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Lip Balm Versatility

Ken — Sat, 16 Jun 2012 22:33:34 +0000

While I was growing up, “Chapstick (brand name)” was the only game in town, but now there is a flood of lip balm brands on the market that come in a wide variety of fragrances, tastes and compositions. The primary use of a lip balm is as a moisturizer. We think initially of our lips but some folks use it in other places that are exposed to the elements. Applying it to your cheeks can prevent wind burn. Many lip balms now include SPF protection from the sun.

Lip balm can also be used as a lubricant. It can be applied on areas of your body that are prone to chaffing to reduce friction. It can also be used on mechanical items like hinges or threads to facilitate fastening nuts onto bolts. It can also be used as a moisture barrier to prevent corrosion. Because of it’s oily/waxy nature it can be used to control water flow whether near your eyebrows to control sweat, under the lip of a pitcher to control drips, or on a tent line during a rain. It can be used as a sealer around seams or small orifices.

In a camping scenario it can be used to enhance tinder performance for starting fires. You can cut a thin pad of balm and press a magnetized needle through it enabling it to float on water for an emergency compass or you can tie the whole container onto a fishing line to use as a float. In a domestic scenario it can be used to write a message on a mirror, a pane of glass or a windshield. A friend told me that he uses it on the face of his gold clubs for better ball control.

I carry a medicated lip balm that contains clove. It helps to heal the cracks on my finger tips in Winter time. It helps to stop bleeding of small cuts and soothes abrasions. Because of it’s fragrance I’ve also used it as a deodorant in short term situations.

Whatever circumstances that you find yourself in, whether in emergency or for convenience, lip balm will most likely find a place for good use.

Ear Plug Fishing Bobber

Ken — Sat, 12 May 2012 00:00:07 +0000

In an earlier blog “Soda Straw Bobber – DIY Fishing Float” I described how to make a bobber out of a soda straw and illustrated it with a video posted on the Survivaltek Youtube Channel. It works remarkably well but I have since tested a different material that does not require any tools to make. It is a moldable foam ear plug. In many respects it looks and acts like a bright orange marshmallow but it doesn’t melt like one when it gets wet.

To fasten the ear plug bobber to your line, push the hook through the flat top-end and out the rounded bottom-end. The ear plug will initially squish down in size as you push the hook through it but don’t worry, just wait a few moments and the material self inflates to it’s original size and shape. The ear plugs are limited in buoyancy but can be ganged up as necessary to float heavier bait. A single earplug is adequate for suspending a worm. The earplugs generally come in fluorescent colors so it’s easy to spot on the water. You can adjust the distance of leader by sliding the earplug up or down the line.

There’s no question that a manufactured bobber works best, but in a pinch the earplugs can accomplish the task. Give it a try and write your results in the comments section below.

Gallons of Flotation

Ken — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 15:29:27 +0000

As an empty one gallon milk jug looms before me, I am reminded that a one gallon container is worth roughly 8 pounds of flotation. More precisely, 7.7 pounds. This becomes significant when you need to build a raft with salvaged containers in the aftermath of flooding or for emergency travel by waterways. Of course, it’s ideal to use sealed containers. When using a gallon jug, a screw-on lid works best, but duct tape can be used to help secure any “iffy” lids or caps. Other containers might include gas cans, 50 gallon drums, water bottles, etc.. You’ll need to decide whether you want to ride above water level to stay dry, or whether adding just enough buoyancy for you to sit in the water and ride the flotation device is adequate. Consider collecting the containers in a net or tarp, or, you can tie them together which could take significant cordage. Staying topside also suggests the need for a framework to place on top of the floating material. In any case, don’t forget paddles for propulsion or steering, although paddling with your arms and legs will work. Don’t forget to include the combined weight of other passengers, equipment and framework when calculating the necessary buoyancy.