Uco Stormproof Match Kit

Have you ever tried to use the striker pad while it was wet? (I haven't; this isn't a criticism, just a question to see if that type of striker works when wet.)

If it works, then that's a great idea–I can't tell you the amount of times I've dropped a striker patch when trying to use matches outdoors. If not, then I have to say this falls under the category of "cool, but not very practical".

I haven't and wondered about it too. I use a K&M match safe and carry a Bic and a small fire steel. Something has to work.

Magnifying glass, strike anywhere matches, fresnel lens, 9 volt battery and steel wool, potassium permanganate and glycerin, bow drill and / or flint and steel! ;-)

FWIW glue a piece of the striker plate material inside the cap of the match safe and insert as many matches as will fit upside down into the match safe so that the match heads are pointed away from the striker material. Close the match safe and the O ring should keep everything dry.

Disclaimer

Warning! This is strictly a hypothetical and experimental method and is in no way a recommended practice. It probably violates some OSHA or NFPA rule or law.

If you decide to attempt this method / modification you could quite possibly be putting yourself at risk. Consult with a trained professional and do not try this yourself.

Party On,

Newton

Post edited in the interest of everyone's safety! ;-)

Newton: "FWIW glue a piece of the striker plate material inside the cap of the match safe and insert as many matches as will fit upside down into the match safe so that the match heads are away from the striker material. Close the match safe and the O ring should keep everything dry."

Good and simple solution! I've always wanted a mini road flare that would burn for about 5 minutes. That would get any wood burning and make a good signal device too. I have a hard time justifying a full 15 minute flare, but it would be a good addition on a group hike.

Hey Dale,

Re-read my post.

"…insert as many matches as will fit upside down into the match safe so that the match heads are away from the striker material".

I could be wrong but I believe that this would keep the match heads and the striker material apart and safe from inadvertent ignition. In this configuration the only part of the match close to the striker material would be the wooden stick only end of the match and not the match head.

It was probably a bad suggestion as there is probably an OSHA or NFPA rule or law stating that these two items can't even be in the same room together let alone the same container unless it is an odd numbered leap year.

I do understand that inserting the matches in the normal way with a piece of the striker material in the cap would be rather hazardous.

BTW a road flare would be another good option to use as a fire starter. ;-)

Party On,

Newton

I think the upside down arrangement is safe enough. If you think about it, self-striking matches can rub together in a container, which seems more ignition prone by far.

Road flares make excellent fire starters. It's an old hunter's trick in the PNW. A 15 minute flare will get the wettest, most rotten wood burning. I recommend them 110% for winter trips.

They are designed as a signal device in the first place— I'll bet a helicopter team could see a road flare from miles away if you are in the clear. Massive night blindness effect though– wear your sunglasses or goggles :)

I use the same Kodak film container I've had since about 1980, with a hunk of striker tucked under the lid. I prefer the flat-topped Kodaks to the nicely-translucent but contour-lidded Fuji canisters. The Uco kit looks fine and good, except for having that striker "outside".

Many photographers mourned the passing of the metal film cans with a screw top. They had 10,000 uses.

I have one a friend bought for me it weighs 1.3 oz minus 3 matches it comes with 2 extra strikers kept in a plastic bag inside and I just soaked the striker for 1 minute under water then brushed it off and it lit a match. Any other questions?

Dale,

I amended / changed / edited my first post on this thread in the interest of everyone's safety and to keep the attorneys at bay.

Thank you for helping me to maintain safety on the hiking trails and in the pockets and packs of hikers everywhere. ;-)

BTW I know this is off subject but I carry that REI windshirt / jacket that I got from you a while back in my daily carry pack. It has served me well and I have nicknamed it "Dale". ;-)

Thanks again.

Party On,

Newton

I usually tear the striking strip off the side of a box, wrap it in plastic wrap, and then stick it inside my match safe. The match safe keeps it dry and the plastic wrap prevents accidental ignition.

HJ
Adventures In Stoving

The outside striker does still work after getting wet or muddy. You can just brush off the water or dirt and the matches should still light. The container comes with a couple heat sealed strikers inside as well, so you can replace the outside one if it gets destroyed.