In an emergency situation where you are stranded in your car and have run out of gas, a survival stove can be an effective way to keep you warm and potentially save your life. While this stove can also be used for cooking, its primary purpose is to provide heat. In this article, we will go over how to make your own survival stove with items that can easily be found at any hardware store.
To get started, you will need an unused paint can, a quart paint can (unused), or a larger can like a baked beans or pineapple can. The smaller can you choose should be slightly bigger than a roll of toilet paper and about the size of a quarter. You will also need a roll of toilet paper and rubbing alcohol. While 70% isopropyl alcohol can be used, 91% isopropyl alcohol is recommended as it burns cleaner.
The first step is to take the roll of toilet paper and remove the cardboard tube inside each of the 12 rolls. Next, take the quart paint can and roll it, squeeze it, and stuff it inside the smaller can. Work your fingers around the edges until the can is stuffed inside the quart paint can. This will create a wick for the stove.
After you have created the wick, pour rubbing alcohol into the can until it stops absorbing it. You want the toilet paper to be completely saturated but not so much that the alcohol comes out of it. This combination of toilet paper and alcohol makes for an excellent wick.
You can now light the stove with a match or lighter. However, it is important to note that the can will get very hot, so it should be placed on something metal that will insulate it and protect individuals inside the car. It is also recommended to put the can inside a larger can for added insulation.
As the stove burns down, continue to fill it up with rubbing alcohol to keep it going. To extinguish the stove, use the lid from the can to smother the flames. By following these steps, you can create a survival stove that will burn for several hours and provide heat in an emergency situation.
It is always better to be prepared for emergencies, and having a survival stove in your car can be a lifesaver. By using items that can easily be found at any hardware store, you can make your own survival stove and have peace of mind knowing that you are prepared for the unexpected.