Starting a Fire with a Battery

Knowing how to start a fire is a critical skill needed to survive. Although many people rely on lighters, it’s important to know some alternate options. Fire-starting gear is great to have but there are many ways to start a fire. Most people carry batteries, for example, and they are an easy and effective way to build a fire. If you want to know how to start a fire with a battery, then read on.

Cell Phone Battery Fire

Cell phones have batteries that can ignite steel wool. To make a fire with a cell phone battery, build a small nest or bundle of brush and small twigs. Create a small indentation in the bundle and put a layer of steel wool inside. After removing the battery from the cell phone, rub the steel wool with the battery. Once the steel wool starts to spark, blow lightly and the bundle should catch fire as well. Be sure to have a pile of kindling ready and add the bundle quickly.

Gum Wrapper or Aluminum Foil and Battery Fire

Starting a fire with a wrapper or strip of aluminum foil and a AA battery is fairly simple. Other batteries can be used as well. Create a small strip of foil or fold a wrapper into a 2-3 inch strip. Touch one end of the strip to the top of the battery and the other end to the bottom of the battery. The strip will ignite right away. However, with this method, the wrapper won’t burn for more than a few seconds, so be sure to have tinder ready to go.

9 Volt and Steel wool

This is another simple way to start a fire. With a piece of steel wool, take a 9 volt battery and rub lightly on the steel wool. It will ignite right away and should spark for a few minutes, giving you adequate time to add tinder and get a full fire started.

Battery and Paper Clip

For this option, almost any battery can work although AA, AAA, C, and D are the most common battery choices. Start by prying off a part of the outer cap of the battery terminal and insert one end of a paperclip so that it is in contact with the cell. Press down on the end to hold it in place. Press the other end of the paper clip to the other side of the terminal. A fire will start quickly when the material makes contact. A paper clip will burn for a few seconds. The benefit of this method is that any battery can be used.

Conclusion

There are multiple ways to start a fire but batteries are a simple and effective fire starter. Most people who have a cell phone or any type of battery with them can use these with some steel wool or other metals to start a fire. Although there may be other preferable options to create fire, knowing all of the fire starting options available is handy in an emergency so remember these instructions.