If instead of the duct tape you whipped the matches together with waxed linen thread (dental floss would probaby work also, altho I have not tried it) that would add fuel and increase the burn time a little bit. I once tried making some super matches by just wrapping a standard kitchen match with the thread, and while they would not qualify as "super," they did increase the burn time a bit...

Thanks for the test results. I've been thinking about getting a couple of spark-lites and this is very good info to know.

Another idea! But I'll tell you, the duct tape I use (a HD gaffers tape) burns good, too. At least when all that paraffin gets goin'!