#256374 - 02/10/13 02:51 PM
Flint strikers
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Veteran
Registered: 12/05/05
Posts: 1562
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I have a few of these flint strikers http://www.uen.org/utahlink/tours/loadimg.cgi?p=/tour/14346/14346Striker175x.jpgI have removed the cup and super-glued the striker to the metal underneath it. Problem is, I just could not make them to ignite anything except alcohol swaps. Even cotton and petroleum jelly, I tried several times without success. Sparks look OK ( similar to an empty butane lighter), and the striker and sparks are exposed after removing the cup, but still no success. Any ideas ??
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#256376 - 02/10/13 03:29 PM
Re: Flint strikers
[Re: Chisel]
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Geezer
Registered: 06/02/06
Posts: 5357
Loc: SOCAL
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Are you using char cloth? I'm not a flint striker guy but what I do remember is that char cloth was central to success with a flint striker.
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#256381 - 02/10/13 06:04 PM
Re: Flint strikers
[Re: Russ]
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Veteran
Registered: 12/05/05
Posts: 1562
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No, I tried some tree bark ( fluffed up as much as I could ) , no success. And makeup circular pads ( inside out, fluffed up, then w/petroleum jelly) no luck.
A few weeks ago, I tried the same pads with alcohol swap and used a real ferrocium rod. It ignited. Seems the firesteel rod gives more potent sparks. But these strikers give smaller sparks .
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#256396 - 02/10/13 10:22 PM
Re: Flint strikers
[Re: Chisel]
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Addict
Registered: 03/18/10
Posts: 530
Loc: Montreal Canada
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Never had much muck with them, I couldn't even light a bunsen burner or propane torch with one of those.
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#256405 - 02/11/13 04:01 AM
Re: Flint strikers
[Re: Chisel]
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Pooh-Bah
Registered: 04/01/10
Posts: 1629
Loc: Northern California
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I have not had good luck with a flint striker either. I'm glad to know it wasn't just me stumbling.
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#256406 - 02/11/13 04:42 AM
Re: Flint strikers
[Re: Chisel]
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Crazy Canuck
Carpal Tunnel
Registered: 02/03/07
Posts: 3235
Loc: Alberta, Canada
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Hadn't thought of that. Interesting experiment.
Welding torch strikers (like the one you linked) basically capture some gas/air mix in the cup and then ignite it. That doesn't take a very hot spark. Still, the flint and the spring tension can be crudely adjusted for a spark that's more impressive than an empty Bic.
The main problem IMO is that, unlike a handheld flint and steel, the torch striker doesn't deliver the spark exactly where you want it. An option might be using the cup as your ultra-fine tinder holder, underneath a bundle that will take a flame that lasts only a second or so.
The only natural materials that I can reliably light with an old-school flint striker (i.e., not a ferro rod) are fluffed-up airborne seeds like cattail down, thistle down, and dandelion fuzz. Cattail heads are the best, and up here our winters are pretty dry so they work fairly consistently.
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#256446 - 02/12/13 05:29 AM
Re: Flint strikers
[Re: Chisel]
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Veteran
Registered: 12/05/05
Posts: 1562
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Les , your idea is marvellous I may try the same, except maybe slavage a tiny file from a broken nail clipper or broken multitool..etc. and try it instead of a blade. Looks promising , especially - as doughwalkabout said - it can be pressed harder to produce bigger sparks
Doug, I never thought of using the cup as tinder holder. hmmmm I had to remove them because there were getting in the way.
Anyway, this striker seems only successful with two "tinders" : alcohol swaps, and steel wool. Alcohol swaps are scattered in every FAK and utility kit I have, so that take care of it. But I will be experimenting with the Les varaiation. Great idea.
If it works, I may attach one of these to every MT or SAK that has a file, unless the file is stainless steel and won't make sparks. That is another story
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#256448 - 02/12/13 05:48 AM
Re: Flint strikers
[Re: Chisel]
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Veteran
Registered: 12/05/05
Posts: 1562
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OK. Experiment is a success !!
I put a tissue paper ( Kleenex or generic type) on a hard flat surface. Put the flint striker on the tissue paper and squeeze as hard as you can.
Two or three attempts produced sparks but no ignition. Then one more and sparks ignited the paper + some secondary sparks all around the paper ( in 1.5 inch radius ) . As it seems the previous attempts have scattered tiny pieces of the striker all ove the tissue paper and they have acted like magnesium shavings
Toilet paper, tissue paper, it is always around. And, at last, I won't be tossing these flint strikers away !!
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#256449 - 02/12/13 05:56 AM
Re: Flint strikers
[Re: Chisel]
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Veteran
Registered: 12/05/05
Posts: 1562
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This thread may lead us to discuss uses of eye screws. In les's idea, an eye screw can be used in place of both screw and ring terminal Eye screws have been used also by Dave canterbury at the end of his small vice grip ( instead of the normal screw that tightens the grip ) and he uses the ring to attach the grip to the pack or other attachments See the first picture in this page http://www.firerescue1.com/fire-products/tools/articles/1240851-how-to-maximize-your-locking-pliers/
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#256451 - 02/12/13 07:33 AM
Re: Flint strikers
[Re: Chisel]
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Old Hand
Registered: 03/01/07
Posts: 1034
Loc: -
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By the way, makeup circular pads, which you have tried in the first place, may be made of a synthetic fiber not a real cotton. Also they might be soaked in something helping to remove makeup, but interfering with ignition. I'm igniting cotton balls with a spent bic easily, even without the jelly.
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#256452 - 02/12/13 01:50 PM
Re: Flint strikers
[Re: Alex]
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Veteran
Registered: 12/05/05
Posts: 1562
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Very possible. I will retry with cotton balls, although TP/tissue paper has shown to be OK. But you can never have enough options. Just in case.
Thanks Alex
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