How to Make a Light From a Kerosene Lantern

The kerosene lamp might have originated as early as the 9th century in Baghdad. In those times, lamps were the standard source of light. Now that society relies on electricity, kerosene lamps are more often reserved for emergency situations. The inexpensive fuel and the durability of the flame in adverse weather conditions make this lamp a reliable standby.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Funnel
• Kerosene
• Matches

1. Purchase kerosene. Kerosene is available from hardware stores such as Home Depot and Ace, filling stations and online retailers such as Amazon (see Resources).

2. Unscrew the cover of the tank and place a funnel in the hole. Pour some kerosene into the funnel until the tank is two-thirds full. Leave space above the surface of the kerosene so that the wick can absorb the kerosene.

3. Replace the cover and wait for the wick to absorb some of the kerosene. This usually takes about one or two minutes.

4. Lift the glass screen on the lantern. Some kerosene lamps have a lever at the side that will lift the screen when you press down. Others have glass screens that lift off from the base easily.

5. Adjust the height of the wick. Use the knob that controls the wick to bring the wick to a comfortable height for you to light it.

6. Light a match. Hold the matchstick against the wick to light it. Let the wick burn for a few seconds before replacing the glass to ensure that it is well lit.

7. Replace the glass cover on the lantern. Do this carefully to avoid putting the flame out.

8. Adjust the flame to suit your needs. For a brighter glow, turn the knob to bring out more of the wick. For a dimmer glow, reduce the height of the wick.

9. Put the light out when you have finished using the lamp. Remove the glass cover and blow out the flame. You might have to tamp the wick down with your wet fingers to ensure that the flame is out.

Tips & Warnings

• To cast as much light around a room as possible, place the kerosene lamp on a high surface in the middle of the room. Wash the glass screen with soapy water and wipe it dry with soft cloth or paper towels. Check the level of the kerosene before each use. Due to high shipping costs, it is usually less expensive to purchase kerosene from local sellers than from online retailers.
• Kerosene lanterns can cause fires if not properly handled. When lit, place your kerosene lantern on a balanced surface and in a safe location. When not in use, keep it in a safe place away from a heat source. Keep kerosene lanterns, candles and other flammable materials out of the reach of children. If the wick in the lamp is too high it will produce smoke. Always use the right fuel for your kerosene lantern otherwise the flame will not burn well. Avoid burns. Do not touch the glass screen when the lamp is lit.

Resources

• Purchase kerosene from Amazon