Anyone Attempted DIY Fire Piston?

[headchange4u]

I am thinking about making a fire piston.

Anyone had any experience using fire pistons? They seem to be easier to use than a flint and steel.

I have found a few resources online, like this one using a AA Mag light. I especially like how this DIY version allows you to carry everything, including char cloth, in one self contained unit. I think I have a couple of these flashlights that I can tinker with.

Another method using supplies found at a hardware store.

If it work well I'm thinking about having my cousin machine one out of aluminum.

Here's some vids of a fire piston in action:

Mag Light fire piston:


Nice aluminum fire piston:


Nice looking wooden unit:

[Gailainne]

Here is another link to a DIY fire piston from hardware bought bits and peices.

However I would'nt say they are easier to use than a flint and steel, I have'nt personally used one but from what I gather there is a very tight technique to getting them to work, humidity and dampness in general really screws with them, perhaps one reason you won't find many in Scotland

There are some very good makers on your side of the pond, one maker uses only wood, with minimal modern materials, and I have seen another who makes theirs from clear plexiglass.

Here's one

One of my summer projects is to make one like Galemys.

Its a fun project and at the end of it you can make fire, whats the downside

Cheers

Stephen

[jeffjenn]

Jason, another source for ideas:
http://wildwoodsurvival.com/survival...ton/index.html

[headchange4u]

I found this site that sells a really cool Survival Fire Piston that contains:

1.) It has 14 ft. of para cord. As most of you already know, parachute core is indispensable in a survival situation. It has countless uses and can be separated to use it's inner cores for smaller cord to make traps and snares.
2.) A magnetized sewing needle and thread. The needle can be used to repair clothing and gear, remove splinters and thorns, and aid in the building of traps. Being magnetized, the needle can be placed on top of small amount of water (without breaking the surface tension) and become a compass. At least giving you a general sense of direction.
3.) A fish hook and mono fishing line. Beside the obvious catching fish, they can be used to mend packs and heavy sewing jobs, used to snare and catch small game, and hang small strips of meat to make jerky.
4.) Extra heavy aluminum foil. This can be used for signaling, cooking, boiling water, and making more char cloth.
5.)A small square of new cotton cloth. This can be used to filter water, bandage a wound, and placed in the aluminum foil to make more char cloth.
6.) A small zipper plastic bag containing extra tinder twine. The bag will keep the tinder dry and can be reused to keep future tinders dry. We have 4 choices available in this model. Olive Drab Green Military Tan Desert Camo Military Black

[Spock]

Fire pistons, like all DIY fire makers, require more time and effort than a simple match or butane lighter. You cannot make fire without flame. Pistons rarely make flame; they make a glowing coal which you must nurse into flame with a wad of tinter. They are fun to fool with and for impressing tenderfeet. Mentioning your stock portfolio will get them into bed faster.

[Cannibal]

Mentioning your stock portfolio will get them into bed faster.

Not any more!
Fun can't be underestimated when discussing fire.

[fin]

Not any more!
Fun can't be underestimated when discussing fire.

Boy, are you right on both accounts!

[Shug]

I have one sent to me as a gift from J. Falk for being a tester on the Bushwacker stove. It works great with char cloth but it is just a spark that lasts a bit and added to tinder and blown on does the job. I have not carried it yet but playing with it is fun.

[stormcrow]

I am all about the gadgets and this has cool gadget factor written all over it. I think I am going to have to make this one... Having said that though, it looks a lot less practical then my Bic or Light My Fire flint.

Just cool as all get out!

Adam

[Cannibal]

Having said that though, it looks a lot less practical then my Bic or Light My Fire flint.

Just cool as all get out!
Adam

Agreed, my firesteel makes sparks awfully easy.
However, I went looking for a couple of my old Mag lights last night. I didn't have the right size so I went to Walmart. The only AA Mag lights they had were the LED model and I didn't want to spend $28 to make a toy. I'll be cruising the flea market this weekend.