Mastering Fire: Essential Ferro Rod Techniques

Knowing how to quickly start a fire in a survival situation could save your life. In this bushcraft survival video I'll go over some techniques for getting the most our of a ferro rod. I often get comments from people who wonder why I even bother carrying a ferro rod, claiming that a Bic lighter is far superior. Truth is, I do carry a lighter. But I also always have a ferro rod in my pack because, whereas a lighter can break, run out of fuel, or get clogged with dirt or lent, a ferro rod will work under any conditions, even when soaking wet. So even if you carry a lighter, I'd recommend having a ferro rod as a backup in any survival kit or emergency bag. This video will give you some tips and tricks for using one to start a fire in any conditions.
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[@haroldbleemel8537]

Clay, I don't know why you don't have over a million subscribers. You know what you're talking about and prove it by living/practicing it. Too many spew their ideas without ever putting them into practice. Keep up the great videos!

[@clayhayeshunter]

I appreciate that

[@Silentbet1of]

Bc only few men exist that want to learn and become self sufficient like him or you

[@Valorius]

Because it takes years and years to get noticed build momentum and then build a huge subscriber base. I'm growing at 10% plus per month and it's still going to take me 5 years to get to that number

[@JPMerolla001]

For some reason i can not create a comment. But i wanted to say.. i think a big misconception with ferrocirium rods. Is due to them condstantly being called "flint sticks" wich implys a completly different method of use. Flint is struck with steel. A ferro rod can create soarks from anytthing sharp scraping particles off.

[@Silentbet1of]

@@Valorius hey man I have some questions about the channel is it worth making a KZbin channel of my now making process i have seen your videos you kinda touch a bit of everything

[@DROP_BEARZ]

It's midnight and raining here in Australia and I'm just about to go and light a fire at my camp and brew up some hot chocolate. I'll have to use my Ferro rod to start it now.

[@theblarghofgurr2083]

back to basics vids are refreshing

[@danielsondavidf]

Best comprehensive demonstration I’ve seen on fire starting.

[@3AlarmBushcraft]

Great video. I have watched thousands of bushcraft videos, and there is such a difference from watching a less experienced and skilled youtuber and a well seasoned one that lives it. The confidence comes across the camera. Well done brother.

[@clayhayeshunter]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@ColdHarborOP]

There's almost nothing better than good quality dirt time out in nature with your lady and/or your little ones. Your wife seems like a very special woman based upon what you mentioned about her in your book and how much interest she takes in those things that are important to you. Thanks for the great video, it was insightful as always.

[@chtapodi73]

This makes me giggle so much today... yesterday I tried lightning my brasero with a rod for the 1st time... with dampish tinder... watching this, I understand I wasn't generating enough sparks quick enough... I had a real hard time and at one stage said outloud "I'm certainly no frikkin Clay Hayes at this!"... so your video is very timely, thank you.

[@clayhayeshunter]

Just takes a little practice!

[@chtapodi73]

@@clayhayeshunter yup... the 'wringing' of the tinder bundle is a great step to add and i shall scrape off some rod into the budle beforehand next time... i have a log burner at home, i'lll force myself to light that with a rod for a week as practice

[@ivanwesley8182]

I like Dave Canterbury a lot but you are easily my favorite, thanks for the videos! You are a blessing for a bedridden old man

[@Wblair8772]

Love the content including your wife. Her perspective when learning might be very relevant and interesting to my adult daughters. Women often see things and processes differently (sometimes better!) than we do. 👍🏼

[@goldbugnwgpa774]

Good save with the simple word of save.

[@Asgard2208]

Just straight up quality stuff! Clear, easily understood, and demonstrably effective techniques.

[@AMC-eq3jr]

You are the Master of Ferro Rods. I ‘ve added another one of the your techniques with success. Thank you, sir.

[@user-mk2fg7xs5t]

Excellent tutelage brother! You might also consider recommending hair or beard trimmings, lint scraped from cotton clothing, and larger tinder crushed with rocks for fine tinder. Additionally, fine plastic shavings are a good accelerant for less than optimum fine tinder. One other thing, (sorry to run on), an empty Bic in a closed fist creates a devastating weapon and can still be used to spark fine tinder lightly coated in accelerant. Keep up the good work, knowledge of the truth is power!

[@nohillforahighstepper]

I have encountered some ferro rods with a coating on them...kinda like paint. You have to scrape that coating off before you start getting sparks. Test your ferro rod before you put it down into your tinder to make certain you are getting a good shower of sparks. 😊😊😊

[@shilow8778]

Thanks brother, it's nice to have a recap of what to do. I think I need to go back to the woods and have fun like I did as a kid

[@jonfisher9214]

I'm in the UK. EVERYTHING is always damp! When I'm walking I collect good tinder as I go and put it into my inside chest pockets to dry by the time I set up camp. Clematis seed heads or Birch bark finely shaved are what I'm currently using. This is a great instructional video.

[@PotatoWhyKid]

I consider myself very proficient with a ferro rod…. If I were to teach someone how to use one, this video would be where I would direct them. Excellent job, I love the channel, keep them coming.😊

[@travisbooth3002]

Really enjoying this Saturday fire series you have been putting out consistently Clay. Keep them coming!

[@anibalmasneri7994]

Hello Clay, grateful for the advice and videos you provide. My area is "similar" to the Florida swamps, from what I saw in videos, very humid. Well, as a way to contribute something, what I use as tinder when everything is wet due to rain storms, or as a node for fire by friction, is the internal part of the shells of dry trees such as willow, or alders, peeling off and massaging, they form fine shavings, like threads, which are flammable and are protected from moisture. greetings from 🇦🇷

[@ARAW-__-]

Pretty basic, but simplicity is key. That was a good troubleshoot for someone who might have difficulties starting a fire with a ferrorod. I mostly use flint and steel in my videos but always carry bic lighters and ferrorod(s) 😅

[@macgyver5108]

I've been using that trick for really wet days, of scrubbing off ferro shavings into a little 'fireworks stand' for a good decade now. Works wonders! Somehow you're the first other outdoorsman/survivalist I've heard mention it til now too?! I do find the 6" rods are mountains easier to control and use though, especially with frozen hands and a tired brain. Not to mention they last 'forever', especially if/when you drop one on the trail or around camp and can see that bright 550 cord you tied in the lanyard hole! That old Vaseline cotton ball idea can be a messy hassle if it lets loose inside your pack. Unroll the cotton balls into straight pieces (logs!🙃) and dip them in melted wax. They stay waterproof then, so you can have them loose in your pack with the ferro rod and to use them just "snap" about an inch off one end... Opening up bone dry cotton fibers that you can fluff up even more if you want, into a giant candle wick of sorts. One fine pissing rain WA day out hunting I got sick of being soggy. I told my buddy I was going to start a fire to dry out and he let out a solid laugh! 15 minutes of prep work later and he was amazed what a waxed cotton ball can do.

[@BBQDad463]

Thank you for this video. You offer several great tips and techniques for the use of the ferro-cerium rod.

[@joshdoddadbod]

I have started quite a few fires with a ferro rod and learned a lot from this video thank you.

[@steveborgresistance8310]

I been using a rod as my daily fire starter for 3 years now with natural tinder, lighting my woodstove every day . I'm going for my 1st bow drill fire this spring. Thanks for your excellent instruction 👍💯

[@clayhayeshunter]

Excellent! Bow drill takes some practice but, once you get the technique down, it’s pretty easy.

[@loonypeat312]

So, like this just showed up somehow in my feed. Watched it. Loved it. I’ve watched others explain their take on using a ferro rod. Compared to your techniques, I learned so much more valuable information. Thanks. Time to subscribe 😊

[@frankgeimer5952]

Good video. You would be surprised how many people own a ferro rod and don't know how to use them correctly.

[@mmiller73]

I like to wrap one end of my ferro rods in duct tape to make a knob that you can hold on to. Then if you are dealing with damp or stubborn materials you can remove some of the duct tape and make a bundle of thin strips that you can ignite with the ferro rod. The duct tape will burn hot enough to ignite the damp kindling.

[@clayhayeshunter]

Good tip

[@BoxcutterBushcraft]

Yep. I've used this same technique also, and it works great.

[@edoffher]

You are such a good teacher, that’s why I subscribed ages ago I’ve learned so much from you, and I thought I knew heaps, thank you for putting you knowledge and wisdom out there for the world to learn, thank you again and bless you.

[@etiennerochon62]

it is maybe not your case but here in Quebec, sometime it is so cold that the Bic is not working.

[@davesanders9203]

Really good video for most people. I carry "Prepared Tender" for wet weather! I have practiced in wet weather! I do know where to fine DRY tinder in wet weather.

[@Mr6Sinner]

If you only have a bic lighter and it runs out of fuel, you can use the method shown at 6:30. The lighter contains a thin ferrorod. Just spin the wheel ever so slowly while holding the lighter upside-down so that the dust can fall onto your tinder.

[@derekcascio]

Great stuff as always. Keep it up Clay!

[@LostInTheWildCanada]

Thanks Clay for this informative video

[@alph8654]

Thanks Clay for another good video with good tips !!!!!!!!!

[@timothylongmore7325]

I watched you and Liz. My daughter did the same thing. I showed her the pull technique I saw some where. I know all about fero-rods... kinda. Probably couldn't have started a fire with one until recently from watching your videos. It's on my this year to do list. That and a friction fire. Can't wait for the next lesson. I already subscribe to Liz's channel so I'll pop over there.

[@tradbowtimewithuncledan2686]

Great demo Clay.

[@charliemike6251]

Excellent

[@jillturnbull6042]

Thank you once again for sharing your knowledge, skills and passion. You're a great teacher. I appreciate the time, effort and dedication you put into each one of your videos.

[@clayhayeshunter]

You're most welcome. thanks for watching.

[@mauriciochedraui2038]

Excelente tips tanks 👍🏻

[@matt8418]

Turning a tinder bundle over is definitely a great tip to do!

[@wjstewdog]

Great video

[@davidscopaz4177]

You can tell this guy is a true outdoorsman by the beard.

[@amathonn]

Gotta get one of those!

[@vegasvato55]

I like to use a cotton ball + an individual serving packet of instant coffee ( a Fire Roll) Once i get the fire going, there are a couple of extra packets of coffee and a water bottle full of water so i might as well go ahead and make a cup of coffee and set back and admire my warm fire....

[@morgasm657]

I've always found wind to be more of a problem than rain, you can always work under the tarp in the rain, but particularly with loose tinder the wind can really take the piss.

[@-fazik-3713]

Great video. It gets easier with practice.

[@clayhayeshunter]

Yes it does!

[@sirsmokealot96]

I’ve been using my ferro rod for all my fires since around Christmas and it took quite a bit of practice and now I’m very efficient. As always I love the channel Clay. -off grid Upstate NY (Speaking of off grid living) I was wondering if you’ve ever spent a length of time living self sufficient? Silly question.. lol

[@TFord-il5pu]

Just for those who don't already know this, you can also put Ferro particles on your tinder bundle using a Bic lighter. Just turn the ignition wheel at a slower speed that doesn't produce spark and you'll be able to add the particles to your bundle as an accelerant. It actually works, and is helpful when the tinder is sub-par or somewhat damp.

[@AllWeatherFirestarters]

Hi Clay, great video and channel. Do you do product reviews?

[@paulkusal7929]

Really great tips , I am definitely a new subscriber! Thanks

[@clayhayeshunter]

Thanks for the sub!

[@andrewsowik6075]

I get all my fires started this way so much fun

[@wadecreativenvintage9271]

Hi Clay i use electrical tape wrapped on one end of my ferro road! It also works as an ignitor if needed.

[@DuaneRogers-sh2sl]

In my US Army Aviation survival training we found it hard to beat our issue magnesium bar faro rod combo as it most always has the capability to get a fire started with sometimes conditions called for a hotter flame to get a fire started so now I always have a issue magnesium fire starter in my pocket plus when I'm in the Backcountry I carry a large faro rod

[@cronkthecrunk]

Thanks for this; I am quite good with flint and steel but I am embarrassingly bad with ferro. Now I know why! it is the absolute opposite.

[@josephtodd3271]

Yes I'd like to know who makes that wonderful looking backpack you have

[@JuniorFarquar]

My bride of 32 yrs is Liz! We're lucky, my friend.

[@jeanfrancoisdenault7013]

My daughter can take care of food and I can do the planning trees and all that can be used so you have good quality home build

[@danweeks1980]

Super helpful tips here, Clay. Definitely will be practicing these. Thank you. Curious, what kind of First Lite pants are you wearing in this video?

[@eddiec4058]

I enjoy your and Liz's videos. Do have a question, are all ferro rods created equal?

[@clayhayeshunter]

That I’m not sure. I’ve heard there are differences in the hardness but I’ve never seen enough to make much of a difference.

[@radudan9589]

Great tips with those Ferro rod shavings and fluffing the tinder. Good job, care for details as a pro.

[@clayhayeshunter]

Glad it was helpful!

[@user-lz7lg1wv4t]

смотрю с переводом . интересно. информативно.

[@ernesttatrai7003]

Informative video, but I prefer the one about bowhunting. Your bowhunting videos are the best.

[@clayhayeshunter]

For some bowhunting stuff in the hopper.

[@ernesttatrai7003]

@@clayhayeshunter I look forward to it and greetings from Slovakia

[@caseymauldin8396]

Hey there! Great video! Would you mind going over some ferro rod maintenance too? Sealers and whatnot to prevent rusting

[@clayhayeshunter]

I've never seen one rust.

[@multiversevariant4944]

Hey Clay, I just have a quick question are all types of hickory good for bow making tnx for ur time.

[@VTK72]

❤❤❤

[@maniachill3069]

I carry 3 lighters. When they get wet, they still work, I have proved this over and over with people. Soak it in water, shake it off and strike a flame.

[@szeryf7983]

Dziękuję pozdrawiam serdecznie 🤗👍👏💪🐺🐾🏞️🥇☕🍰💚🙌

[@greyscout01]

I don't even understand people who mock carrying a ferro rod. I guess it's a reminder that a lot more people than we think don't understand the basics of 'survival'.

[@sethcolin4641]

Never mind the Ferro Rod, I want your shirt!

[@edelm6062]

Have you used some of those magnesium bars or strips? Thanks.

[@ethanhermsey]

first rule: use the cutting edge of the knive.. no wait.. ;)

[@aarongodderidge2239]

I carry a ferro rod in my pocket every day. Its not very big but it works great.

[@user-McGiver]

my ferro rod feels lonely... so a magnesioum block keep him company at all times...

[@clayhayeshunter]

They certainly play well together!

[@JuliaJulia007]

I've never tried one either

[@davidjacobs828]

Jeez...

[@ericpeterson5269]

I just got a pretty nice knife, it came with a ferro rod, can the heat mess up the heat treatment? I would hate to ruin my nice buckknife

[@clayhayeshunter]

Not if you use the back (spine) of the knife. If you use the edge, it may mess up the temper.

[@user-mb4se6km5p]

The end is near. 10:51

[@patcline6972]

Gun powder out of 22 shells or ground up wooden matches is good to carry with a rod

[@sadkargar4691]

U are like floki bro

[@aristotlev]

Just started watching your season of alone. Ten minutes in I see you chasing a mountain lion into the dark abyss....😭😭😭😭

[@chrisedenfield]

When is Clay Hayes vs Bear Grylls for $10m in a special edition of “Alone”coming out?

[@aliceduser6347]

You didn't link Liz's channel?

[@frankshort1448]

As a fire starter, I carry. Fat lighter sawdust and shavings. Or a big chunk

[@jk-mm5to]

A fresnel lens style wallet size magnifying card works well on sunny days and has significant advantage in high winds.

[@jk-mm5to]

Perfect for lighting a cigar in the wind.

[@keithfreeman7725]

How many practice strikes of the rod does that take?

[@Cyberdactyl]

Who remembers "Joe" in ALONE season 1 when he totally loses it and freaks out when he loses his Ferro rod?

[@asmith7876]

And yet managed to parlay that into the Joe R. Empire...marketing genius! Bushcraft genius maybe not so much.

[@Thefirstbrady]

Am I the only one who saves their dryer lint "just incase" and has a gallon ziplock of the stuff? haha

[@diogenesstudent5585]

8:10

[@Dirk_Mcgurk]

why not use the sharp side. it seems easier to get bigger sparks. safety? i remember carving a rod up into something decorative.

[@clayhayeshunter]

You could but it’s hard on the knife edge.

[@20Hikecdt23]

Lighters work when wet

[@macgyver5108]

🤨 A Zippo maybe, the fuel displaces water a tiny bit. "Pretend" you just fell in a river or lake... Go soak a Bic in glass of water for 5-10 minutes "while you swim back to shore" and see how well the flint rod inside sparks. Even forgetting one out in the rain for a while can kill them.

[@adventuresbackroad2534]

Who care about ferro rod. I have a full big bag of lighter and gaz.

[@jeanfrancoisdenault7013]

I find you use to much money and not enough if knowledge we can help

[@StitchJones]

Yes, a Ferro rod breaks. If it is comprimised and wet or aged, it will comprimise it. I trust pretty much everything you say, but you are full of ego crap on this one man.

[@clayhayeshunter]

Ego crap? Not sure what you're referring to there. I've never had one break or degrade from age. I suppose if you scraped and scraped on one over many many strikes, you may wear one down thin enough to break. But if that should happen, you should know it's time to get another. But with that said, even if it does break in half, you can still get usable sparks from the pieces.

[@StitchJones]

@@clayhayeshunterYou sit on your wood stump and talk all high and mighty all the time. And then you are silly enough to bring up how a ferro rod doesn't break. The majority of your KZbin attention is from you finishing the seaon, and you are the one one winner where your family wasn't present. And the show Alone actually showed how a ferro rod can break down and break. Do your homework before you run your mouth. You should be doing more to keep and earn viewers instead of bullshitting them.

[@andrewsock1608]

There is no point in making survival videos about using ferro rods. If they can’t figure it out with 5 min experimentation they will never survive on their own.

[@clayhayeshunter]

That’s pretty narrow minded

[@andrewsock1608]

@@clayhayeshunter it’s just if they can’t experiment and figure it out then they don’t have what is necessary to survive outside of the governments dependence bubble. This is accepting reality not a narrow mind. Narrow minded are those who need ferro rod lessons. But at least they are accepting lessons which is not so narrow after all. It takes a certain type to survive and that certain type is not stumped by fire starting of any kind aside from chemical methods. Survivors need to be able to learn without lessons.