Steel Wool as tinder
 

I saw a flint and striker set at a gun show yesterday. The guy made a spart land on some steel wool and it really started to glow. Looks like steel wool works great as tinder. The only drawback is it only works once. The steel wool is coated with a petroleum based product to keep it from rusting. Once it burns off, its useless for firestarting.

Re: Steel Wool as tinder
 

A fun thing to do with steel wool is to go out on a wet paddock on a dark night, tie a wad of steel wool to a rope, dip it in methelated spirits and set it on fire as you swing it around your head. Makes for a good fireworks display on the cheap. :)

Re: Steel Wool as tinder
 

steel wool and a 9v battery will start a fire immediately.:9536:

Re: Steel Wool as tinder
 

http://www.vidmax.com/index.php/videos/view/1573

Re: Steel Wool as tinder
 

dryer lint is one of the best tinders.

Re: Steel Wool as tinder
 

True. It is also quite combustible in the proper setting. However, steel wool will work better when moisture is present.

Re: Steel Wool as tinder
 

This is why I always carry a healthy supply of lint around in my belly-button. :)

Re: Steel Wool as tinder
 

It almost goes without saying that the steel wool would not be the first item dipping into the spirits that night. :bear_w00t:

Re: Steel Wool as tinder
 

Yep, works great.:coolbeer:

Re: Steel Wool as tinder
 

0000 (4-aught) steel wool. Better still, get a supply of trioxane heat tabs or gel, from a military surplus dealer at your local gun show. 3 sealed pkgs per box at .50 per box or get a better price by purchasing in volume.

They are the absolute greatest for starting a cooking fire. Light weight, compact, weather proof, burns super hot and clean, & no tinder needed. Just ready the wood and fire-up the trioxane.