Have you ever heard of a tuna oil lamp? A tuna oil lamp is a light source that uses the oil from a typical tuna can. Survival and emergency situations always push us to be ever more resourceful. When darkness catches you in the middle of nowhere and you don't have a flashlight, you can turn to the food you brought along as an alternatives light source.
You're definitely in luck when you have a can of tuna lying around in your survival kit. You can use the vegetable oil as fuel for your candle as it is flammable. Here's a tutorial from The King of Random on how to make a tuna oil lamp.
Tuna Oil Lamp: Surviving the Night With a Can of Tuna
What You Will Need:
- a can of tuna in vegetable oil
- paper towel or cotton string
- matches or any fire starter
- garden scissors or hammer and nail
Step 1: Put a Hole in the Middle of the Tuna Can
You can use a nail and hammer, scissors or any sharp pointed tool that can do the job. Make it just right for a small piece of tissue, made into a roll, to pass through the hole.
Step 2: Cut a Small Portion of Tissue Paper and Roll It into the Shape of a Wick
Cut away a small piece of tissue paper from the roll and roll it into a wick. The length of the tissue roll will depend on the size of the tuna can you have with you. You may also use a piece of string if you have one with you.
Step 3: Insert the Paper/String into the Hole
Insert the tissue roll or the string into the hole of the tuna can, making sure it reaches the bottom. This will ensure you are able to use up every ounce of vegetable oil in the tuna can.
Bacon grease is also a great source of fuel.
Step 4: Use Any Fire Starter to Light up the Wick
Now you have a candle for illumination and warmth. You may also use it to cook some food, and yes, you can eat the tuna later. The oil in tuna can last for two to three hours.
Check out the full video tutorial below by the King of Random:
Resourcefulness and ingenuity (even if you have not thought of this yourself) is a great skill for one to survive whatever challenges are in their way. Of course, there are other DIY survival candles to light up the dark, but preparation is key to survival. Train hard and practice your survival skills regularly so when the SHTF, you can definitely have an edge over those who didn't.
Did you like our tuna oil lamp tutorial? Let us know in the comments section below!
Up Next: How to Make a Candle Out of a Crayon
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Editor’s Note – This post was originally published on August 30, 2017, and has been updated for quality and relevancy.
