Hello All,

Sorry to have a few posts before I indroduce myself. I am in the military and have been interested in survival and preparation for some time. I am glad to have found this place, and hope that I can contribute a little.

I have a question about a fire cylinder or fire tube. Does anyone know where to buy one, or do you really need to make them yourself? I have heard great things about them, but have never actually seen them for sale anywhere.

Thanks,
Smackdaddyj

do you mean a firepiston? Google or ebay it. Not that many makers, but they are not that hard to find. You can also make one your self.

Yes,

Sorry about that, I couldn't remember the exact nomenclature. I am trying to find a fire piston. I will check those sources. Does anyone have an experience with them that they could pass along?

Smackdaddyj

A few here have them (I’m sure they will respond here) I get the impression that they are somewhat difficult to make but do in fact work. But the professionally made ones can cost $50.00 to over $100.00. I can buy a lot of bic lighters for that price.

You can find them on e-bay and also a few sites that tell you how to make one.

Also look for the polycarb ones places that cater to science teachers- it is the same principle as a diesel engine. Those are usually about $25 or so, but not as rugged as the wooden or aluminum ones. They have the advantage of being lighter and smaller, though.

I found some on this website:

http://www.wildersol.com

They are a tad pricey, but cheaper than some of the other places I looked and have quite a few videos on how they work. I like the mini, and for only $5 more, you have a Ferocerium rod put in the piston rod as a back up fire starting method. Here is the sight for the minis.

http://www.wildersol.com/Mini.html

I would still like to hear from people who have used them, what did you use inside to get the coal, and how you turn the coal into a fire. What type of materials (natural and man made) do you need to make this work, etc.

Thanks and look forward to your responses,
Smackdaddyj

ya teh wilderness solutions ones are amazing and really peices of art. I have the water buffalo horn one and love the weight. Jeff does take a while but they are amazing once you have it! they are actually a lot smaller than I thought they would be but i actually like it better. i have used char coth to jute to manilla rope to my "tinder" to my kindling to my fuel to make a fire I works really well for me. One thing is that you need to carry some vasaline with you so what I did was take one of the blister pak gum things (or like what claritine comes in) and just filled one cell with fasaline and then tape over it. It has worked well for me and is very usefull. It does take some practice and tecnique tho

Climber,

Do you have any thoughts on their mini Piston. I was looking at getting one of the mini Coco Bolo pistons with the Ferocerium rod in the back side of the piston rod. I carry my camp on my back and I am trying to keep my weight as low as possible, but also want something that is going to work. I also like the idea of having the alternative option just in case. I almost always carry vaseline cotton balls with me as a firestarter, so having vaseline on hand is not a problem.

Thanks for the information about tinder, I will have to get a little bit of everything and start practicing.

What are your thoughts about the Scout Pistons? I was thinking of getting my boys some of those to practice with. And once they prove they can use them, upgrading them to a nicer version.

I appreaciate the response,

Smackdaddyj