It’s a tough call for a nerd lost in the wilderness: Use your mobile phone battery to start a fire and survive the night, or play another game of Brickbreaker. At least with this guide you’ll have the option of survival.
A bit of steel wool held to a battery’s contacts will create a short and start to spark, and if you’re careful, you can direct that spark onto some pre-arranged tinder, starting a fire. Of course, this also works with a 9-volt battery, which I’m almost positive Les Stroud has used on Survivorman, but it’s a nice idea to show it can be done with something we’ve all got in our pockets. [via MAKE]
Scott Jackson
June 12, 2009 at 4:36 PM
Can’t do this (easily) with an iPhone.
Thankfully though, there’s an app for it.
Report PermalinkJason
June 12, 2009 at 5:23 PM
Who the hell carries steel wool around with them??
Report Permalink'sfire
June 12, 2009 at 10:50 PM
“A bit of steel wool held…” “…but it’s a nice idea to show it can be done with something we’ve all got in our pockets.”
Really? I think I am more likely to have matches or a lighter (even as a non-smoker) in my pockets than some wire wool!!!
Report PermalinkDousatsu
June 15, 2009 at 1:49 PM
Alternatively you could use said cell phone to call 000…
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