Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 10 of 11

Thread: Coating strike-anywhere matches; I coated them completely?

  1. #1
    Member
    Join Date
    Jun 2012
    Location
    Canuckville
    Posts
    90

    Coating strike-anywhere matches; I coated them completely?

    Hello,

    I've a few containers of strike-anywhere matches that I've coated in wax. I bought boxes of the 'large' matches, selected those with the best heads, submerged them completely in melted wax, then let them cool on foil. I place about 15 of these plus a piece of waterproof sandpaper (in case there are no good striking surfaces) in a waterproof match case (I consider these matches water-resistant, not proof).

    I read somewhere of a different method, where the person was only coating the heads in wax. I coated mine completely as I didn't think a wet matchstick would be too useful when the burning tip reached it. I don't see wax melting back towards my fingers being a concern..?

    If anyone can see why the latter method may be better, please let me know.

    (Will see about getting a cotton ball in with those matches to improve the value)

    Thanks!

  2. #2
    Administrator

    2die4's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2012
    Location
    Everywhere and no where
    Posts
    743
    So do you break them free of the wax when you need them or can you strike them with the wax on them?
    I don’t have “hobbies” I’m developing a robust Post-Apocalyptic skill set.

  3. #3
    Senior Member

    Join Date
    Aug 2013
    Location
    Northwest quadrosphere, SOL-3
    Posts
    387
    You may find that they actually work better fully coated, but you may have to scrape the wax off the head to get them to strike. I do (sometimes).

  4. #4
    Damn the propane, save the bacon!


    LUNCHBOX's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2011
    Location
    OHIO
    Posts
    1,418
    I would say dip the whole match. The wax coating may even help if being used for fire starting. The stick being wet could also weaken the draw when stricking.
    Be ready now, you won't have that chance later.

  5. #5
    Senior Member

    Join Date
    Jan 2014
    Location
    Winnipeg
    Posts
    255
    You could also coat the heads and partial sticks in clear nail polish

  6. #6
    Member
    Join Date
    Jun 2012
    Location
    Canuckville
    Posts
    90
    Caveman Survival, I always feel strange when raiding my wife's makeup. I mean, I would if I ever did...never mind! =) I have plenty of candles though!

    I would have posted sooner but shamed myself for having prepared these matches without testing them afterwards. Good work may not pay off if not confirmed...arg.

    Anyway, a fully coated wooden match can be lit on waterproof sandpaper, you just waste the first few strikes removing wax from the match head. The wax isn't easily visible on my matches to be easily removed with fingernails so I think this method is fine as-is. The match burns well once lit, only showing a tiny bead of wax when the flame is halfway down the stick. I'd say the flame is larger than normal & burns faster as well. There isn't enough wax for there to be a risk of burning your fingers with wax running down the matchstick. (I removed any clumps of wax when I prepared these)

    FYI, if you include a striking surface as I did, have the rough part facing inwards; waterproof sandpaper facing outwards in a coil resists being removed from the tube as the pressure of your finger gives it traction on the tube. I suppose if the match heads were against the sand paper and not waxed someone may consider it a risk, but with them waxed & at opposite ends I don't think so. (and the waterproof tube hasn't much oxygen even if they did light)

    I've space for a cotton ball...would anyone add anything else instead?

  7. #7
    Thunder Lizard Canning Club Chapter of the Old Farts Society


    Grumpy Old Man's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2011
    Location
    Galts Gulch, God's Country
    Posts
    2,293
    Use Lacquer diluted 2:1 with thinner and dip halfway down twice. Works great. Dry on foil to avoid sticking.
    Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me Liberty or give me death." Patrick Henry, Virginia House of Burgesses, March 23, 1775

    Quo Vadis?

    Luke 22:36, And he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.

    emergencyfoodssupplies.com

  8. #8
    Senior Member

    Join Date
    May 2014
    Location
    near Pasadena, Ca.
    Posts
    448
    Though this post is about matches, collect some dryer lint, put it in a small plastic snack bag and you have a good bit of tinder. I find it seems to work better than the cotton balls and vaseline.

  9. #9
    may be in trouble


    Join Date
    May 2015
    Location
    Mid-South TN
    Posts
    708
    Pardon the necro...

    My grandfather's firestarters were a bundle of ten strike-anywheres, tightly bound tighether just behind the head, in the middle, and just before the end, in cotton thread, and the whole dipped in wood varnish, allowed to dry, and redipped. He'd put two or three of them in a tall pill bottle with a square of 800 grit sand paper, and two or three of the said bottles in his tackle box, or in a pouch or loop on his hunting vest. He said the varnish sealed the matchwood from acting as a wick for damp, and the pill
    bottle could be used as a bobber when empty.

  10. #10
    looking at their tools while posting pictures of mine.
    Domeguy's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2012
    Location
    about 20 minutes outside Lynchburg, TN...but which way...
    Posts
    1,604
    So far, it's all good. I've made some fire starters from toilet paper rolls cut in half, stuffed with drier lint, stapled the ends closed, and dunked in wax to seal them. I learned this when my son was in cub scouts. I think drier lint catches better than most other dry material...just my buck and a quarter worth input.
    "Teach the children quietly
    For someday sons and daughters
    Will rise up and fight while we stood still"

    I stayed up all night to see where the sun went. Then it dawned on me.

Bookmarks

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •