How to . . . TOTALLY WATERPROOF WOODEN MATCHES . . . ( not just the tips )

Waterproof matches might be the difference between getting a fire going or not getting a fire going. If it's a case of survival it would be wise to have some waterproof matches with you. The procedure described will give you wooden matches that are totally coated in wax. Follow the steps below to make your own totally waterproof matches.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Wooden matches ( preferably strike anywhere matches )
• A flat metal pan.
• A heat source ( just hot enough to melt wax )
• Wax
• Needle nose pliers ( or tweezers )
• Large plate
• A waterproof container to store your waterproof matches in.

1. 
    
   Play it safe.

   PREPARE A SAFE PLACE TO START WITH. Make sure of this in order to prevent any accidents. ( THINK THE WHOLE PROCEDURE THROUGH AHEAD OF TIME AND PREPARE )

2. 
    

   GET ALL OF THE ITEMS TOGETHER AND READY.
   1. Wooden matches 2. Wax 3. Flat pan to melt wax in. 4. Kitchen stove ( or any low heat source )Be sure it's a low heat source. 5. Needle nose pliers ( or tweezers ). 6. Large plate. Be sure to have the plate ready to put your newly wax coated matches on to cool off. 7. Container to put your finished product in.

3. 
    
   Getting a fire going might be so important to you someday.

   PUT THE WAX INTO THE FLAT PAN and then put the flat pan on the stove. Be extra sure that the burner is on LOW. ( melt the wax slow and easy )

4. 
    

   WHEN THE WAX IS COMPLETELY MELTED put ten matches at a time into this pan of melted wax. Make sure that the entire match is submerged.

5. 
    

   USE YOUR NEEDLE NOSE PLIERS ( or tweezers ) TO REMOVE THE MATCHES FROM THIS PAN OF LIQUID WAX. Place them safely on the large plate to cool off. ( be sure that they are kept separate from one another.)

6. 
    

   WHEN THE ARE COOLED AND THE WAX HAS HARDENED ON THE MATCHES, find a waterproof container to keep them in. ( maybe zip lock bags )

7. 
    
   Use your waterproof matches as you would normally use regular matches. ( the added wax will help get the fire going )

   ADDED NOTE: You can also use nail polish to waterproof matches. Dip the head end of the match into clear nail polish. Cover at least an eighth of an inch (3 millimeters) of the stick below the match head.
   Hold the match for a few seconds to allow the polish to dry and then place the match on a table so that the head is suspended off the edge of the surface. This is a quick and easier way to waterproof matches. Some say that it is not as reliable a way as the above method.

Tips & Warnings

• Go through the procedure in your mind before you start.
• Give yourself plenty of room to work in.
• Do this when you can give it your total attention.
• Cover your work surface in newspaper to protect your table finish.
• YOU CAN USE A CANDLE ALSO. Light a candle and let it burn down until you have a good amount of liquid wax (about a half an inch )Extinguish the candle. Now dip the head end of the match into the wax far enough to cover at least an eighth of an inch of the stick below the head. Hold the match for a few seconds to allow the wax to harden slightly and then place the match on a table or counter so that the head is suspended off the edge of the surface to harden.
• BE SURE TO USE LOW HEAT TO MELT YOUR WAX
• BE EXTRA CAREFUL WITH THE MELTED WAX
• KEEP CHILDREN AWAY. ( hot wax, matches and children don't mix )
• IT MIGHT BE WISE TO HAVE A FIRE EXTINGUISHER NEAR BY.

[longhairqueen]

on 11/17/2008 Cool.

[longhairqueen]

on 11/17/2008 Cool.

[Wasatch]

on 11/17/2008 Good tips. Did this with scouts years ago but it has been awhile. Thanks 5*

[HardworkinJudy]

on 10/2/2008 I never would have thought of this. Great idea. Thanks.

[LilacGirl]

on 5/19/2008 This sounds like something all campers, and all households, need. 5 stars