Guide · Fire

Using a ferro rod

A ferro rod (ferrocerium rod) throws a shower of very hot sparks when scraped. It works when wet, in the cold and at altitude, and lasts thousands of strikes, making it one of the most reliable fire-starters to carry.

What you need

A ferro rod.
A striker: the metal scraper that comes with it, or the square back edge of a knife. Avoid using the sharp edge — it blunts the blade and doesn't work as well.
Very fine, dry tinder. Sparks need something that catches easily: petroleum jelly cotton wool, birch bark shavings, dry grass fluff or char cloth.

Before your first use

Many new rods have a black protective coating. Scrape it off with a few firm strokes before you need it in earnest.

How to strike

Prepare your fire first: a nest of tinder with kindling ready beside it.
Hold the rod firmly, tip down, resting right in or next to the tinder.
Place the striker near the top of the rod at a steep angle, about 45 degrees.
Pull the rod back towards you while holding the striker still against it, keeping the striker over the tinder. This throws sparks into the tinder without knocking it apart.
Alternatively, keep the rod still and push the striker firmly down its length towards the tinder.
Use firm, slow, confident strokes, with good pressure. Light, fast scrapes make weak sparks.
When the tinder catches, gently lift or shelter it and add your thinnest kindling.

Tips

Fluff tinder up just before striking. More surface means sparks catch more easily.
Keep sparks close and on target. Shorter strokes help in small spaces.
In wind, shelter the tinder with your body or pack.
If your tinder only smoulders, blow on it very gently to coax a flame.
Practise at home until you can light tinder in a few strikes.

Looking after it

Ferro rods can corrode if left damp for long periods. Dry them after use.
Attach the striker to the rod with a cord so you don't lose it.
Carry it where you can reach it easily, such as around your neck or in a pocket.

Safety

The sparks are very hot and can burn skin and clothing. Keep your face and hands clear of the spark path. Only use a ferro rod where it's safe to make a fire, and never near fuel cans or gas.

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