How to Make a Fire With Piston Sparks
- 1). Form a tinder bundle. Use dry grass, fiber from beneath tree bark, cotton balls or even lint. Form a bundle that is about three-to-four inches across and make an indention in the center so that the bundle resembles a bird's nest.
- 2). Remove the piston from the piston tube and locate the tinder hole. The tinder hole will be located at the end of the plunger. Place a small piece of char cloth or another easily combustible material in the hole.
- 3). Apply a small amount of petroleum jelly on the O-ring as a lubricant to the piston. Slightly insert the piston into the piston tube. It is important that the tinder remain in the tinder hole and is not dislodged at this point.
- 4). Rapidly push down on the end of the piston with a firm motion and be prepared for a small flash if the light is dim or dark. The flash will be caused by ignited and expanding gases and will indicate the successful creation of a spark and the lighting of the tinder.
- 5). Pull the piston from the tube with a smooth motion--it is important that the tinder not be dislodged. Position the end of the piston over the tinder bundle. Push a small nail or stick through the tinder hole to dislodge the lit tinder (or ember) so it will drop into the tinder bundle.
- 6). Pick up the tinder bundle and look for the spark or signs of smoke. Provide oxygen to the fledgling fire by gently blowing onto the bundle. Continue to work with the ember until the tinder flames. Place the burning tinder on the ground and begin adding gradually larger tinder, twigs and wood to the fire as it grows.
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