Published May 29, 2014 11:54PM
Survive With... An Egg Crate, Dryer Lint, and a Candle
Individually, dryer lint, cardboard egg crates, and candles seem pretty unglamorous -- not to mention useless as survival tools. But combine them and they transform into an unstoppable, rainproof firestarter. Snow, wind, mud: We’ve tested this nuclear opt
'Assemble materials and tools. You’ll need a cardboard (not foam!) egg crate, heaps of dryer lint, a small glass jar, a crushed-up candle, regular…'
Assemble materials and tools. You’ll need a cardboard (not foam!) egg crate, heaps of dryer lint, a small glass jar, a crushed-up candle, regular dental floss, and scissors. Crush your candle, remove the wick, and put it in the jar.
Crush your candle, remove the wick, and put it in the jar.
Cut a single cup from your egg crate.
Stuff your egg crate cup full of dryer lint.
Fold the top edges of the egg crate closed over the dryer lint.
Tie it shut with floss, leaving about an 8-inch tail for dipping.
Bring a pot of water to boil (make sure the water level is an inch or so below the top of your jar). Using tongs, hold the jar steady in the boiling water to melt the candle – jostling bubbles could tip it or splash water into your wax.
Once wax is melted (about 10 minutes), use floss to dip your lint-filled egg crate into the wax. Push it around with your finger if necessary to make sure it’s thoroughly coated.
Place on a clean drying surface and cut floss with scissors.
After letting dry for a few hours, set ablaze! (Maybe not inside, though.)
