6 Recommended Fire Pistons! Introducing tips and precautions for starting a fire

I think most people use a lighter or a match to start a fire. Recently, the number of campers who use fashionable and smart tools that can start fire without using a lighter or match is increasing. At first, many people can’t handle the tools well and can’t light the fire, but it’s easy to get the hang of it. This time, I would like to introduce a fire-starting tool called “Fire Piston” FM-3001, FM-3002, FM-3003. Know the tips and precautions and start a fire safely.

What is a fire piston?

A fire piston is a tool that can compress air to create a fire. Also known as “pressure ignition device”. As you can see from the word “pressure”, this tool compresses the air, increasing the pressure to push it back. It uses the principle of a rapid rise in temperature to create a fire. It is a very primitive ignition method and is an unfamiliar tool, so it is difficult to handle it well from the beginning, and it requires some practice.

Features and charm of fire pistons

Simple and portable

The fire piston has a simple design, is compact and has excellent portability, and is a popular tool among campers. Even though it is a small tool, you can create a fire. The O-ring attached to the tip of the tool is a consumable item and needs to be replaced, but since it is small, there is no need to worry about taking up the width of the luggage.

Things around you become a fire

Generally, the material that becomes the crater is carbonized cotton cloth such as hemp string and char cloth. Fire pistons do not necessarily have to be prepared with the specified materials. You can use a piece of tissue paper, cotton scraps, or anything else around you to create a fire.

If you get better, you can start a fire quickly.

Since the fire piston is a special ignition method, it is difficult for anyone to use it from the beginning. In order to master it, it is necessary to practice many times and to be able to quickly create a fire. If you can make a good fire, it will be easier to ignite faster than primitive ignition methods such as sparks and optics. If you’re tired of lighters and matches, try a weird fire with a fire piston.

Fire piston tips

Hemp string or charcloth (carbonized cloth or string) is easy to burn

The fire piston is recommended for the crater by carbonizing a piece of cotton cloth such as hemp string or char cloth. It is often used as a crater to ignite sparks when making a fire with a flint. Hemp strings and charcloths cannot be used if they are damp or wet. Be careful not only in managing tools, but also in managing materials.

Improves the adhesion between the cylinder and the tip of the rod

By increasing the close contact between the cylinder and the tip of the rod, the pressure to push back becomes stronger and the temperature tends to rise sharply. Apply grease to the tip of the rod to maintain the air pressure inside the cylinder. The degree of adhesion between the cylinder and the rod tip will increase.

When the fire is created, gently go with air

Once you have a fire, quickly transfer it to a flammable material such as loosened hemp cord or wood chips. After that, gently blow in air to spread the fire. If the crater used is too large, it will take time to ignite, so be careful. By gently blowing in air, oxygen can easily reach the fire, making it easier to catch fire.

Precautions for fire pistons

Do not overfill combustibles

Combustibles cannot create a fire even if a large amount is pushed in. If you push in a large amount, it will be difficult for air to enter the rod and you will not be able to compress it properly. Even a small amount of fire can be ignited enough, so you only need to put a small amount of hemp string or charcloth.

Avoid compressing slowly

The fire piston can create a fire by compressing the air inside the cylinder at once. If compressed slowly, the air will escape from the inside of the cylinder and the temperature will not rise, making it impossible to create a fire. When using it, put your weight on it and compress it as much as you want.

Work with your hands fixed in a stable place

It is a tool that creates fire, so if you handle it easily, you may get injured. Before using the fire piston, fix the cylinder firmly by hand in a sturdy place. Flat rocks and stones are recommended for the work area.

Tips for starting a fire

Put the fire as low as possible

Once you have a fire, place it under a branch or small firewood that will be the fuel. The fire climbs from bottom to top. If you put the fire on top, it will not burn to the branches and firewood underneath. The location of the fire is important because it spreads the fire as a whole.

Light the fire in order from the flammable one

It is better to light the fire in order from the flammable ones such as branches and small firewood so that it can be spread quickly. Speed is important when dealing with fire. Over time, the fire will go out. Trying to light a fire from large firewood or charcoal takes a lot of time. When adding large firewood or charcoal, make sure that the fire spreads.

Use dry firewood and branches

If you use damp firewood or branches, it will not catch fire easily. By using a dry material, air can enter the fire and spread well. Also, if you spread too much firewood and branches, the air passage will be blocked. Oxygen is required for the fire to burn, so be aware that you should spread it with a gap so that air can easily enter.

Explaining how to select a fire piston

Easy to care for

Care is important for the longevity of tools. After using the fire piston, soot is often attached and dust of the material that becomes the crater remains. Leaving it as it is will cause it to not be compressed properly the next time you use it. Choose products that are easy to care for.

What is made sturdy

Because it is a fire-handling tool, there is a risk of injury. Make sure to choose a sturdy product when you buy it, as the tools will not break during work.

6 Recommended Fire Pistons

Jarhit fire piston

FM-3001 is a fire piston that is overwhelmingly popular in the American bushcraft world. When you hit the cylinder vigorously, the air inside the piston is compressed and the fibrous charcoal is ignited. Recommended for its simple design.