How to Make Fire With Steel, Flint and a Battery

Although technology has changed much since fire was first discovered, sometimes there is no substitute for just hitting two rocks together. There is no argument that using a battery to start a camp fire is easier, though the tried-and-true method of flint and steel has been the method of choice for many woodsmen and cowboys alike.

Things You'll Need

  • Hardened steel
  • Flint
  • Char cloth
  • Steel wool
  • 9-volt battery
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Hold the steel in one hand with the flint in the other, over the piece of char cloth. Strike the steel against the flint. A tiny piece of steel should spark off onto the char cloth. Char cloth is made by placing woven cotton into a sealed metal container and placing that on a fire until the cotton becomes black.

    • 2

      Pick up the char cloth and gently blow the spark until it becomes a flame.

    • 3

      Start a fire with a 9-volt battery and steel wool by using the steel wool to connect the two terminals on the battery. The steel wool should instantly form sparks.