In a survival situation, knowing how to light a fire is crucial. But what if you don’t have a matchbox on hand? Or what if the box has become wet and you can’t use it? In this article, we’ll explore different methods you can use to light a match without the box, using materials that are practical and accessible in a survival situation.
We will provide step-by-step guides for how to light a match without the box. By the end of this article, you’ll be equipped with the skills you need to light a match and start a fire even without a matchbox.
The Materials You Will Need
To light a match without a box, you will need the following materials:
- Matches (obviously!)
- Striking surfaces – This can be a range of building materials such as concrete, brick, stone, stucco, unglazed ceramic, unglazed porcelain, rocks, etc.
- Sandpaper or strike anywhere matches
- Battery (9V works best)
- Other matches
These materials are generally more common when packing a survival or bug-out kit. Let’s have a look at a few other less–common items that can also be added to your bug out plan kit:
- Steel wool
- Flint and steel
- Bow drill
- Magnifying glass
- Dryer lint
- Char cloth
Most of these items or materials can be packed down pretty easily, so they are worth trying to get a hold of, especially as a backup plan for when your matches don’t work as they should. Using these alternative materials can require more skill and effort, but they can still be effective in starting a fire.
The Different Methods to Light a Match Without the Box
When you’re in a survival situation, being able to start a fire is essential for keeping warm, cooking food, and signaling for help. But what if you don’t have a matchbox on hand? In this section, we’ll explore a range of different methods you can use to light a match without the box. We’ll also provide step-by-step guides for each method. Let’s have a look at them, shall we?
1. Striking the Match Against a Surface
- Hold the match firmly at the head, careful not to break it. Keep the striking end facing away from your body.
- Find a rough surface, such as one of the above building materials (concrete, brick, stone, stucco, unglazed ceramic, unglazed porcelain, rocks, etc). Position the match at a 45-degree angle against it.
- Quickly slide the match along the surface, apply pressure to the match head with your finger, and continue until the match ignites.
- Once the match is lit, carefully transfer the flame to your tinder bundle or kindling.
Tips and Tricks
- Use a rough and dry surface, as moisture can interfere with the friction needed to ignite the match. You may even need to remove dirt or debris to prevent the match from hopping over the surface.
- Hold the match at the base, near the striking end, to get a better grip.
- Strike the match with a swift motion, applying pressure and friction simultaneously.
2. Using a Battery To Light A Match Without Box
- Take a 9V battery or something similar that contains 2 terminals close to each other. Touch both terminals of the battery at the same time with the match head.
- Keep the match head in contact with the battery for a few seconds, and you should see smoke emanating from the match.
- Quickly transfer the smoldering match to your tinder bundle or kindling.
Safety Precautions
- Only use a low-voltage battery like a 9V battery. Do not use a high-voltage battery; it can be dangerous and cause the match to ignite too quickly.
- Be careful not to touch the battery’s terminals together, as this can cause a short circuit and potentially harm you or damage the battery.
3. Using Sandpaper or Strike Anywhere Matches
- Take a piece of sandpaper, ideally with a grit of 80 or lower, and fold it in half.
- Hold the match by the head and run the match head quickly and firmly along the folded edge of the sandpaper, striking the match against the rough surface. As the head grinds against the sandpaper, it should spark and produce enough fire to transfer to your tinder or kindling.
- Alternatively, strike-anywhere matches can be ignited by striking them against a rough surface.
Where to Find Strike Anywhere Matches and Sandpaper
- Sandpaper can be found at most hardware stores and home improvement stores. Sandpaper works much like the striker section of a matchbox, so it’s almost a like-for-like alternative.
- Strike-anywhere matches can be found at most grocery stores, hardware stores, and camping supply stores.
4. Light With Other Matches
- Take a second match and light it using a traditional matchbox or lighter.
- Hold the lit match steady and touch the head of the unlit match to the flame.
- Once the match is lit, transfer the flame to your tinder bundle or kindling.
*Note – This method may seem obvious, but sometimes it’s easy to miss these minor details in a survival situation. The brain can panic, and even the simplest tasks can become less apparent.
5. Light Up match with Fingernails
- Hold the match by the head and position the striking end between your thumbnail and the index finger.
- Using your thumbnail, apply pressure and drag the match head along the surface of your index finger.
- Once the match ignites, transfer the flame to your tinder bundle or kindling.
Safety Precautions
- Be careful not to press too hard, which can break the match or harm your fingers.
- Keep your fingers dry and avoid moisture, as it can interfere with the friction needed to ignite the match.
6. Using a Magnifying Glass or Lens To Light A Match Without Box
- Position the magnifying glass or lens to focus a beam of sunlight onto the match head.
- Hold the match firmly by the head, with the striking end facing away from your body.
- Slowly move the magnifying glass or lens closer to the match head until the heat of the focused sunlight ignites the match.
- Once the match is lit, gently transfer the flame to your tinder bundle or kindling.
Tips and Tricks
- Use a magnifying glass or lens with a high level of magnification to focus the sunlight effectively.
- Choose a sunny day with clear skies, as clouds can block the sunlight.
- Keep the magnifying glass or lens steady and hold the match to focus the sunlight accurately.
7. Using a Ferrocerium Rod or Flint and Steel
- Take a ferrocerium rod, flint, and steel and strike it to create sparks.
- Hold the match by the head and position the striking end near the sparks.
- When a spark catches on the match head, blow gently on the flame to help it grow.
- Once the match is lit, transfer the flame to your tinder bundle or kindling.
Tips and Tricks
- Use a high-quality ferrocerium rod or flint and steel to create more sparks.
- Choose a dry and windless day, as the wind can blow away the sparks.
- Practice striking the ferrocerium rod or flint and steel before attempting to light the match.
*Note – This may seem counterproductive as the flint and steel aim to create a spark anyway. However, sometimes, their spark may not be enough or last long enough to be able to transfer to a tinder bunch. Therefore, the match may give it that extra bit of life it requires to light up. This is also one of the easiest method, if you want to learn how to light a match without the box.
7. Using Steel Wool To Light A Match Without Box
- Take a small piece of steel wool and tease it apart to create a fluffy texture.
- Hold the match by the head and touch the steel wool to the match head.
- Rub the steel wool vigorously against the match head to create sparks.
- When a spark catches on the match head, blow gently on the flame to help it grow.
- Once the match is lit, transfer the flame to your tinder bundle or kindling.
Tips and Tricks
- Use fine-grade steel wool for the best results. (Iron wool, wire wool, or wire sponge work best). They are also extremely easy to pack down into a bug-out bag kit.
- Ensure the steel wool is dry, as moisture can interfere with the sparking process.
- Be careful not to burn yourself when holding the steel wool and match.
Safety Precautions
- Keep the steel wool away from flammable materials, as it can easily catch fire.
- Wear protective gloves to avoid burns or cuts on your hands.
- Always keep a fire extinguisher or bucket of water within arms reach in case of unforeseeable accidents.
What to Do If the Match Doesn’t Light?
- Try a different method or adjust your technique.
- Check that the match head is dry and not damp.
- Double-check that you are using the right materials and follow the instructions carefully.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
If you don’t have a lighter or matches, you can use a magnifying glass or lens, a battery, sandpaper, a ferrocerium rod, or friction-based methods like a hand drill or bow drill. These items are easily obtainable and take little room to pack down.
It is possible. However, It is not recommended to light matches on a wall. The surface can be uneven and may not provide strong enough friction for ignition.
Lighting a match with your fingernail is possible, but it requires a steady hand and a firm grip on the match. It’s important to use caution and not apply too much pressure, as this can break the match.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, we’ve outlined various methods for how to light a match without the box. It’s important to note that safety precautions should always be taken when attempting to light a match without the box. Remember to stay cautious and be prepared for any potential accidents. We hope that this guide has been helpful. You can read about similar topics here on our website. Check back again soon for more.
