Anyone who tries to light a fire without matches or lighters quickly realizes how difficult it can be. You can rub two twigs together for a long time and not even get smoke. Fortunately, small, portable magnesium block locks have become quite common and you can find them in almost any hunting or sporting goods store. While everyone can manage to start a fire with this tool, there are a few things you need to know before doing so.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Preparing to Light the Fire
Step 1. Find the right spot for a fire
Not every place is suitable for a fire, because it may be difficult to light or because of the dangers involved.
- Try to find a place protected from the wind. A breeze can put out a fire you've struggled to light or spread it out of control. If you can, find a protected area where wind is not a factor.
- Look for a place near the fuel source (e.g. wood). Fires can be surprisingly "hungry" and it is impractical to carry heavy wood over long distances.
- Find an area where there is little chance of the fire spreading. Try to find a clearing or an area with little grass and a good distance (a few meters) from the trees or branches that hang from above.
Step 2. Prepare the fire site
In order to discourage the spread of fire, you will need to clear the area around the ignition point.
- Small pits dug into the earth are a popular way to limit the spread of a fire. Create the pit slightly larger than the fire to be able to maintain the distance between the flames and the grass.
- Alternatively, hill fires are commonly used by Boy Scouts and other camping enthusiasts. To make this type of fire, start by building a mound of sand or earth (again, larger than the fire). This will raise it above the surrounding grass or other materials that you will not be able to remove.
- If you can't find a place out of the wind, prepare a fire cover. Maybe you can use an old damp log to limit the effect of the wind on the flames. If you choose a potentially flammable material as a screen, make sure it is at a sufficient distance from the flames.
Step 3. Get the necessary materials and assemble them
You will need to be able to light and feed the fire. If you have chosen the location correctly, you should have a lot of fuel on hand. That is not enough to start a fire though.
- If you are using wood, you will not be able to start by burning large logs. Instead, you'll need to pick up some primer, which are dry materials like leaves, conifer needles, and small twigs.
- You should also assemble the hookbait and medium-sized logs (about the size of an adult's finger) in the fire. The primer will burn quickly and even if you can keep adding it, you will need something that can fuel the flames. Think about this before starting the fire.
Part 2 of 2: Using the Flintlock to Create a Fire
Step 1. Scratch the magnesium rod
The magnesium bar is a really useful tool for camping or survival. Magnesium is a very flammable material and in some cases the magnesium that has been ignited has reached temperatures of more than 2500 ° C. Of course, something that burns with such intensity can quickly create a powerful fire.
- If you are using a knife, try to use the back of the blade if possible; do not run the risk of damaging the knife blade or cutting splinters of the bar. You will need to create small flakes that catch fire easily.
- It can be difficult to determine the amount of magnesium needed to start a fire. Too little and the fire won't start; too much and you'll find a 2000 ° C fireball in your face. That said, start with little material and only if you are not successful add more flakes.
Step 2. Hit the flint to create a spark
Usually one side of the magnesium rods contains a flint strip. Scratch it with the knife to create a spark.
- The amount of sparks will be determined by the force exerted, the speed of the blow and the angle of attack (the angle at which the blade slides along the stone).
- Do not slice or stab the flint. Drag the blade against the stone or, if you prefer, drag the stone along the edge of the knife while holding the blade steady. The second method may be safer.
Step 3. Encourage the development of the flame
If the trigger immediately catches fire, congratulations. If it produces smoke and goes out, you may need to gently blow on the trigger until the embers produce real flames.
Step 4. Keep the focus
Use larger logs after the fire is stable. Watch it closely to make sure it doesn't go out or get out of control or produce sparks that can ignite nearby flammable objects.
Step 5. Turn off the heat before walking away
Make sure you wet the fire with water and stir up the ashes to put out all the embers.
