I finally got around to ordering three ferro-rods from Countycomm yesterday.

Viewing their website photo, was reminded that the warning tag still puzzled me (forum search shows red_jeep asked the same question few months ago). Like many, thought it might have to do with rod deterioration.

So I asked Frank at Countycomm, who promptly replied, and is quoted here with permission:

“There are concerns by the military that a downed pilot may have spilled fuel on himself or his equipment, or may be in an explosive atmosphere, and that if the fire starter is carelessly stored, it may bump against something metal and create a spark that could cause an unexpected fire or explosion.”

That's my baby! I also have 3 of them. They are great!

I had my PDA in a black leather case in my pocket. I was shoveling dirt in 100+ degree desert sun for a Cub Scouts service project. I was getting soaked with sweat. To my horror when I pull the things out of my pockets I found my ferro rod had corrosion. Even where it still had the dark coating. I am guessing that there is a chemical in tanned leather that will corrode a ferro rod.
<img src="/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />
Be warned!

I used heat shrink tubing to protect mine on my keyring.
Just normal heat shrink tube from an electronics shop.
Mine has the magnesium block down one side too.

At least there is some protection for it, and it is not hard to remove when needed.

Probably tannic acid Craig. It is a product of oak wood and is commonly used to "Tan" leather. May be bad on the rod. I try to keep mine in shrink tubing, inside a plastic box. I never keep one on a key chain, myself.

Thanks. I just bought one of those rods. I was curious about the warning and e-mailed countycomm and didn't get a reply. I had assumed they meant don't stow it with metalic objects, or perhaps the rod would corrode.

The warning is poorly written. It sounds like a downed pilot is supposed to throw the rod away after using it once, or keeping it out in the open from a belt. Why didn't they just say "stow carefully, away from hard or metallic object"?

So Craig I'm curious. Did you try the rod with the corrsion? Did it still work? <img src="/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

Scott

Assuming the corrosion didn't totally eat the rod, I would say Yes! There is a spark!

Again, your mileage may vary.

Or maybe provide something in which to stow it.

olddude,

Yes, it works fine. I was surprised that in just a few hours that I got surface corrosion. I rinsed it off with water as soon as I noticed the corrosion. I thought the dark coating was some kind of protective surface; guess not!

I am carrying it loose in my pocket. I have carried my previous one, that I misplaced, and a BSA Hot Spark and they have never had a problem.

I thought it worth bring to people's attention that leather could damage their ferro rod. I know if I did not have a ferro rod I might not be able to start a fire in the wind and cold. The flame of my mini Bic blows out easily.

I am playing with mine too much to put shrink wrap on it. If I screw this one up I have another. If I still have problems I'll just buy more.

If you have it shrink wrapped you may have a tendency to assume it is good and not keep an eye on it. You may have a time when you need it and it will be corroded beyond use. A protective plastic cover can also be a container for a corrosive agent.

I think most Americans have a romantic notion about Australians. Tell us what it is like there. Is it mostly dirt roads and open country? Do Australians tend to be self-reliant? You guys need to clean out your government and get your gun rights back!