Hi all. I'm a new user. I'm setting up my first survival kit, and I'm sure I'll have questions as I go along. I really appreciate all the info here. My 1st question:
In setting up my PSK in an altoids tin, I need to find something to use as a striker for lifeboat matches. I also need a small bobbin for winding thread, etc.Any suggestions?

BTW, for the polar pure tabs, I find that a used empty vial from nitroglycerine pills is a good size, and I think will be resistant to chemical breakdown. They should be easy to get from a local hospital pharmacy for free. I'll try it out and let you know if it works.

Welcome to the forum. All of your questions have been covered in the past. Finding them might take a while <img src="images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />. The striker from a road flare is a good option. I can ignite LBMs with a regular Strike Anywhere strip on a firm surface ( PSK box.) I think practise with the better part of a vial is the real key to success. It's like bicycles, once you pattern your muscles and the correct motion it is much easier. The nitro vials will work.To save space merely wind the thread around your largest awl, or the needles as a group. The very nature of the tins makes access clumsy anyway. I prioritise my packing to have firemaking on top. I figure if I only have the tin left I am in trouble and need a fire ASAP. Then I can calmly remove the other gear to fabricate or gather supplies and gear.

What is a strike anywhere strip?

Thanks. I've been searching the site, finding lots of answers to my questions.
Regards.

For something to wind fishing line around, what I found that worked well were in the Sewing/Crafts section at the local Wal-mart, Kmart, etc. They are plastic "bobbins" for sewing machines, made by Singer, I believe, and four of them cost about $1.29. Just ask where the "sewing machine stuff" is. You can easily hold 50-plus feet of fishing line or dental floss on one, and it keeps the line from tangling up with other things in your kit.

The large,pebbled striker panel on wooden match boxes.

I use sewing machine bobbins to wind thread, dental floss, fishing line, etc. They are small and light weight.

Ted Fisher

thanks to all!

haven't tried this yet; YMMV.

How about a piece of wet/dry sandpaper (400 or 600 grit)? Should do the job nicely, and you can use it to touch up needles and fishhooks and such. Plus, it works when wet <img src="images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />