The absolute best homemade firestarter

[@jeffthompson8835]

Absolute best diy fire starter on KZbin! Thank you. I’ve referred a bunch of people to this video

[@themichiganwoodsman1372]

Thanks a lot. I gleaned KZbin for homemade firestarters and this is the best I could come up with. They really do work well and they’re cheap. I use them to light the charcoal chimney a lot

[@jonaozo540]

Love the addition of the paraffin-base lamp oil. Really improved my paraffin/cotton [twine-rope-wood chip-etc.] diy fire starters. Thanks. God bless.

[@badmfthompson7820]

Why what kind of difference does using the lamp oil/paraffin..?

[@dirtyscoundrel2013]

Until it evaporated. He's on the right track just not doing it properly.

[@tumbleweeeeeed]

I've been doing the same thing for years, except that I just collect old tea bags - Leave them out in the sun to dry, then dunk 'en in hot wax - They weigh nothing, waterproof, and burn plenty long enough to get any fire going. The water-bath idea is good, because they won't hold enough wax if the wax is too hot.

[@thebigfellar7178]

Best watch the Tea bags =CANCER . My buddy was a fitness freak ,trainer and would only drink hot and cold tea . He was the example of healthy . Got sick ,7 days later he died. Cause ""Tea"" Tons of articles from Europe on this . Never mentioned in America . Dale was big on Earl Gray. ? He was a very picky eater. Healthy was his middle name. He was a nice guy too.

[@ColbaltChaos]

Do you use any tea bags? Forgive me, haha. The herbal tea bags work just as well. Right.😁

[@ColbaltChaos]

That is amazing! I recently learned.

[@josephr.huneycuttiii6540]

I drink lots of tea, and they dry out nice. I'm going to try that next time, I'll have a dozen in a week. THANKS 😊

[@elizabethtorres6069]

That is one impressive flame! Thank you for the tip.

[@bigdavesoutdoors9761]

Took your advice, made a bunch, used the red paraffin lamp oil. They work great. Thanks

[@themichiganwoodsman1372]

David Richardson I’m glad it worked out for you. They really are great! And cheap

[@TheHardhickey]

I love the way that burns and like the way you started it

[@jeffgrigore4410]

Just made my first batch according to your video this morning. Success! Thank you!

[@ijnhespam5918]

I got 43 firestarters from each batch. Very easy thanks

[@billclancy4913]

I use a drop of Ronson Lighter fluid applied before I dip the pad. Works like a charm.

[@JohnAlot]

Sounds like you might have flipped the can in the water once before...lol. I like your unpolished, no-nonsense, real approach. I can relate.

[@kvonzwild8979]

Wow. I've done several different types. This throws a flame like crazy. Wish I saw this earlier but ill give this a go. I typically use a fat straw longer on one end then heated to seal then stuff with antibiotic ointment soaked cotton. It burns like Vaseline but can also help with minor cuts & scrapes so dual purpose. That said, yours look great and in the cold north I would want yours for sure...or a nasty road flare! Cuz hypothermia can take you before most realize. Again great job

[@kellonpitts2650]

Thanks for taking the time to make this video. They work great.

[@alanwatts5445]

I love your approach. Using a soup can. Propane burner. Wiping it on your trousers. Just like we would do if we were doing it ourselves and out in the woods.

[@punknhead23]

Made a crap load of these 8-10 years ago. Made mine with a smear of petroleum jelly in the center then dipped in old candle wax and crayon stubs. Still working on that batch as I find them stashed everywhere! Ill try your version with paraffin lamp oil next time. I imagine works the same as the petroleum jelly to easily ignite with ferro rod. Great video thanks!

[@themichiganwoodsman1372]

Hope this method helps. I’ve not played with many other recipes as this was one of the first methods I tried and it seemed to work really well

[@QuantumMechanic_88]

Your method worked great . Thanks and hope you have an excellent Holiday Season. Lefty from New Mexico.

[@jerseydevil7895]

Great idea. Was going to make some with petroleum jelly, but the paraffin lamp oil is even easier and cleaner.

[@themichiganwoodsman1372]

It seems to work really well. I haven’t tried these without the lamp oil to compare the difference. This process seemed to work really good so I haven’t bothered to see if there’s a way to improve

[@toneyjohnson8910]

I used to teach my Boy scouts to use corrugated cardboard cut into squares stack four on top of each other then dip them into the Gulf wax but I never put in the lamp oil. Now the cardboard holds more wax so it last about 10 to 15 min. I guess with the cotton being then the lamp oil helps thanks for sharing.

[@mattthelegomaniac]

this would also be a great thing to bring to really cold snowy areas in case of an emergency, because even if youre too cold to gather wood there's an immediate large long lasting flame to get your hands warm to then start gathering wood. GREAT video, just subbed and liked, keep up the awesome videos!!

[@pauldesjardins3265]

Thanks for your video, I live in Central Maine, and I burn a lot of deadfall. These will be very welcomed and handy! They were easy to make and they work just as you say burn time 7 minutes. I have given some to family and friends, and shared your website with them. Awesome, thanks again !!!

[@jackmihov5231]

Outstanding information! I love the background music. The crickets are a nice touch! Good idea! Liked shared commented subscribed!

[@bucmeister7713]

Good video of an interesting variant to the waxed cotton rounds. You are the first I have seen that added the paraffin based lamp oil, good idea to keep the wax from being to heavy plus adding to the water proofing/igniting aspect. One thing I have noticed with mine is that the wax temperature has considerable effect on the caking of the wax which can definitely be to much if it is barely melted vs being on the higher end of preferred temps. Thank you for a new idea to experiment with.

[@themichiganwoodsman1372]

Bucmeister thanks for your view and comment. I’ve watched a lot of videos on this type of fire starter and experimented quite a bit with them. I’ve used hundreds of them between camping and lighting charcoal for the grill. It’s one of those things that’s very forgiving on the ingredient ratio. I probably wouldn’t use more than 1/10th ratio of paraffin lamp oil to 9/10 paraffin wax. They really work great and totally waterproof. Burn time is awesome as well.

[@dougb27]

What do you mean can be too much? Are you talking about the wax being too hot?

[@charleyweinhardt]

In a pinch I am a small square of cardboard folded accordion Style with a few small squirts of hand sanitizer placed in flat in my many 10-in fire pit, then I just dropped a tiny bit of tissue I let on fire on it, and it sparked right up! Then I dropped a small handful of pellets on it and then a few more and then a few more.. 👍 the square of cardboard created a consistent low Burning Flame too

[@MindKontrolleProject]

I like the idea of poking a hole in the center to expose the inner cotton fibers as apposed to tearing it like most ppl on youtube do.👍

[@jordanranthroughit6676]

The Michigan Ron Swanson. Thank you for your tutorial sir, I very much enjoyed it and your seemingly unintentional humor. Cheers.

[@slowbaker]

Love the Michigan cricket chirping in the background. I'm going to make some!

[@RubberSmuggins]

How do you make a Michigan cricket?

[@ericd79]

This is a sweet fire starter. Crazy that its water proof and lights that easy. I assumed it was wax coated from the dip but to light that easy is very cool.

[@censusgary]

It’s really the wax (mostly) that’s burning. The cotton serves as a wick.

[@themichiganwoodsman1372]

It’s been my go to for a while. I like to try to use natural means when possible to keep my skills sharp but sometimes it’s nice to use a little help

[@wcknives]

Awesome DIY project for a great kit item. I especially like the required Master Woodsman to make the fire system work. LOL!!!!!! Great job and appreciate the shout out and love the cap.

[@themichiganwoodsman1372]

The Master Woodsman is certainly required kit. I don’t leave home without at least 2 WC Knives

[@wcknives]

themichiganwoodsman of course, good judgment and sound thinking.

[@terrancecoard388]

@@wcknives LOL...no bias at all WC !!

[@steveyeater7017]

should use colored wax, easier to see in the snow

[@themichiganwoodsman1372]

That’s a greet idea! Thanks for the tip sir

[@greywolfoutdoorshomestead9962]

And if you don't have colored wax you can use food coloring

[@paulatudor691]

You can add a broken crayon of you choice of color works to add color. Mine I used vegetable oil and they burn over 6 minutes.

[@jackiewalker5240]

​@@greywolfoutdoorshomestead9962food colouring won't work because it is water based. It will and float around in globuals. And splash like throwing water into oil.

[@mary-ruthflores4107]

I use broken crayons or old colored candle pieces, and I use veggie shortening like crisco, and it burns very well, never timed it. I’ll have to try this recipe also!

[@topherjoe1]

I bet this would boil water..for backpackers on long through hikes this would be an option if their one fuel canister runs out or cannot resupply one at the next town. Perforated tuna can as an emergency stove and ur done. Oh, and if you get soaked...it would be good to have to start a fire, possibly save your life. I love the mobility of it and being lightweight is an obvious advantage/attraction for some of these untra lighters.!

[@rosewood513]

I only use wax and Vaseline. It is 2023 and the 8 oz paraffin oil is $11.00. And yes most of us have cotton rounds already. Nice video thank you. I like when y'all give us different perspectives.

[@jx.cx.6514]

FIRST TIME IN YOUR CHANNEL .. And this fire starting idea is AMAZING & was exactly what I was looking for, it was easy to follow & should be easy replicate .. I've just subscribed, liked👍 this video & hit the "All" notification 🔔 ..I sincerely hope that the rest of your content is just as interesting & amazing. Can't wait to see the rest.

[@welkerroad]

I’m a musician (who plays a lot of guitar around campfires). This is going to come in handy! Thank you for sharing the info!

[@BBQDad463]

Thank you for this video. I had not heard of the paraffin-oil trick. Sounds like a good idea, I will have to try it.

[@Papi4l2]

i just made these today. i just got a fire pit and im preparing myself lol great video. as i was making these, i wondered if using a candle warmer would be a better option? u wouldnt have to worry about the can tipping over that way. maybe even a used candle glass jar thingy...lol thanks for the video

[@robertrutherford8874]

Awesome! Simple, easy....and effective! Thank you for sharing!

[@themichiganwoodsman1372]

Thanks a lot for the feedback sir. Glad it was helpful

[@casimonton]

This is a great idea. I always have a hard time getting a fire started.

[@YOUKNOW4654]

A couple minutes in and I was wondering which knife you had on your hip. These look like great firestarters . Thanks!

[@themichiganwoodsman1372]

Thanks a lot. Hard to beat WC Knives. Thanks for watching

[@adamcoe]

my only suggestion is that in a lot of cases, you don't even need a whole one. if it's stupidly windy or wet perhaps go for a whole one, but if you're just looking to start a regular campfire or whatnot, a half or indeed even a quarter of one of these is often enough.

[@Dragonsbrath]

That's just cool. In an emergency situation I can see the benefits for sure. Enjoyed the video and the helpful narration.thanks

[@themichiganwoodsman1372]

Thanks a lot for the view and comment. I like to keep them all over the place, just in case. They work great for lighting charcoal in a charcoal chimney as well.

[@allanpeterson2364]

I've made basically the same things and they work great. As I live in a COLD weather part of the country I can tell you they can be a bit troublesome to break open, get some fibers exposed. I guess I'm saying, just practice with them when they're REAL cold or frozen, they preform a bit different. Great video, Thanks

[@themichiganwoodsman1372]

I live in Northern Michigan. It gets fairly cold here and they seem to excel. I’ve made these things with around 6 different brands of cotton rounds and each brand is slightly different from the other. Some are puffy and very conducive to fuzzing when you break it open and I’ve had some brands that seemed to be a much tighter or denser makeup and they didn’t seem to “fuzz” up very well. That may be a factor. Thanks for the feed back sir.

[@steveyeater7017]

I normally partially cut into eights makes it easy to break apart

[@gyffjogofl7676]

Making these this weekend. An ingredient list would be even better in the video description.

[@victorhausauer3018]

Paraffin based lamp oil, gulf wax/pectin wax and the cotton rounds that ladies use to remove makeup...

[@RaymondHaskins-u2i]

First time on this channel. Lamp oil is safer than charcoal lighter. I have seen vasoline used also. Thank you

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

well done..i need to make me a few of those...keep the videos coming..safe journeys

[@themichiganwoodsman1372]

BLACKIE THOMAS thanks a lot. You’ve been pumping out a lot of videos lately. I’m enjoying them

[@1968gadgetyo]

Thanks for sharing. I made some of these from the waste wax in the hospital lab. I used non-sterile cotton gauze. (Pinch some when no body watching). After draining the spent wax, we have to let it cool before disposal. So I just dip the gauze in the warm wax and let the wax solidify.

[@themichiganwoodsman1372]

Gadget yoyo cheap and easy. That’s the ticket

[@whoever6458]

I've got a hint for you in case you don't have an old pot. You can actually buy those devices that warm scented candles so that you can smell them without lighting them and you can use those to melt the wax in a candle jar after you've burned the whole candle. I got my candle warmer thing for like $5 at Walmart and I've used this to melt wax from candles that didn't burn completely so that I can make new candles out of them so it would definitely work for this too.

[@whoever6458]

There's no flame involved in using the candle warmer either, which will probably make it a bit safer once you get to the part where you add lamp oil.

[@westcoastwarriorsarchive7929]

I found a video making these with just wax and they work pretty well definitely dont light as easy as yours do. It would definitely be cool to see one of these compared to something like those esbit solid fuel tablets for heating water or cooking small meals.

[@martyewing7395]

Thanks man really appreciate the video just got to track the right kind of lamp oil down but I will get er done

[@gingermitchell5499]

great video! I'm going to make these for our camping trips and for survival purposes. Thanks again.

[@davidkiser5250]

My wife: :I KNOW I had a whole pack of cotton rounds under my sink...you haven't used them have you?" Me: "What would I be using those for???" : )

[@davidjohnston2115]

great video sir

[@beerlover5000]

This is my go to if i dont have pine cones...great video. thank you so much

[@themichiganwoodsman1372]

Thank you for watching and for your comment

[@TheOctapodi]

Thanks for sharing this awesome knowledge. Would love to try this.

[@themichiganwoodsman1372]

The first time I did this was in the house. Give it a try. It’s easy and the fire starters are really handy

[@agatea7679]

i’m leaving for camping tonight and really needed this!! great video! :-)

[@waveman0]

I've been using these for a while, candle wax, firegel (from the BBQ section here in Australia at the chain store hardware) and some crayon for colour. I also make fire plugs using dental plugs bought off eBay

[@Squarehead45]

Like this Video. No BS or stories of his "Aunt Sadie" and how her 'Rumatiz" is effected by the weather. Just the instructions and FACTS..>Good Vid Friend

[@themichiganwoodsman1372]

Thanks for your comment sir. I appreciate it!

[@kingswamprat3844]

Nice! Thanks for sharing your knowledge! I’m doing this.

[@dennisleighton2812]

Those pads work just great. An easy way to use is rubbing some hand sanitizer or Vaseline petroleum jelly into them just before using, keeping the ingredients separate the rest of the time. Very simple.

[@markstanton8757]

Good job Mike. Good info. Makes a lot of sense.

[@themichiganwoodsman1372]

Mark Stanton thanks a lot

[@markstanton8757]

I got my stuff to make them. Awesome idea.

[@rhino4321rhino]

Thank you, what a great video on some great knowledge.

[@samwillard4739]

I use dryer lint with the smell procedure works excellent

[@kwhaley81]

Nice recipe, 👍.thanks for sharing

[@mauriziobarbati9081]

Complimenti👍🔥🔥bel video.ps.che coltello hai al collo? Il suo nome,grazie👍

[@DonnyPavoliniOutdoors]

Very nice! These will be as handy as a shirt pocket! Great job!

[@themichiganwoodsman1372]

Donny Pavolini Outdoors “as handy as a shirt pocket” lol. Thanks Donny

[@OzarkGuy]

I made some of this today... It's easy enough to make and burns good and long after its lit... but lighting it wih a ferro rod was a difficult long task compared to fatwood... I made two different baches.. one batch with lamp oil and another batch with lighter fluid...

[@tdotson66]

Fantastic video. Thanks for posting. 👍👍

[@RiversideHomesteadLife]

Nice fire starter - we got some good ones too easy? Thanks

[@gregeberhardt1711]

Do they stuck together badly in storage? Great vid

[@bladecollector7]

Great fire starter, you should do a video of your WC knives

[@themichiganwoodsman1372]

Bladecollector 7 I have several videos planned for my WC Knives

[@paulnevil8890]

Thank you, great diy firestarters.

[@khaziirsoze5952]

Im going to try it with dryer lint. Just have to figure out how to form the lint

[@richroc7]

I’ve been watching videos on this topic and I seen a guy yesterday who did this similar. He used those paper cups (like for ketchup at burger king or Wendy’s) and he mixed the gulf wax with the melted paraffin oil (1/3 cup oil:1lb wax) and he filled the cups with shredded cedar chips (used for pet bedding) and then he added the oil and wax liquid and then he put the 16 cups into the fridge for a few. Let me tell ya, that damn cup was burning for 28 minutes and it was a large flame. Excellent for rainy wet cold conditions and yours is definitely awesome too but his was a larger flame for a little bit longer burn time or equal burn time if yours went a half hour. 👊

[@Tanko3691]

Greetings from across the pond, Thank you for your efforts, could you please tell me what gulf wax is and how that compares to candle wax?? Thanks.

[@davidjohnston2115]

i just made some i'm from pa state above pittsburg pa yes there great to know about out in the real world

[@chasingthetrail9375]

Great video man, been playing around with homemade and repurposing items a lot recently

[@themichiganwoodsman1372]

Traveling Trails Wagging Tails thanks a lot for the view and for subbing. I appreciate it

[@ino4089]

This reminds me of the time I was hiking through the Amazon jungle at times the water was up to my neck and the bugs fierce but I had some of these handy things there was a few times I had to spend the night with water up to my chest with only a tree branch to put one of these things on they work great

[@uncletomscabin2073]

True story.

[@jackboganjr1518]

Make them the same way but use mineral oil. Bought a small crock pot years ago. It is slower but no clean up.

[@AlfredoCruz-l8n]

Buena idea para una emergencia. Buen trabajo.

[@robertbowen6610]

Fatwood pine or some people call it lighter knot pine Just take the saw dust from that and it doesn’t take much to start a fire and it lights wet cold doesn’t matter get a spark to it

[@QUARTERBAT]

Good video , I'm going to try and make these with paraffin and beeswax

[@TheRoadhammer379]

Anyone curious about Vaseline vs paraffin lamp oil... it's burn time. Petroleum jelly and wax average 5-6 minute burn time, paraffin lamp oil and wax is around 10 minutes. I tested the two and after 25 pads of each mixture, that was my results. Think how long and slow oil lamps burn.

[@rusbelsoria4332]

I want to know where you got the knife and sheath? It’s awesome that it has a small pouch for extra stuff

[@crazyhorseaz5224]

THESE WORK VERY WELL

[@NordicDan]

Looks like I'm buying some cotton rounds at Walmart this weekend. Already got plenty of Gulf wax and lamp oil that i keep stocked for my emergency lanterns.

[@toddspors8592]

Thanks for the info...I just subscribed to your channel to see what else you have to share...Have a good day!

[@quinntheeskimooutdoors6234]

Looks good😊

[@Hellooooo137]

Here I was going to go buy some wood shavings. Thanks for the demonstration.

[@paulf7604]

In most of Europe, when they say parrafin, as in lamp oil, they are talking about kerosene.

[@themichiganwoodsman1372]

That’s interesting. I didn’t know that

[@Tanko3691]

Actually, sorry to sound pedantic but in UK it is more commonly called Parrafin, which was mostly used for the old storm lanterns when I was a kid. Kerosene and parrafin are used interchangeably but this would be a mistake given that Keroseine is a slightly more refined form of parrafin.

[@mychelledavis]

Are they safe to use in a home fireplace and what is the best way to store them? Thanks!

[@TheRoadhammer379]

Store in an old Pringles chip can, and yes, excellent for starting a woodstove.

[@terrancecoard388]

Thank you...Looks more reliable that fatwood....I will make some. Best of luck with your channel.

[@themichiganwoodsman1372]

Terrance Coard thanks a lot. Not my idea. Just a combination of other people’s ideas. That’s what’s great about KZbin

[@terrancecoard388]

@@themichiganwoodsman1372 It does not matter...I got it from YOU. I have learned so much from YT...I thought I was "camping" for decades...Turned out I was a Bushcrafter that used 87 octane to start my campfire. At the time I lived in Arizona where no one whittles on Mesquite wood and there was nothing to tie your paracord to so all this tarp setup thing is new to me. I closed the doors of my F250 on one end of the tarp and then tied the other end to my tailgate. Hello shelter. The Lord looks after the young and ignorant...still ignorant but no longer young. McKean County, Pa

[@themichiganwoodsman1372]

Terrance Coard good point. I’m blessed to live in Michigan. Lots of trees and water

[@jeffscricket23]

Recommended affordable wc knife? What brand was your current one?

[@RSBEntertainment]

Also where did you get your sheath you showed us? I have been looking but can’t find it anywhere

[@lamido7]

Thank you. That was helpful

[@themichiganwoodsman1372]

You’re welcome. I glad it’s a help

[@michelenogacek9978]

How can you store them?

[@TheGrimDemon]

Is there any significant advantage of adding pure paraffin to the wax when making those firestarter cotton pads? I am asking as in UK it is hard to get paraffin oil for lamps.

[@TheRoadhammer379]

You can light them instantaneously with paraffin oil mixed in but... you can substitute the paraffin oil with charcoal lighter fluid mixed with the wax. Biggest difference between the two is about 5-6 minute burn time using charcoal fluid/wax vs 10 minutes with paraffin oil and wax mixture.

[@juliosdiy3206]

That spark rod was cool man what brand is it?

[@themichiganwoodsman1372]

That’s a ferro rod from firesteel.com

[@RSBEntertainment]

I use cotton balls with petroleum jelly and then dipped in wax and they last about 10 1/2 minutes

[@angiek.9573]

What do you all store your fire starters in? I may make some and give as gifts for my camping buddies…

[@snelgrave101]

Small pringles tube holds plenty

[@sureshgunarathna1565]

can we use either petrol or diesel of substitute for paraffin oil ?

[@arjabganguli3579]

Can I use liquid paraffin as the liquid fuel?

[@briandalrymple9986]

Just curious as buggery, what is that thing around your neck please? Brian from NZ