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Lip Balm Money Cache

Ken — Sat, 05 Jan 2013 15:48:37 +0000

Survival often hinges on preparedness. Folks who are prepared for emergency situations often carry items in their pockets or on their person that are in effect tools for communication, construction, repair or first aid. These items are known as “Every Day Carry” or EDC. I carry a number of items on a key ring and in my wallet. My wallet holds documents, cards and cash that can be critical for purchases like gas, fares and food. Unfortunately, when you’re out and about in emergency situations your path may result in personal loss by robbery where your wallet is taken from you, leaving you without funds for your immediate needs. One simple solution for monetary backup is by carrying extra cash in an empty lip balm stick.

You can make your own cache by removing the cap of the lip balm and elevating the wax out completely. The cylinder of wax will have a plastic cup at the end and you can gently remove it. Then, fold your currency in half lengthwise. A hair pin can be slipped over the bill’s midpoint and rotated like a spindle to create a small tube which in turn can be placed into the empty lip balm container. When the cap is replaced, no one will see the contents or suspect your lip balm of being a cache of currency. For an even more hidden appearance you can cut off the wax just above it’s plastic cup and replace it in the tube over the currency so that it appears completely normal when the cap is removed.

In regards to the wax, in a hot environment it might melt and moisten the contents that are hidden, but it doesn’t invalidate the currency. It can also be used in a number of other ways such as for it’s original purpose, or to float an improvised needle compass, to enhance kindling for making a fire, or for any number of other things.

So consider taking that extra step of monetary backup. It takes very little space and could just save the day in an emergency.

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.