In prison, a common cutting blade is obtained from disassembling a shaving razor. It may be small but still effective. The blade is used to cut away the outer covering near the bottom of the battery. The metal that is exposed is part of the positive terminal that you see at the top of battery cell. The new exposed metal makes a close contact point next to but not touching the negative metal plate at the bottom.

In a previous article I wrote about using a “AA” battery and a foil gum wrapper to create a flame (see Gum Wrapper Fire Method). The foil side of the strip is touched to each end of the battery thus creating a “short” that in turn heats up the paper substrate which then ignites into a flame. The same principal can be done with a much shorter and thinner foil with this modified “C” cell battery.

Most cigarette packages have a protective foil above the cigarettes and this foil can be cut into narrow strips measuring between 1/16th inch and 1/32nd inch wide and maybe 1 1/2″ long. The foil side should be pinched together at the center in order to create a hot spot before touching the foil strip to the bare battery areas. Once the strip is held in place the strip will begin to smoke and eventually ignite the paper substrate. The close proximity of the bared positive metal on the side and negative bottom plate enables this short piece to be used.

I tried a “AA” battery without success. I got smoke but no flame. In retrospect I see that I used a “D” battery shown in the photo, but apparently “C” batteries are more the norm at the prison commissary. It is important to note that a fresh battery should be used for this fire method. There seems to be an optimum balance between battery size (power) and foil width with enough paper substrate to fuel a flame. It would also be wise to hold fuzzy cotton or tissue piece next to the pinched area in order to capture the brief flame that is created. In any case it can be a fun time to experiment with different combinations to accomplish a flame and could be a life saver in an emergency situation.

I received a tactical flashlight from Survival Hax for the purpose of evaluation and review. This rather small flashlight (just over five inches long) has some big features. At first glance you might notice it’s aggressive appearance with a knurled handle for a positive grip. A focusable thousand lumen beam is located at the head while the button power-switch is located at the end. The flashlight case is constructed of aircraft grade aluminum and is crash, pressure, and water resistant.

The power is provided by interchangeable sources. The primary power source is a rechargeable 3.7 volt lithium battery and the secondary power option is an adapter that holds three AAA batteries. This adapter is a great provision as AAA batteries are generally accessible from any grocery or convenience store and enables you to stock up and carry extra batteries when operating in off-grid situations.

Then there’s the integrated electronics that provides five lighting modes: Low, Medium, High, Strobe, and SOS. Each mode is accessed by a full or half click of the switch. I discovered a slight inconvenience that once you click the flashlight off it advances to the next mode so that when relit you may have to cycle through to access your preferred mode. The rechargeable battery will last three hours on high and five and a half hours on low. I imagine that the strobe mode would use even less power but would be aggravating to use but could extend the battery life in a pinch.

The head of the flashlight uses a convex lens as part of it’s focusing capability. I took off the retaining ring, removed the lens, and held it curved side toward the sun and about an inch over some crushed dark dry leaves and created a coal that I coaxed into a flame. Next, I removed the battery and took some fine steel wool and stretched it out to touch each end. After a few attempts the steel wool sparked sufficiently to ignite a paper towel. Then by using one of the alternate power AAA batteries I was able to make a flame by connecting each end using a thin hourglass shaped foil gum wrapper.

These are just three benefits outside of the flashlight’s intended use. Because of it’s rugged construction I would imagine that it would also make a formidable self-defence weapon. Although the tactical flashlight comes with an attached wrist strap it unfortunately was too small for my hand to fit through it.

The Survival Hax Tactical Flashlight is a solid tool that is easily stored in a glove compartment, backpack or pocket and weighs only a third pound. It’s good to know that it has these multiple capabilities that can be used in various survival scenarios. For more information on Survival Hax’s Tactical Flashlight you can visit their website at https://survivalhax.com/products/tactical-led-flashlight .

When I acquire a foil wrapper I usually place it in my wallet, right next to the paper currency, then I’ll always have this ignitable resource should I need it when I have access to a battery. It occurred to me, why not store foil with a battery in my devices so that it is readily available when needed? Obviously it needs to be kept in a way that will not “short out” accidentally and cause the destruction of your device or an unplanned fire. For my flashlights I fold the wrapper foil-side inward on it’s self then wrap it around one of the batteries before inserting it into the handle. It can be a tight fit but is generally easy to insert and retrieve. Some compact flashlights contain a battery clip that holds three AAA batteries and the folded foil wrapper can be wrapped around it before storing inside the flashlight handle.

There are other portable electrical devices that use batteries such as cell phones, DVD players, radios, etc. that have a battery compartment in which a folded foil wrapper can be stored but exercise care when storing the foil. Be sure to fold the wrapper and position it in such a way as to prevent any shorting and may perhaps need adhesive tape to keep it in place. When initially storing your device after the foil has been installed it may be advisable to place it in or on a non-combustible surface to observe it for a few minutes and feel it for any heat to make sure that no accidental conductivity is taking place.

This video demonstrates the use of the hour-glass shaped foil strip shown above to make fire. I find that it works best to hold it vertically to create a flame.

Hose Clamp & Sleeve Patch

When I arrived I took a quick look around the outside for the city water meter box but didn’t see it so I knocked on the door and my son let me in. The inlet line to the water heater had split before the turn-off valve so fortunately it was cold water that was spraying under pressure. Because it was spraying near the power cable and was leaking through the downstairs ceiling filling the light fixtures, my son had turned off the power at the electrical panel. I used my phone initially as a light source to evaluate the situation. I could not find a main shut-off valve in the apartment either so we decided to call 911 for assistance. After leaving circumstances, location, and contact info I returned to the task of controlling the leak.

I had a hose clamp in my tool box, but I also needed a seal to cover the split. I usually carry a plastic Fresnel lens in my wallet (for solar firecraft) and it comes in a vinyl sleeve. I wrapped the sleeve around the pipe below the split then placed the hose clamp over it. I used my son’s multi-tool screwdriver blade to tighten it down almost all the way, then slid the two over the split and finished tightening it to seal the leak. That ended the immediate crisis.

Valve Turns Off When Bar Is 90°

About a half hour later the city water employee showed up and we determined which valve belonged to my son’s apartment. After my son and I determined which areas inside the apartment were not affected by the leaking water we turned on the unaffected circuits so that we could see to clean up and run fans for drying.

The events of this morning caused me to think about preparation for dealing with utility emergencies as they relate to the home environment. There are generally three areas to prepare for: water, electricity, and in some cases natural gas or propane. By code each utility should have shut-offs or disconnects so it is important to know where they are located and how to operate them. We found that the breaker box wasn’t labeled exactly correct, so it will be tested later and labeled more thoroughly. It would be wise to acquire appropriate tools dedicated to these potential needs and stored in a bin that is easily reached and not next to a point of potential hazard. Possible tools might include a crescent wrench, vise grips, channel lock pliers, screw drivers (both flat-blade and Philips), hose clamps, duct tape, electrical tape, and any specialty tools for utility turn-off. I can’t help but wonder if this article might be speaking to someone who will need to be prepared for the near future, so check out your situation now!

I followed the information that I was given but without success. The following week I viewed the television program “Dual Survival” where Joe used the same method using a “D” sized battery which initially failed. The hot point in the middle of the foil strip burned out and separated into two pieces. However, Joe created sparks by touching the severed ends and was able to generate a flame. There was some comfort in that achievement but I still wanted to use only a single AA battery and a single piece of foil.

Today there is a wealth of survival skill techniques and information on the Web, especially in the Social Media and after viewing a number of sites I was able to find an excellent video by GreenHHO on YouTube that was strait forward and easy to replicate, enabling me to successfully create a flame with just the wrapper strip and a single AA battery. Thus, I wanted to provide written instructions for my readers.

Items that you will need: foil gum wrapper , fresh AA battery, and a pair of scissors.

1) Take a foil gum wrapper and cut a 1/4″ wide strip lengthwise.
2) Fold the strip mid-length in half on the foil side.
3) At a 45 degree angle cut 2/3s of the width off the fold leaving 1/3 uncut that connects the 2 halves.
4) Pinch about 1/4″ at the middle while separating the 2 halves out to form a straight line.
5) Fold 1/4″ at each end in the opposite direction of the middle fold.

The folded piece of foil should resemble the “bracket” symbol.

6) Place tinder above the mid-point to capture the flame that is created when you place the AA battery between the 2 ends and touch each terminal simultaneously.

This is a marvel of sorts but it has practical applications in emergency situations, so take time to practice this fire method as it could save the day in the future.

After breakfast we began discussing survival basics such as the rule of 3s and survival priorities. Then we discussed edible plants, finding direction and shelters. Of course, we ended up with firecraft and we discussed the fire making categories of friction, percussion, optical and electrical. I used a broken headlamp to start a fire by the solar method. Then I showed how to use fine steel wool with a 9 volt battery to start a fire and everyone had a chance to try it for themselves. Then I showed how to use steel wool instead of charcloth to catch a spark using flint and steel, and in the end I demonstrated fire by friction using the bow and spindle method.

Recently I acquired some basswood and it is now my new best friend for fire by friction. In the last couple of weeks I’ve been able to guide several folks in accomplishing their first successful fire by friction by bow and spindle. It is such a delight to see the joy of their success. Such was the case this morning where 4 guys made their first bow and spindle fires and a young lad made his first flint and steel fire.

The program director, Matthew McNiel showed me a fire piston that he had made out of inexpensive hardware, so now it’s on my “to-do” list to accomplish. As we concluded our time, Matthew began to envision next year’s programs in which I may be able to participate. It was a great day with prospects of a great future.