Snow Walker 1 Posted June 29, 2011 I've heard this called other things, but I call it a char tube. It's an effective way of having charred material on you all the time and takes a spark very easily. It's also a very cheap if not cost free project that will probably out last you and I. All you need is some tubing...I used a small piece of brass and 100% cotton cord. I found some old clothesline and removed the nylon core. Simply cut to the length you want and tie a not in one end, push the knot free end through the tube until it sticks out and char with a lighter. From that point on it will remain charred from using it. To use just push out the knot free end and hit with a spark, use it as needed and pull back in to put out holding a finger over the end. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
oldfatguy 0 Posted June 29, 2011 On a similar note, I made some char cloth doobies the other day. Same way as making char cloth, but I rolled them up and packed them in the tin before charring them. I have some small tubes that these fit into nicley. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rockhounder 0 Posted June 29, 2011 "But officer, I really DO start fires with these!" Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
oldfatguy 0 Posted June 29, 2011 "But officer, I really DO start fires with these!" If I were in CA, I'd probably need a perscription. :smoke: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Snow Walker 1 Posted June 29, 2011 LMAO...I could just see trying to explain that to a cop! :argue: I bet there are plenty of other people who would look at us funny too. wacky115.gif Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Snow Walker 1 Posted June 29, 2011 "But officer, I really DO start fires with these!" Oh, so your the one starting the wild fires! Come with me son your under arrest. oops.gif You can't win rockhounder! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
taken by the wind... 0 Posted June 30, 2011 ~ Where did you get the brass tube part? :unsure: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Muddy Pete 0 Posted June 30, 2011 ~ Where did you get the brass tube part? :unsure: Hardware store. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
survivorgirl 1 Posted June 30, 2011 very interestiong and those you can carry with you in your altoids box Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Snow Walker 1 Posted August 9, 2011 Here's another I made out of whitetail antler. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sh4d0wm4573ri7 0 Posted October 19, 2011 cool I find them very handy myself one in each of my kits lol I like fire what can I say Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Docwatmo 2 Posted March 29, 2012 I've never made or used char cloth. One question, How long does it stay viable in the tin? I always thought it was pretty tender and would fall apart after being beatin around in a tin for a couple of weeks. Or is it tougher than that? Thanks Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
oldfatguy 0 Posted March 29, 2012 I've never made or used char cloth. One question, How long does it stay viable in the tin? I always thought it was pretty tender and would fall apart after being beatin around in a tin for a couple of weeks. Or is it tougher than that? Thanks I have char cloth that I made last summer that has been sitting on my work bench in a tin and is still in good shape and works great. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Docwatmo 2 Posted March 29, 2012 Good to know. Wonder how long it would last in a daypack for a couple of weeks of hiking and camping. Thanks OFG!!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Holly 0 Posted March 29, 2012 I've never made or used char cloth. One question, How long does it stay viable in the tin? I always thought it was pretty tender and would fall apart after being beatin around in a tin for a couple of weeks. Or is it tougher than that? Thanks If it crumbles easily, it was "cooked" too long when it was made. :yes: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
oldfatguy 0 Posted March 29, 2012 Good to know. Wonder how long it would last in a daypack for a couple of weeks of hiking and camping. Thanks OFG!!! Yeah, what Holly said. I carried a tin of it with me through the Grand Canyon and it is fine. I keep it in a small Altoids tin, but if it had a chance to get wet, I would put the tin in a zip lock bag. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
offtrail 0 Posted August 24, 2013 I made one of these also called black out lighter or trench lighter. Mostly used by troops to light cigarettes without giving away your location. For some reason it didn't work that well for me, yes I used 100 percent cotton cord from a mop. I used a lighter to char the end, let it cool then hit it with a striker and it lit just fine. But after that i have trouble getting it to light again, seems it does not char enough to get it to light again. But if I use a lighter to char the end it will light with just a spark. Not a biggie as I have many other ways to light my fires Share this post Link to post Share on other sites