DIY Firestarter: How to Start a Fire With a Battery

Knowing how to start a fire could literally save your life in an emergency situation. Check out this tutorial to learn how to start a fire with a battery and steel wool.

DIY Firestarter: How to Start a Fire With a Battery

There are many ways to start a fire without matches, and we recommend learning at least a few of these methods. This particular technique is quick and simple, and it requires only a few items. Check out the video below to see how it’s done, and follow these simple steps to create an instant fire – no lighter needed.

What you’ll need to start a fire with a battery:

• Extra fine steel wool, grade #000
• 9V Battery
• 3 medium pieces of firewood
• Bundle of kindling
• Cotton ball

How to start a fire with a battery:

Step 1: Place pad of steel wool on a flat surface.

Step 2: Surround the steel wool with two pieces of firewood.

Tip: Firewood is easiest to ignite when it’s dry! Check out our tips on how to identify dry firewood here.

Step 3: Place a densely-packed bundle of kindling on top of the steel wool.

Step 4: Wedge the cotton ball underneath the kindling.

(Tip: Soaking your cotton ball in petroleum jelly will make it burn much longer.)

Step 5: Rub the 9V battery against the steel wool. Continue until the wool begins to spark.

(Storage tip: Keep your battery and your kindling in separate compartments of your bug bag to avoid starting a fire.)

Step 6; Add a third piece of wood so that the fire is contained on all sides.

Check out the video below to see this DIY firestarter in action:

For awesome survival gear you can’t make at home, check out the Survival Life Store!

Want more DIY fire ideas? Check out the posts below!

10 Fire Starting Materials You Probably Have at Home

Start a Fire Without a Spark

Top 20 Firestarters

DIY Fire Starter: The Cotton Ball

Emergency Fire Starting Kit