6 Candle Survival Tips & Hacks

Published on June 2, 2018
Duration: 10:42

This video demonstrates six practical survival tips and hacks using common candles and wax. Key takeaways include creating waterproof fire starters from paper towels and wax, preserving matches by dipping them in wax, and lubricating zippers and knife blades with candles. It also covers improvising an oil lamp and using crayons as emergency fire starters, debunking the myth that freezing candles makes them burn longer.

Quick Summary

Candles offer versatile survival uses: create waterproof fire starters by dipping wax-coated paper towels, waterproof matches by dipping heads in wax, and lubricate zippers or protect knife blades with wax. Crayons can also serve as emergency fire starters.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro: Candle Versatility
  2. 00:16Hack 1: Wax-Treated Fire Starter
  3. 01:55Hack 2: Waterproofing Matches
  4. 02:39Hack 3: Zipper Lubrication
  5. 02:53Hack 4: Tool Preservation (Rust Prevention)
  6. 03:12Hack 5: Improvised Oil Lamp
  7. 05:01Hack 6: Crayon Emergency Candle
  8. 05:30Myth Test: Freezing Candles
  9. 06:29Bonus: Recycling Candle Wax

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make waterproof fire starters using candles?

To create waterproof fire starters, take a strip of paper towel, roll it tightly, and then dip it thoroughly in melted candle wax. Once cooled, the wax-impregnated paper will burn much longer and resist water better than plain paper.

What is a simple way to waterproof matches for survival?

You can waterproof standard matches by carefully dipping their heads into melted candle wax. After the wax cools and hardens, scrape a small portion of the wax off the head before striking to ignite. This protects them from moisture.

Can candles be used to maintain gear like zippers and knives?

Yes, candle wax is useful for gear maintenance. Rubbing wax on zippers helps them slide more smoothly and provides water resistance. A light coat of wax on knife blades can prevent rust and make them easier to draw from a sheath.

Is it true that freezing candles makes them burn longer?

No, the idea that freezing candles makes them burn longer is a myth. A test conducted showed that a frozen candle actually burns faster than a candle stored at room temperature, likely due to changes in wax density and melt rate.

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