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Compact Ferrocerium Rod Fire Starter

Photo is illustrative. Only the item described is included.

Fire & Warmth

Compact Ferrocerium Rod Fire Starter

Pocket fire steel and striker, rated for thousands of strikes in any weather
£7.99 + £9.45 delivery
Delivery is charged per product because each item ships directly from its supplier, so items can arrive separately. Estimated delivery 2-4 working days. Tracked.

A small ferrocerium rod with a metal striker that throws a shower of hot sparks, even when wet. It lights dry, fibrous tinder such as cotton wool and fluff, or a camping stove.

It is cheap, has no fuel in it, and is something you can post. Learn to use it before you need it: sparks onto dry tinder, not damp wood. It is not a lighter replacement for a household gas hob and should be used outdoors only.

Key features

  • Ferrocerium rod and striker
  • Rated for about 3,500 strikes
  • Works when wet
  • Packed size 76 x 18 x 25 mm
  • No fuel, no batteries
  • 27 g

How to use it

You scrape a steel striker down a ferrocerium rod so a shower of sparks lands in dry tinder to start a small fire outdoors.

  1. Choose a safe outdoor spot, clear a bare patch of ground and keep water nearby.
  2. Prepare a nest of dry, fibrous tinder, such as cotton wool or fluff, with small dry kindling beside it.
  3. Hold the rod steady, pointing at the tinder, with the tip close to the ground or a stable surface.
  4. Press the striker firmly on the rod near its base and scrape it down hard and fast.
  5. Keep the rod still and move the striker only, so the sparks land in the tinder.
  6. Once the tinder glows, add small kindling a little at a time, then larger pieces.
Tips
  • Practise before you need it, because it takes a few goes to get it right.
  • Dry tinder is what lights, not damp wood. Keep some in a waterproof bag.
  • The rod works when wet, but the tinder must be dry.
Safety and limits
  • Outdoors only, never in a tent, vehicle or indoors.
  • Check local fire rules, clear flammable material and never leave a fire unattended.
  • Sparks are hot and can burn skin and clothes. Keep children away and put the fire out fully with water.
Please note
  • Sparks are extremely hot; use outdoors, clear of flammables and keep away from children
  • Needs dry tinder
  • Not for use indoors

Specifications

MaterialFerrocerium rod, steel striker
Packed size76 x 18 x 25 mm
Weight27 g
StrikesAbout 3,500 (listing)

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