count me in!

[@KNFX787]

Great demonstration on the use of the fire piston! "Count me in"

[@broakris]

I love all of your reviews and advice thanks so much man. Keep it going! Count me in.

[@joshuagoodson8549]

That was really cool. I have been wanting one for a long time. COUNT ME IN!!!

[@StumpGreenwoodSC]

These look nice ! Never tried a fire piston before, but have always wanted to try one. Count me in !

[@kristopherbroadbent8542]

Dude I love how in the video it looks like your hands are in the fire. All your vids are awesome. Count me in

[@HS1airsoftteam]

I never realized until now that my grandfather used to hand make these things when I was around 7, never really thought much of it until now. Count me in!

[@JungJingymay2010]

Very clear presentation.

[@eduardoribeiro2222]

Certainly something I needed to see during this quarentine, no jokes 10/10

[@brixafterdark]

Thanks for another great video John! The fire piston is a really cool gadget and I would love to have one. Count me in!

[@BiskitBakinBob]

Really good demo. Looks like a really neat tool for starting a fire. Count me in.

[@IntenseAngler]

Thanks. Glad the demo was helpful :)

[@jwc449]

Why does every youtube host insist on talking 80 percent of the time and showing 20 percent of the time? Tip: If you want to be an effective host, don't blab for 4 minutes before showing us anything.

[@outdoorzgyrlmuffinlynne8660]

I've been watching your videos and i just wanted to thank you n kado lol for all you do. I have learned so much its crazy. We hike and camp a lot and your tips really help us pack lighter and gave us knowledge on a lot of things we didnt know. So we thank you john and keep up the great work!! :-)

[@justinolfart5431]

great video.my grandson and i were just talking about fire pistons a few days ago and how they work. thanks for the great videos. oh and count us in. sorry "Count me in"

[@brislover]

I love tools that are pretty and functional! Count me in!

[@nickmanzella88]

Really fascinating. Thanks for the post.

[@gregr501]

Man that's sweet, I've got to get one of those. Thanks for sharing.

[@toddlax7053]

thats an awesome fire starting technique!

[@zipperman11]

Great job again. Fire pistons are one of the coolest ways to start a fire. Here is a tip, that is not my original idea but it works. Put some char-cloth in your bundle and just touch to coal to it because the coal is most likely to go out when you try to get it out of the piston. Then its a lot easier to get a fire going. Thanks again. btw "Count me in"

[@Skullgamingroup]

John you caught me off guard. You didn't say of course in your introduction. Keep these videos up. Super helpful!

[@CavemanCody]

Ive always wanted a fire piston. havnt been able to, looks fun to use. hoping to get one in the future.

[@lookinggrl]

As usual, informative information. Keep 'um coming and "count me in." Thanks

[@PrNickJones]

Have always wanted one of these. Great video! Count me in!

[@murbugs]

You make it look so easy! Count me in.

[@JeremiahBess]

I'd take this method over bow drills any day! Except on days when I don't have char cloth with me. And days when I forgot my fire piston at home. And days when I want to impress family and friends with primitive fire methods. Actually, I haven't even done a bow drill fire yet. So the fire piston looks to be the method for me, because I can still impress family and friends! Count me in!

[@paramedickeith]

Incredible how those work. Great video as always. Count me in!

[@neingrafact]

Thanks for the AWESOME video, I can't wait to try this for myself. Count Me In!!

[@aaaachurch]

Love the fire piston method it is so cool, COUNT ME IN!!

[@galleryofrogues]

Very cool! Never heard of this thing before today.

[@frogman4468]

Nice video. Thanks for posting

[@ToddDragonflyHikerBeal]

Always wanted one of them. Great demo. Count me in.

[@Knightsabre75]

Nice demo! Count me in!

[@outdoorsman1652]

i have been watching your vids for a long time. count me in! KEEP IT UP!!

[@enjoisk8900]

What a creative way to start a fire! Count me in.

[@Stevetaylor099]

Seen these used with a piece of bracket fungus....produces a great ember. Thanks for sharing

[@dracobushcraft3523]

Good to see you doing more videos. Count me in.

[@marmadukegrimwig]

Great film. Concise and to the point.

[@IntenseAngler]

Thank you so much Chris. I'm glad to hear that you enjoyed it. I really appreciate you taking the time to watch and comment by the way... it means a lot.

[@TheKeithbudz]

I have always seen fire Pistons but I've never actually seen one used that's pretty cool!

[@Kolby9241]

Amazing video! I like using a flint if I don't have a lighter but a fire piston will last a long time!

[@jermlac]

Great intro to the fire piston! Count me in.

[@Ijkjkjkjk]

Love the video John, Count me in.

[@BLBfive]

Awesome!! Count me in!

[@jeffsweet5631]

Fine job once again, never heard of this method until your post, thanks. Oh and please count me in!

[@GrizzlyOutdoorAdventures]

Thank you for sharing, my friend

[@GreenBeret1903]

Probably gonna make one of these at work tomorrow after warching this, working in a machine shop has its benefits

[@IntenseAngler]

Right on brother. I would love to make one of these with my own two hands (unfortunately no machine shop though, haha). You'll have to let me know how yours turns out if ya get a chance. Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment by the way... it's much appreciated.

[@AussieJok]

nice Video John..First time That I've Seen a Fire Piston...Count Me In.

[@jmmcgeachy85]

I've seen this method a few times, a few diy videos. Thanks for your opinion on it, count me in.

[@kc329191]

Never heard of these before. Great add for my EDC bag! COUNT ME IN!

[@tripplewhipper]

Nice video! Will definetally have to pick one up soon

[@HikingBassFisherman]

That's the coolest thing I've ever seen you can count me in!

[@jackkolb737]

Nice looking, cool and easy to use, Count me in!

[@joellenmccord73]

I always learn such neat things from your videos. Please count me in.

[@ALSAFINA11]

You have great products in the last two clips!.

[@tardedZnerfZgun]

Love your videos.

[@syrianization]

Interesting contraption. Definitely count me in.

[@inquisitivewolf]

Great demo. Count me in.

[@cory940]

I just got mine toady in the mail and I followed the instructions and 2nd try I had a nice ember haha Absolutely love it!! Thanks!!

[@IntenseAngler]

Right on! Glad to hear that it's working well for ya Cory! Appreciate you taking the time to watch and comment by the way... means a lot!

[@ryanf2245]

I save dryer lint and put it in little glass jars. I bought two of these to go in our survival buckets. Perfect combo!

[@cory940]

@@ryanf2245 That's a Great idea! Never thought of lint but will definitely pack some and try it out Thanks!

[@flbushcraftlife7125]

So cool and a great price!

[@RcFlyer49]

I love these things. COUNT ME IN!

[@MrYERMAMMY]

That was pretty beast right there, you can definetly Count me in!

[@rebeccacrague4432]

this is a great technique to have in your arsenal of firemaking!! " COUNT ME IN"

[@newportnick19]

Really enjoy the videos. Keep them coming! As for the fire piston, I am partial to my Bic lighter as well, but would like to give one of these a try. Count me in!

[@knightingalesaid]

Nice!! A Ferro rod or flint steel and char cloth are my favorite.

[@IntenseAngler]

Thanks brother! I hear ya there... a good ol' fashion flint and steel along with some char cloth sure is a tough combo to beat 👍 Really appreciate ya taking the time to watch and comment by the way... means a lot man.

[@jgbsweeper7325]

Thanks for another great vid. Count me in!

[@safeguardsurvival6346]

Thank you for the helpful demo! :)

[@IntenseAngler]

You're more than welcome my friend! I'm really glad to hear that you found it helpful :) Thank you for taking the time to watch and comment by the way... it's very much appreciated!

[@MYTHIC901]

Awesome vid