Protect Your Ferro Rod from Corrosion with this Simple Hack

Ferro Rods are susceptible to corrosion, especially if stored for long periods of time, used in really wet areas, or areas close to saltwater. Prevent this by using this simple tip, with an added bonus of making your tinder bundle more effective.
A large (~6 in. by 1/2 in.) ferro rod is an essential piece of kit as it allows you to use larger motor movements to throw sparks.
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[@ChristianPrepperGal]

I had no idea ferro rods could rust. Didn't even think about it. Thank you so much for the info!!!

[@neiljohnston3407]

I use fixing wax ... still an accelerant, but less mess in my kit :)

[@EmphamousMe]

THANK YOU!! Exactly what I needed, all I wish I'd of found this even faster! This mamma's taking her 13yr old son outside right now to teach him how to make and successfully use a double team bow drill set, all the different possibilities of fire tenders, accelerants (like vaseline and pine sap/pitch or even chapstick) and starting a fire using a ferro rod with both stainless steel and even with quartz (rock) just to be try covering as many bases as I can personally. With the good Lord something or some of it will stick and he'll be able to carry the knowledge on. Really appreciate this video and will be subscribing just as soon as I'm not racing daylight. Prayers everyone! Take care and God bless! 🙏🏻💌

[@cuttheknot4781]

Thank goodness someone has finally addressed this serious issue.

[@genej50]

nice mocs… got a ferro rod from an instructor in a survival school back in the 70's. had it for years and then suddenly it disappeared down to the little pink handle... now I know why... brilliant

[@mrjeff2396]

That’s what I was waiting to hear! Use the Vaseline (aka: petroleum jelly) to help ignite your spark! Good mention. My fire starters are nothing more than wood shavings (available from any pet supply), melted candle wax, and topped off with a 1/4 tsp of melted Vaseline. I use a silicone mini muffin pan! Wrapped in wax paper until needed!

[@gregandkyzer2657]

great idea wiping the rod with the tinder bundle

[@krishoogstraat6866]

I agree with your way with petroleum jelly. Petroleum jelly has a lot of uses that most don’t think of. Great tip for us Josh ! Keep em coming !

[@asmith7876]

I spent four years in the Army in the desert a lifetime ago, vaseline was about the only thing that would prevent your lips from peeling off your face. No humidity, blistering heat, sand storms, it would eat your skin off! Everybody had a little jar of it.

[@KingHezekiah-ey7mn]

Great idea adding accelerant to bird bundle. Two for one😏🙏

[@jeagr209]

I just spray my ferro rods with WD40 when i'm cleaning my knives and guns, after I get home from a trip. Works amazingly well to stop the iron in the ferro rod from oxidizing in the air.

[@onionhead5780]

I don’t know what brand Ferro rods you use. I used wd 40 but I can tell you it does not protect firesteel brand Ferro rods. Always found oxide dust in the firesteel carrier. The rod would get pitted. Now I use spray paint and it just scrapes off when I use it.

[@denisdegamon8224]

WD40 is a drying agent not a metal protectent and leaves a sticky residue which is not good for firearms.

[@jeagr209]

I personally use CLP or #9 on my guns and knives, but I have never had an issue with a ferro rod protected with WD40. And WD40 does protect metal surfaces by shielding against moisture and other corrosive elements.

[@onionhead5780]

Denis Degamon I always heard the WD stood for Water Displacement. I don’t know if that’s true or not. I am also a retired gunsmith and was told years ago in a gunsmithing seminar that wd 40 is also a rust remover so never use it on a hot blued gun because it will eventually degrade the finish since the bluing process is just controlled rust or oxidized finish that protects the metal.

[@denisdegamon8224]

@@onionhead5780 I would have to agree with you on your comment. I also heard that WD40 once dried, guns up thed action.

[@marcdeckard7064]

The pull technique is the way to go.

[@fookingsog]

Might as well add a little container of petroleum jelly to your kit as it's also useful for coating & preventing corrosion on car battery terminals!!!😁👍🏻

[@philiptruitt]

Thank you, Josh!

[@oldgoat8861]

Good video Yep...I use Chap stick (Burts Bees Wax), same idea just a different approach. Both petroleum jelly or BEES Wax has multiple use applications from fire starter, wound applications, carbon steel/ferro rod protectant, to a lubricant.

[@shawnscotchman3761]

Thank you for that, I didn't even think about this.

[@Eric-ew8jt]

Thanks for the tip Mr Green Beret! ATB

[@Gator-357]

I use chapstick a on mine quite often because it is usually nearby in one of my kits. I started doing this years ago after I found a couple that I hadn't used for a while turning to dust

[@ericcapell5062]

Thanks for another great tip. You are a wealth of knowledge.

[@bobesselstyn4917]

thanks Josh

[@charlesquick902]

Another great video and helpful tip. Thank you.

[@jeffrichards5106]

Thanks for the tip, great advice.

[@alaskaraftconnection-alask3397]

Car Wax like Carnauba would be my recommendation. That said, you are so right on about corrosion especially in freeze/thaw/condensation and salt water conditions. Years ago, I discovered this and decided to mitigate issues by coating. When trying to relate this to others back then... most where in disbelief or denial from simply not weathering those conditions in any form, timeline, or practice.

[@SandTguy]

Great idea.

[@darellgriffin8177]

Good idea. Thanks

[@mathewhenderson5757]

Solid video. Great content for the community

[@philwalter1655]

Thankyou for the tip

[@PRico1966]

Another great video with amazing instructions. Thank you so much. Simple yet effective.

[@Alan4524]

Makes perfect sense to use something that can aid the starting of a fire too. As always, great information.

[@corkkyle]

Works great. Thanks.

[@richardparker3150]

You have a good idea. Thanks for the info.

[@farmtrout66]

Good idea. I’ve used spray paint for long term storage. I believe I’ll try the jelly for short term. 👍👍

[@Q-BinTom]

Very cool idea.... Thanks for sharing with all of us......

[@MrByTheMile]

awesome josh! im using this method from now on

[@deborahpadgett2417]

Really brilliant idea.

[@larryharlson8490]

Thanks for the tip.

[@modemode3663]

Mine has been sitting in my jeep where I keep it. Went to throw some sparks off the other day and it was hammered lesson learned

[@deandunbar8856]

Thank you for the heads up great tip have a blessed day Atb Dean

[@cillaloves2fish688]

Thx Josh!

[@thomasnugent7602]

Very good idea. Thank you very much

[@SurvivorMetalMan]

Excellent tip! Definitely a great idea!

[@thetruthhershelcyphers]

Sound advice. Thanks for the tip.

[@ttteg-tq8ln]

Great tip as usual!

[@raydavison8498]

Hey Grimes, Great vid thanks for sharing

[@kentondurrant8017]

Another excellent video I am going to share with my family and friends that I gave Ferro Rods to. You do a great job. Keep up the great work.

[@WyrdWoodsIreland]

Great gear tip, simple and effective, thank you 👍🌲

[@bernierissen339]

When I was in ta eighty deuce,any time we trained with Sf we were all ears,always good info thanks Josh.

[@JennLove]

Thank you! 😊

[@dawgfan68]

What a great tip! Thank you!

[@WayPointSurvival]

Good idea! Thanks for sharing it!

[@hbarwickjr]

Great tip. Thank you, just bought my first ferro rod and had no idea about rust issues. Be ordering your new book on Amazon soon.

[@trytheoutdoors]

Thank u. Great tip.

[@Emiliapocalypse]

Great tip, Thank you!

[@kevinneff5616]

And another use for the wonder jelly! Grease everything up and burn it later. I will have to check it out on my stored ferro rods. Thanks for the tip.

[@keeneyeful]

That's freaking awesome! I'm a big fan of petroleum jelly soaked cotton balls and ferro rod, but never thought of this!

[@deltadogification]

That's a cool trick, going in my toolbox of knowledge. God bless

[@johnanderson2217]

And as always thanks for the Advice.

[@traviscreamer1267]

Cool tip.

[@meldeweese6875]

Great , THANKS . We had a " Fire Starter , like ferro , in shape of a half moon , 50 cent coin ---- in pilots E& E survival kits 1963, on USS Ranger. When we checked kits, Yes , many had turned to a powder form = useless due to salt air it seems. Mtn Mel , W. Colo. Ret. 59 - 82 USN PR /SERE & P.I. JEST Inst / VN. Now 80, still teaching skills. Love thise FERRO RODS !

[@williamjefferies5071]

Enjoy your excellent videos. Ex 18B here. I always coat my ferro rods with hobby acrylic clear paint, either brushed on or sprayed. I do this after a trip. I once had an entire rod in a small survival kit disappear and leave just grey dust. Keep up the great work. Definitely a service to all.

[@Jay_A52]

Thanks for this video. I've been sitting here off and on all day looking at one of the rods I practice with, trying to figure out how to protect it when I don't expect to use it for a while. Very timely.

[@johnwicksfoknpencil]

Awesome. Thanks for teaching me this. I think a lot of us use petroleum jelly to prepare pre made tinder but I would not have thought to use it as a sealant for my rod as well. The accelerant aspect is very cool, makes perfect sense.

[@aldehorte]

Thanks for the great idea, and video. Might just move mine to the cotton ball petroleum jelly combo bag.

[@ourtechwriter]

Good idea!

[@Stoney_AKA_James]

Great idea Josh! Yes I use(d) nail polish, but having the p.j. for multiple purposes is a fantastic idea! I'm a strong believer in having tools for multiple uses, so to protect the ferro rod AND then use it as an accelerant in a tinder bundle is even better!!!

[@jeffsmith6441]

Thanks for the tip!

[@jeffnotti9932]

Ferro Rods are just the bomb man.. good to know you grease it up a bit.. may be a little fix'n wax.. great idea ..

[@artcianfanojr]

Always good content. No BS.

[@miguelpimentel8539]

Really great ideas for protecting a much needed and relied upon tool especially when we might not have the opportunity on getting another one but as a rule 1 is none 2 is 1

[@karelianprepper]

Thanks for good tips👍

[@agnosjr]

Thank you for sharing! Cheers.

[@journeyman7189]

Slick tip. especially the paper bag idea with it. Nate

[@321southtube]

Darn...just read the disclaimer. It was just too easy. No comments I guess other than; Thanks again for another informative vid. We love em all....the detailed ones and the quick nuggets of info. To you and your family...Have a great weekend

[@diliplahiri9052]

I use metallic blue nail polish. The nail polish is also good for trail markers

[@dogfatherofhull878]

First. Woo Hoo. Thank You for all your videos. Going on my first camping trip with my only grandson. White Mountains NH. 3 years old. 🇺🇸

[@yongwoo1020]

Congratulations.🎉 🇻🇳

[@sgtdarkness1]

Take a self preservation device along also.....

[@billygarfield5520]

Great video!

[@240weatherby3]

Good idea thx

[@barnaclebill1615]

Great Idea! Thanks 😁 first time watching your videos today and I can see you’re on the right track. Im going to subscribe and choose all notifications.

[@GrayBeardedGreenBeret]

Welcome to the channel!

[@vonsprague7913]

I've used them for years and genuinely didn't know they corroded. Guess I must be doing OK then lol. Good drills staff, everyday is a school day. Thanks

[@MichaelR58]

Joshua, thanks for sharing, atvb brother ! 👍

[@anthonymohammed5014]

Thanks for the information god bless my brother

[@robh5695]

Thanks, I did not know that. You earned yourself a sub!

[@jefferyhill5592]

I like that idea. Many uses for vasoline, I use It on the weather strips on cars and trucks to keep the doors from freezing in the winter.

[@sgtdarkness1]

Jeffery Hill .... it also contains alcohol and over time it will damage the weather strips so use with care.

[@WarGrrl3]

Don't know if it's bad for my ferro rods but I had a bunch of wire covers and I thought what a great idea to keep my ferro rod covered and protected from all fluids. I found the right size for each rod slipped the cylindrical 'rubber' cover on n then w a tiny bit of heat, it shrinks to form fit the ferro rod. I have more than 8 and none have had any moisture get in n the rods seem to be protected. Oh n you can use different colors to match the rod handles, lol. Now I'm thinking, if I use the petroleum jelly n then put the cover on it will keep the goo from getting all over AND give it that much more protection. Just a thought. ✌

[@johnnybeanz1296]

This was a good simple idea particularly when combined with your comment that most people don’t have to worry about it until they get home. The comments were also interesting. Some people take this stuff seriously.

[@barryrickert6544]

cool video, thanks.

[@joaquin-jacknava2696]

Thanks for sharing the tip. New subscriber here been watching some of your videos and I have enjoyed them.

[@GrayBeardedGreenBeret]

Welcome to the channel!

[@BBQDad463]

Thanks for a great video---short and sweet. I dip mine in melted beeswax a couple of times. I carry a few ounces of beeswax in the field and give it a rub after use. Vaseline appears to be a great idea as well.

[@LegionTacticoolCutlery]

Sweet info!

[@michael3573]

Dig those moccasins. Great tip.

[@MrHowieZ1973]

I use stove black. It works great. It's the same thing you paint a woodstove with.

[@donaldjunior2901]

Seems to be very helpful tip I though have never had a corrosion problem ever on any feral rod ever even ones I've had for 20 years and I start a hundred fires a year I don't live round salt water so maybe that's a huge factor.a Long term storage of feral rods might justify the petroleum jelly I have never witnessed this

[@paulwolf2775]

Great idea. why don't any of the other survival or camping, bushcraft channels talk about that? It's so simple.

[@jelkel25]

I've resprayed one with dollar store mat black spray paint when I was spray painting up some home made alcohol burners, Billy pots and the like. Top tip, not all heat resistant spray paint does what it says on the can!!!

[@philstuart9690]

I use Sno-Seal boot dressing. Melt some Sno-seal in an old coffee can, soak it up in cotton balls, store in an old shoe polish tin. Makes great tinder. Occaisonally swab the fire steel with impregnated cotton. My fire steels have lasted over 50 years with nothing more in the way of maintenance.

[@tomrobison4274]

Good video petroleum’ jelly is great for many things is flammable good stuff! Thanks buddy! Tom

[@robman247]

Thanks for the tip GBGB I recently moved to the coast I was think why my small ferro rod rusted in the back of my truck that is covered but I guess moisture got in and my MSK mini scandi knife rusted too was able to replace the rod but the knife had to do a lot of elbow grease 👍👌✌️🫡🇺🇸

[@secondstarsurvival8329]

Great ideal! Thx for sharing, was great to see and talk to you about cedar being used as a bow drill set. Ty sir have a safe trip back home

[@GrayBeardedGreenBeret]

Great to see you there!

[@secondstarsurvival8329]

@@GrayBeardedGreenBeret 😁

[@miiigoreng]

Brilliant! This can be adapted to protect lighter flints from degradation too. I've a stick of archery bowstring wax, since its likewise petroleum based. Gonna make a vid ~

[@talkingwithtrash8879]

Excellent hack. I use the fixin wax that you did a video on a while back. I keep a bunch of chap stick tubes filled with it, and use it on all exposed metal, wood and leather.

[@talkingwithtrash8879]

As a side note, I should do an ignition comparison between the wax and petroleum jelly. Just for kicks and FIRE, FIRE, heh heh heh, (in my best butthead voice).

[@GrayBeardedGreenBeret]

Fixn wax is another great one along with chapstick

[@juanpack1]

You’ve just created a problem I never knew I had!!!!🤣