J. Falk's
Mini Tinder Lighter

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Created by:   J. Falk , 2002

You've made a burning ember or coal from char-cloth, a fire piston or bow drill - Now What!  Here's an easy way to make that burning ember into a roaring fire, using a small amount of tinder.

The probelm with using a hot ember or coal, is it requires a large tinder bundle to start a fire. This little tinder lighter is a handy tool because you can start fires using a small amount of tinder (about one table spoon), which conserves your tinder when you're on the trail. This is a must have gizmo!

tinder lighter


TOOLS & MATERIALS:

tinder lighter

  • J-B Weld
  • Empty aluminum cigar tube and cap - with an extra cap ( or Aluminum foil )
  • Small metal "O" ring hook
  • Dremel tool with a cutting wheel ( or Drill with 1/4" drill bit and a hack saw )
  • Phillips screw driver (not shown)
  • Shredded Jute Twine, Cedar or Toilet Paper (fuel to ignite).

    NOTE: This tinder lighter can also be made out of heavy duty aluminum foil. Read over the following instructions first, then look at the tin foil version at the bottom of this page.


    STEP 1.  Take one of the two caps and screw in the metal "O" ring in the center. Mix up some J-B Weld and apply a small amount to the under side covering the threads.
    tinder lighter tinder lighter


    STEP 2.  Using your dremel tool with cutting wheel, cut the cigar tube at 2-1/4 inches long (from top opening). Apply J-B Weld around the cut edge and push the cap (with metal "O" ring) on the bottom. Wait an hour for the J-B Weld to dry before continuing. If you don't have a dremel tool then gently cut the cigar tube with a hack saw.
    tinder lighter tinder lighter


    STEP 3.  Cut a small upside-down "CROSS" just below the center line using your dremel tool with an cutting wheel. You don't have a dremel tool? Drill a single 1/4" hole insted! See an example with the "Tin Foil" version below.
    tinder lighter


    STEP 4.  If you made a cross opening then take a phillips screw driver and push in the opening. If you drilled a single 1/4" hole then ignore this step.
    tinder lighter tinder lighter


    STEP 5.  Take the second cap amd make a small vent hole in the center using a hole punch or small drill bit. This will be the top cap on the tinder lighter.
    tinder lighter tinder lighter

    HOW TO USE.  Build a fire lay at a safe location on the ground. Also, make a small wad of rolled dried grass or paper to be used as a match to transfer the fire from the lighter to your fire lay, this is explained below.

  • First load the bottom half of the tinder lighter with shredded tinder (jute twine, cedar or toilet paper) and pack it firm. Note: Fill only the bottom half of the tinder lighter up to the bottom edge of the opening on the cross, indicated by the pencil.
    tinder lighter

  • Next gently drop in your hot burning ember (not shown) through the top opening on the lighter. Make sure it drops to the bottom resting on the bed of tinder in the bottom, aligned with the cross opening. Gently blow on the hot coal (through the cross opening) a few times to keep it burning.

  • Fill the top half of the lighter with shredded tinder (jute twine, cedar, toilet paper or a mixture of) and gently push it to the bottom of the lighter on top of the hot coal. Again blow on the hot coal (through the cross opening) a few times to keep it burning.
    tinder lighter

  • Quickly place the top cap (with the vent hole) on the top opening. Don't screw it on, just let it rest on top. By placing the cap on the lighter in the beginning, you're creating a little back pressure inside the lighter, which helps expand the burning coal.
    tinder lighter

  • At this point grab the bottom "O" ring with a pair of pliers because the lighter is going to get HOT!

  • Gently blow into the tinder lighter through the cross opening.

  • Continue blowing into the lighter. When you see a steady thick stream of smoke exiting the vent hole (through the top cap) remove the cap. Now hold a wad of rolled dried grass or paper over the top opening. This is the match that will allow you to transfer the flame from the lighter to the fire lay on the ground.

  • Keep blowing into the cross opening, the smoke will thicken and increase until a small flame bursts out the top opening, lighting the wad of dried grass or paper (not shown, I only have two hands) held over the top opening.
    tinder lighter tinder lighter
    Note: The flame will vent (each time you blow) like a mini blow torch, and will only last about 4 seconds because of the small amount of tinder in the lighter! Make sure you're ready with your match (wad of dried grass or paper) held over the top opening on the lighter!

  • Quickly transfer the ignited match to your fire lay on the ground, starting your camp fire.

  • Slowly add larger twigs and small pieces of wood to the fire lay allowing the fire to grow.

    TIP: Save the remaining chared jute and cedar to use the next time you start a fire. Half burnt or chared tinder ignites faster than clean new tinder.

    STORAGE:  Make sure the fire is out in the tinder lighter. Screw on the top cap. Place duct tape over the cross opening and the top vent hole. Store the tinder lighter in a safe place. Remember, the cigar tube is thin aluminum, it can dent and bend easily! You can also hang the lighter from your belt or gear using the metal "O" ring on the bottom of the tinder lighter.

    HERE'S A VERSION USING ONLY ONE CAP:  You only have one cap. No problem, simply cut the cigar tube slightly longer at 2-3/4 inches and seal the bottom by gently crimping it closed with pliers.
    tinder lighter tinder lighter


    HERE'S A VERSION USING TIN FOIL:  This is my favorite. You don't have an empty cigar tube? No problem, Improvise!

  • Make a lighter out of several layers of rolled heavy duty tin foil, about the diameter of your thumb and 2-3/4" long.
  • Seal the bottom by crimping it flat and fold over the edges a little. This also creates a holder. The burning chamber should be about 2-1/4" long.
  • Modify it by making a small 1/4" hole insted of the cross opening.
  • When starting a fire, use a leaf for a cap, hold it over the top opening with a tiny slit to one side, allowing the smoke to vent.
  • You can crush it flat for storage.
    tinder lighter tinder lighter


    WARNING: Always start fires in a safe area outside. Never start fires inside a tent, building or survival structure!!!


    DISCLAIMER:
    Use common sense and safety at all times when using and working with fire.  The author of this web page will not be responsible for any injury or damage resulting from the construction or use of this fire starting design.  If you choose to build, use or experiment with this design, do so at your own risk.


    Send the author an e-mail   TrailGear@pobox.com

    Visit us at ... www.TrailGear.org

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