Fire Pistons - Do you actually use one?

R

rpbali

Joined
Feb 23, 2007
Messages
223
Well, I got this fire piston in a trade, and it arrived a few days ago. It is very well made, and is lighter than it looks (it's all aluminum). I made up some char cloth to play with, and was able to get it to light on my second try. Here are some pics of it, as well as a short video I made up. Now I'll have to get out into the bush and see if I can find some tinder fungus to experiment with. Although fire pistons aren't the most practical thing compared to a lighter, matches, or ferro rod, it is a neat tool that really impresses people, and is just fun to play with.

Anyone else use a fire piston? I know most people have multiple ways to start a fire with them while out in the bush, so I'm wondering if anyone actually uses their fire piston, or if it's more of a back up.

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xBh4w3jfN_U
 
No I don't carry one, and to be frank, I always thought they were somewhat of a gimmick. However, the new generation made from aluminum and brass and precision machined have really got me curious and may make me rethink my position. I watched your video and it was impressive, can you do that everytime? Chris
 
I agree with the above. I always considered them to be somewhat of a gimmick, more of a "Look what I can do" type thing. If I took one, it definately would be a backup idea. Albeit, if it turned out as yours did everytime, I might be reconsidering that :D
 
I consider it a "useful gimmick" also. They certainly work, but wouldn't be my primary tool either.

That said, there's nothing wrong with them per se.
 
After playing with it for a little while, I'd say I can get it to light at least every other time. The video I put up was the first attempt. I have found some things that seem to really affect whether or not you get an ember.

1)How much char cloth (or other tinder) you put in.
-Stuffing in too much generally means it won't light, and the same can be said for not putting in enough. You really have to experiment a bit until you find that happy-medium.

2)How fast you compress and then remove the piston.
-The faster you compress the air inside, the hotter it's going to get, thus more likely to light. Also, I have found that once compressed, you want to remove the piston fairly quickly, as the ember needs oxygen.
 
I have one and NEVER use it. It works, but a PJCB and firesteel is easier for me to use.
 
I think they are col and kind of a novelty item. Always gets a wow from people who never saw them before.

As part of a kit, I don't think they are worth their weight.
 
I just bought one.I'll take it out on an overnight er and use it as my primary.Of course I'll take a mountain of pics and post them here.Just give me a week or 2.
 
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