Zebra Cooking Pot Modifications. Clip and Bail Handle Improvements.

[@abefrohman1759]

Every time I think I have a camping gear addiction Simon proves I only have my toes in the water.

[@SurvivalistChick]

'abe frohman'? That is hilarious. Clearly a fellow 80's teenager :)

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Hahaha - There are therapy groups for people like us mate. 😂

[@thomaspanjshiri9663]

@@simonablokeinthewoods that´s not funny mate,,,I´m not only gear addicted..I also own a 110 300tdi..any therapy groups for those mad man...or a hopeless case.? smile..

[@jeffreycoulter4095]

Better to have your toes in the water, than in quicksand. Simon, through these videos, throws us a life ring.

[@mrspudly1]

Love to see more "Simon, a bloke in the workshop". I wish I had an old school woodwork bench like yours.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

It’s a great old bench - was being thrown out by a school that was having some work done - cost me nothing. 😁

[@RamblingOn]

I'm taking the opportunity to say that I have binge watched your videos for the past three weeks 😂 You can turn your hand to anything, fair play and thank you very much for the work you put in to your videos. I'll give this a watch when I have tea in my hand. All the best, Jason 👍

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thank you Jason!

[@gardenia73mccready79]

Ah now have not seen this side to Simon's talents & what one creates smarty pants. Safety First. Take a bow Simon cheers

[@jamesellsworth9673]

Great suggestions. I LIKE the way the steel cable can hold a lid in place for baking!

[@forestedforestschool]

I cut the original handle off mine and replaced it with bike brake cable and electrical connectors. Love the idea of tucking it through the lid handle to keep it on!

[@SurvivalistChick]

Clever, especially the bit of bending the wire under the lid handle to hold it in place.That's rather ingenious.

[@CarolinaChrisOutdoors]

I think I like the wire handle option the best too... especially when you showed how to secure the lid with it 👍🏻

[@leslieaustin151]

That was one of the best “how to” videos I’ve ever seen, very clear, step by step and utterly foolproof. Thanks! Les

[@kevinscudamore2711]

Can’t beat a bit of tinkering in the shed 👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@martinoutdoors6941]

Well I never knew that by poking the cable through would hold the lid..?? Every day is a school day as they say. 👍

[@ivorytower6422]

I wondered that too. Wish had he demonstrated with some food or water inside it.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

@IVORY TOWER it holds on for baking, but no seal so won’t hold in liquids or sloppy food - for that, you need to use it upright. 👍

[@ivorytower6422]

@@simonablokeinthewoods Perfectly works for me. Thank you for the tip 🙏

[@denaredford6701]

Very smart replacement with steel cable . I like how you are an inventor .

[@roosterneck2158]

i made a bcb crusader lid out of a an old mess tin using your method, it works an absolute treat, now i am going to butcher my zebra cans because that wire idea is excellent, i dont pack the zebra cans purely because of the handle being a pain in the backside when your throw them in the backpack, cheers simon.

[@TheHedgerowAlchemist]

I bought a new zebra pot just now, and as soon as I got home, you uploaded this! Simon, please stop following me around and tracking my purchases...or I’ll have to unsubscribe! 😆

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

😂😂😂

[@TGRacing]

Great tip tucking the cable into the lid handle. Thanks.

[@pops6638]

Another great video Simon. Showing people ‘tricks of the trade’.

[@scetis]

I just had an idea when I saw that little clip at the end of all the pots… You should really do a gear room video!

[@lawrencemartin1113]

....in my case that would be a 'gear warehouse'! I have stuff squirreled away in every conceivable space (and inconceivable space) in my house, truck, garage, shed.....High time I had a cull, before the family pack their bags and leave!......mind you, that would create a bit more space...hmmm?

[@kierandoherty1600]

...... bucket handle ??????

[@johng9562]

Brilliant modification Simon ~ I prefer the third option as well because it solves both problems. Hope you can get out soon as the lock-down is eased.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Cheers John - got a trip planned for next weekend 👍🛶🏕

[@roballan6357]

Great tips, my Zebra came with stainless clips, so I'm already sorted.

[@greenmouse9354]

Simon if you don’t have brass tubing you can buy stainless steel crimps and steel cable in a fishing tackle shop these are use in sea fishing for terminal tackle on a line, which stops larger fish biting through the line. The crimps come different sizes, I have use bike brake cable as it cheaper. I have pulled the cut end in to the crimp and dropped a bit of solder in to the crimp to stop the frayed end catching on anything. I do like the brick tie trick

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Cheers Geoff! I hadn’t thought about tracer crimps 👍👍

[@brianlykins6663]

Great ideas brother. One suggestion, when using cable, instead of letting the end stick all the way through the sleeve just stop it a little shy of coming all the way through then squeeze and finish as you did. This will prevent possibility of the end of cable sticking fingers or snagging on other gear. Love your channel and your vids, keep up the great work.

[@jplamb77]

Firebox Stove store sells the Zebra pot with the modified metal clips installed. Plus they offer baking kits for each size pot,,, Great video 👍

[@Kenbur]

Simon - I watch. I learn. thanks. As I've said before - your conceptual aptitude is very high and I for one am so glad you are willing to share.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thanks Ken!

[@BernhardHofmann]

I can't wait to replace mine with a cable. The handle has always been a pain. Thanks for going into so much detail on how to do it as well as showing so many options. 👍🏻

[@ianrtilley]

Hi Simon ,great tip.. I also like the last mod using the Bike brake cable, Thanks for sharing, Cheers Ian

[@SgtFluffytheoriginal]

Look forward to these every Wednesday!

[@pauledmonds7316]

Thank you Simon; Absolutely Brilliant! You've really inspired me, I will be replacing the handle on my billy can with stainless cable. Cheers.

[@ayobali0121]

I've just recently got into bushcraft especially over covid and I've binge watched nearly all of Simon's videos 😍 and from what I can see nearly everyone has copied what his doing 🥰 even Zebra billy cans as you can buy them now with this modification 🤩👌 Keep doing what your doing Simon I can't get enough of your videos 👍

[@squirrelcovers6340]

You are one handy bloke, Simon!

[@michaelmcfarland3300]

I just bought my first Zebra Billy can. Probably be modifying it soon. Great idea Simon. Thanks for another great video.

[@sarkybugger5009]

I don't have a Zebra can, but I used brass snare wire for a similar setup on my steel water bottle. Works a treat.

[@richschwartz8004]

It's always nice to be able to modify a piece of gear to make it fit your needs better. Thank you for sharing the mods that work best for you. God bless and stay safe.

[@carlfetters8082]

Simon- I appreciate very much the third demonstration you provided. I actually avoid bringing my billy pots when camping because I can’t stand how intrusive those handles are. They just get in the way. I ordered up some product as you suggested and will grind off the handles when those items arrive. Thank you for posting what you do. I have benefited from your work. -Carl

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Cheers Carl - it’s a huge improvement 👍👍

[@lindac7146]

Very useful. Great ideas. My favorite is the last one too.

[@edpikestone6800]

Just modified my billy can to the bike cable concept. So easy to do and I can’t wait to test it out. Thanks for the step by step tutorial. Merry Christmas and a happy new year!

[@biblebeliever4570]

I just bent the handle so it wouldn't fall down, plus the lid stays put too. Quick with a needle nose pliers. God bless you Simon

[@steveipswich]

Thanks for sharing some good choices to get rid of them plastic clips 👍

[@carolleenkelmann4751]

Did anyone ever tell you , you have such brilliant ideas and a genius in practical execution?

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thank you Carolle - I can’t take the credit for the ideas - they’ve been about for a while (at least the first and last ones have) 👍👍

[@carolleenkelmann4751]

@@simonablokeinthewoods BUT, and that is the deciding point, it has not come to my attention and I can assure you, in preparation for realizing a dream of mine.- the prep of which has been going on now for 3 years(!!!!!) - I have been looking regularly at all forms of camping and travel - all forms. Everyone has, of course, something to offer but yours is one of the most attractive, practical Vlogs out there with just the right amount of chatter. The only trouble is that I have no workshop and the changes and the insecurities that have developed in the past year have confined my activities and almost crushed my plans for the future. But Vlogs such as yours, and especially yours, has always infused me with a bit of life sustaining inspiration, giving me sufficient subsidence for the next battling round.

[@shackman9566]

Thank you again Simon. Have a great day.

[@tonystrange7224]

Love the workshop videos. 3 great cheap tips for modifying your Zebra Billy cans and easy to do as well. Cheers Simon.

[@andrewforrest8938]

Thank you Simon I found it very useful I've just bought myself a biscuit tin so I can use that instead of buying a zebra can when I go camping amazing video thank you Simon .

[@blackboardbloke]

I have a a pre-plastic lid clip 12cm diameter Zebra which I picked up on a backpacking '09 SE Asia trip in Malaysia for a couple of quid (equivalent £ to Malaysian Ringgit price) brand new with Zebra labelling in a general sell evreything hardware type store along with a Sterno type gel screw top stove with rest on the top pot stand. I had a hammock and a poncho already with me and I headed into the rain forest for a couple of days. I modded my Zebra when I got back to the UK. the bale arm went because it's square end stuck out when folded down, I replaced it with a clip into the former bale arm fitting rivet holes, bent semi circular, cut to size wire from a wire coat hanger, that I could fold closer to the billy's side or unclip and store inside when packed. I sprayed it with high temperature stove paint to stop it rusting. Later, after some thinking, I bent it again, just above the lid with indents, so when it was vertical it locked the lid down so spillage would be minimal if accidentally knocked over. Pouring without an insulating glove was now a problem, so I cut the bent long U shaped wire handle off a sieve and bent the open end so it would clip into one of the bale arm fittings. I then cut a short length of coat hanger wire slightly bigger than the width of the handle, enough to bend both ends of it around and onto the handle. That now slid down to spread the handle at the open end and lock it in position. I cut a slot into a cut down wine bottle cork (after drinking just a glass of the contents of the bottle) so it was a tight fit on the lid handle. Bare handed pouring and lid handling sorted.

[@RedswedeOutdoors]

Well if someone hasn't got a stack of pots 'n' pans... Brilliant as ever. Cheers!

[@mickreid7153]

Ingenious! Thanks for another great film. I like option three too.

[@norseman1137]

This is a great mod and love that it packs better and can loop n lock the lid... Also ... Great use for old bike brake cables

[@tracyl1368]

Excellent ideas for modifying this great little pot! Thanks!

[@camdee9916]

Another great video. I might try the wire one on my metal lidded mug. Keep up the good work!

[@sibaldi2922]

Great tutorial Simon, particularly showing three different options. 👍

[@mrwes100]

I prefer the clips. I’m lucky enough to get my Zeeeebra pots from Steve at Firebox Stoves with the clips already installed. However, this was an excellent video, showing all the options. Well done.

[@GMBasix]

While you’re buying the brake cable, ask the bike shop for some cable end covers that crimp in place. They don’t take strain, but they avoid frayed ends from giving you a painful injection. Or you could cut your brass a bit longer and lose the cable end inside it.

[@stuartlockwood9645]

Hi Simon,,thanks for another great tip mate, I like the wire bail idea best, and have used it on a home made billy pot, thanks to this video, cheers mate, stay safe, best wishe's to you and your's, Stuart UK.

[@mbrider56]

Nice one Simon, excellent video, the bale wire handle looked the best solution 👌🏻

[@denaredford6701]

You are a genius Simon .

[@davidnapper8097]

Been watching camping and bushcraft videos on KZbin for awhile now . Just came across your channel today , don't know why I never saw your channel before , maybe it's a geographic thing . I'm in the US . Subscribed and enjoying catching up on past videos , great content 👍👍

[@lawrencemartin1113]

Excellent! I have the 12cm Zebra with the upgraded 'factory' (?) fitted steel clips. I bought this version thinking it would be the best option straight from the box....however, they are SO tight that it is almost impossible to flick them either up or down and you risk scalding/burning yourself and losing the contents of your pot when trying to manipulate them. I tried opening them up a bit but with little success. I will shortly be reaching for my angle grinder for the stainless steel wire and brass tubing fix! Thanks Simon.

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

That’s not good! The wire bail handle will improve things! 👍👍

[@claramullen]

You are very creative indeed Simon. Love the ideas for the billy can.

[@WildernessJ]

Well done mate. Loved the 3rd option. So simple yet effective.

[@projectknifehand]

Thank you! Cable is the way to go for me. Crazy they put a plastic clip on it to begin with

[@kirkgallacher9144]

Great intro music Simon. And great to see an interesting informative video 📹. Blessings from a fan in New Zealand 🇳🇿.

[@pamharvill621]

Very useful Simon, I agree with you the last option is better thank you for sharing 👍

[@johnturner6251]

Thankx for tip on using brick ties. Tried to make the clips b4 but was rubbish at it, time to try again

[@Catchamat]

Modification guru. Thanks Simon!

[@TheSussexOutdoorsman]

I was literally talk about this on Sunday with a friend who uses a zebra Billy. Great minds and all that.

[@tom_olofsson]

I like the wire bail. Great job.

[@padventures-life]

Loving your vids Simon, so inspiring and makes you want to get up and go out in the mornings and explore like you do. Thankyou.

[@annteather2826]

Most informative! You are so creative and practical; can turn your hand to anything.

[@perrymarc2162]

Hello Simon, another great video. I’ve just bought and altered my 12cm pot handle and it fits (almost) inside my 16cm 👍👍 thanks

[@hexabeeoutdoors8771]

awesome video! I was just thinking of changing the handle on my 14cm, you read my mind!

[@adrianhudson1116]

One of the many things I like about you Simon is your respect of tools. An old weathered hammer is still a hammer, if you know what I mean and isn't it better to use tools with a bit of history as we go about our work....

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Definitely - I love old tools, I use a few of my Grandfathers old carving tools, so much nicer than the modern rubbish - what has happened to the quality of steel? 🤔

[@ramblynrocketeer]

Brilliantly demonstrated! 😎🤙 Mahalo for sharing your latest creative video 🔩⛓🔨😁

[@mikespencer8879]

You certainly seem to have an handle on it, great videos as per usual

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Boom boom! 😁👍

[@precisionshooters]

You are one creative guy!! Great job!!!

[@johnwalker2860]

Excellent tutorial Simon. Something I feel able to do to my Zebra billys.

[@a.y.t.a.s.494]

Nice one. I’m going to do the third one. The original one is a nuisance when packing my rucksack. 👍

[@kensteward1510]

Such a great video, you simplified the procedure for me Thanks again Simon.

[@BourneOutside]

Good show old chap! I was considering giving my new Zebra Billy away as I still haven't used it. I think I may just keep it now and carry out option No.3 to it. Good man, Simon 😉👍

[@oddmanout98]

Some great tips there. Thank you Simon.

[@joshuaj9514]

Excellent video I will be modifying my zebra pot, never cared for the handle when packing it. Keep up the good work so much of my new kit I have discovered on your channel. As well as your colleges from Richard Outdoors and Kent Survival, great gear and must haves.

[@mphigham1963]

Nice one Simon ! Good easy to follow instructions !

[@seanthomasdowd]

Just finished watching all your videos from the oldest to this one, brilliant stuff, excellent resource and following your recommendation I will proceed onto Andy at Kent survival, and thanks for making lockdown a bit more bearable

[@simonablokeinthewoods]

Thanks Sean! I’m really glad you’ve enjoyed them 👍👍

[@WeaponsMachinist]

Thx for sharing the interesting cook pot handle ideas.

[@wingtsang2158]

Great mods keep them coming and will be good to see you out again be safe. Hope all is well with everyone and Maggie?

[@2hot2shr]

I like the third option too. Thanks

[@clayton8944]

Excellent Simon .

[@BushcraftSteely]

Thats exactly what I was looking for, cheers Simon!

[@rickywoodcock7222]

Like the idea of the handles packing better Another mod on the list to do Thanks Simon

[@andykjohnsonjohnson7622]

Fantastic DIY hack Simon 👏 👌. That's my wkend sorted, revamping my old Billy-cans 😀 👍

[@outdoor-buddy]

Very clever solution!

[@davidleasure9138]

Awesome tips Simon. Thanks for sharing for sure

[@craiglake6091]

Thank you for the great video Simon.

[@GoranMagdic]

I love these tinkering videos. Excellent content. :)

[@donnyo65]

I have tried the first method but I over thought it a bit! It worked but not as well as yours. I am going to try the cable method though as that seems to solve all the problems - another great video.

[@robertdyet]

Great tip Simon I was going to use welding rod but have some brick ties too, so swopping. Thanks for another good video all best from Scotland

[@wadewilliams4989]

Good ideas all! Thanks for sharing!

[@bryanbadger6841]

Great tutorial. Thank you Simon.

[@thebikepackingadventurer]

Great timing as I am just servicing my road bike and replacing gear cables so will use the old ones 👌🏻

[@SonofChurchill]

£ land have gear/brake cables. I would use to pot maybe not on my MTB

[@thebikepackingadventurer]

@@SonofChurchill free off my bike is even better 😉

[@paulm579]

I'll be using mine on a walk at Southwold tomorrow, might make some of those clips! Great vid as always 👍

[@razifmahathir2437]

Brilliant 👍Recently bought a 14 cm Zebra Billy pot and was wondering what to do about the plastic lid holders. Great when boiling water but pretty useless for anything requiring sustained heat.....now I know what to do! Cheers Simon 👍 ATVB from sunny Malaysia 😷🏕🇲🇾

[@Yorkshiremadmick]

What a great tutorial for all levels of ability 👍🏻

[@ShinyStickEC]

brilliant, my smaller pot came with clips like that but my larger (2 person) pot had the silly plastic tabs, I was wondering what do to.. now I know! Thanks!