How to Make Fire With a 9V Battery

Starting a fire with a 9-volt battery is easy as long as you have a roll of fine steel wool. While the current in a 9-volt battery normally is not strong enough to catch anything on fire, the nature of the steel wool makes it perfect for this purpose. The strands in the steel wool are so thin the current from the battery quickly superheats them, then the air pockets in the steel wool provide oxygen for combustion.

Things You'll Need

  • Fine steel wool
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Instructions

    • 1

      Prepare an outdoor work area free of flammable items. Take the same precautions you would take in starting any fire. Keep a bucket of water on hand as a safety measure.

    • 2

      Prepare kindling if your goal is to build a campfire or start a fireplace. Use small sticks, leaves, strips of paper or other things that will ignite easily.

    • 3

      Cut off a piece of steel wool from the roll. Make the piece about 6 inches long and 1/2 inch wide. The finer the steel wool, the easier it will be to catch it on fire. The finest steel wool is "0000" grade. Set the steel wool on the ground where you wish to start the fire.

    • 4

      Rub the battery terminals on the steel wool. The current from the battery will instantly heat the steel wool, causing it to glow red and even produce flames. Take the battery away and add kindling on top of the burning steel wool. Gently blow on the steel wool to make it burn hotter.