Fire Piston: The pen sized version

Seals Info--Thanks!

GHRIT,

Thanks for the info!

Seals would make a big difference.

I agree that the materials do make a difference. So, wood will not be as long-lived as metal.

I recall seeing that someone had gotten excited about seeing the reaction within the chamber and that they had constructed a clear plexiglass cylinder. However, the photos of that cylinder, after creating multiple coals was definitely degraded. It kind of seemed like a self destruction process.

What material(s) is your fire piston made from?

 

Pressure Relief Valve?

Was it one of the models with a pressure relief valve? I like the idea of that; seems to make a lot of sense.

 

Alternative Solution

Although it is obvious when you share it, I had not considered that the butt of a fire piston may unscrew to accomplish the same kind of pressure relief that a side valve would get done.

When I do make a purchase of a fire piston, I will be getting one that either has a pressure relief valve or that butt end that screws off.

Thanks for sharing.

 

seems to me that it would be pretty easy to make yourself (or have a friend if you don't have the tools) Pretty simple desgn really. without rubber for replacment o rings, I wonder what else you could use.

 

Here's what I prefer..

http://www.survivalmonkey.com/forum/gear-reviews/26744-blastmatch.html

 

I've never had much luck with my Blastmatch.

 

Your Top Fire Starter

Brokor,

You are the first person I have read about that is claiming a fire piston as their primary "go to" fire starter.

As for myself, I have little exposure to fire pistons, so they are a bit of an exotic fire starter solution just yet, for me.

I do like the ready portability of the pen-sized fire pistons. But I'll need to have some hands-on experience before I can make any assessment about them being a primary solution.

 

What problems have you had? I can light a piece of cardboard with mine