My understanding is that crushing the MP tabs is not a problem as long as they are kept in the original packaging until right before they are used so that they are not exposed to light or air. I crushed mine very carefully so as to maintain the integrity of the packaging.

I had another sparklite around here somewhere but can't seem to find it now to compare. It's been a while but IIRC I shortened it about 0.25". I tapered it slightly also. I actually busted two others in the process of my shortening experiment. If you shorten too much the stopper, spring and all the flints fly 20' across the room on you. <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> It's much eaier to do with the orange one though because IIRC you can shine a bright light through them to see the insides and know exactly how far you can go before you get in to trouble.

I have a micro-kit in a tin but I've not been taking it seriously. The stuff that I rely on is part of my EDC keyring or wallet, and I don't want to spend much weight on redundancy.

However, following the recent thread on Electro Magnetic Pulses, I am wondering whether I should use the tin for backups of electronic stuff. Specifically, my EDC compass is now a Casio watch and is vulnerable, and flashlights are vulnerable too.

The spark lite seems so.... disposable to me.

I'd love to see a version where you can reload the flint, kind of like a zippo flint. On board storage of extra flints would be even better!

I've love to see an attachment for a fire steel that'd turn one into a giant spark-lite. Same one handed operation, longer lasting, bigger sparks. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Call it... uh... The Spark Buddy. Sell it for $3.99.

You're singin' my song, and while we're at it, how about a brass or stainless steel body!!!

IIRC I believe the first spark lites were brass bodies.

Adam

Adam,

First generation SparkLights were cut down versions of the Coleman lamplighter. Second generation SparkLights were brass bodied / replaceable flint versions of the current design style...

M

So why did they go from a replaceable flint to the current model? Cost?

I believe it was to meet mil-specs for a disposable one-hand firestarting device for aircrewmen, etc...

M