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Fire Starting - Fire Pistons  


Our New Compression Release Models (above) that allow you to relieve the pressure in the cylinder for storage yet close the vent to make fire after fire. (Coco Bolo wood and the "jet black" Asian Water Buffalo Horn shown above)

Fire Pistons make a GREAT GIFT for a Boy Scout obtaining "Eagle Scout" status or for the Scout Master given by his grateful Troop.

Fire Pistons 
Price -
$40 - $115 depending on model (Kits / Semi-Finished / Finished)

A member of the Lahu Tribe of Thailand using an one of our Coco Bola Fire Pistons

The Fire Piston is one of the most exotic ways to make fire. It uses the principal of compressing air to create heat to ignite tinder. Each Fire Piston comes complete with Fire Piston, supply of Tinder Fungus, Char Cloth, Extra cotton gasket material, jute tinder and instructions.

We carry the highest quality Fire Pistons currently made and all are PRE-TESTED before shipping so that we can offer a  MONEY-BACK GUARANTEE on their performance! 

In fact, Les Stroud of "Survivorman" fame chose OUR O-ring Buffalo Horn Fire Piston  to use on his Alaska Adventure (Discovery Channel 2007 season)

We now offer three versions, the traditional cotton string gasket and the rubber o-ring gasket and the O-Ring with a Compression Release.  The Cotton String gasket is the traditional way these Fire Pistons were made and used.  The cotton string gasket will need to be re-wrapped every 25 or so fires (easy to follow instructions are included). 
 

WHICH ONE TO BUY?
That's easy...

GASKET TYPE
If you like things 100 % traditional style then one of the string gasket models is for you.  Both the Coco Bolo Wood ones and the Buffalo Horn ones perform very well so the material (Coco Bolo or Buffalo Horn) the Fire Piston is made from is strictly your personal aesthetic preference.  The string gasket will need to be re-wrapped after approx. 25 fires.  Replacement string for the gasket is included with the Fire Piston.

If you like things to be easy and nearly maintenance-free then the O-Ring gasket models are what you should look at.  The O-Ring gasket makes changing gaskets easy.  Just slip on a new rubber o-ring when the old one wears out. The o-ring gasket will need to be changed after approx. 250 fires. A replacement o-ring for the gasket is included with the Fire Piston. Again, the Coco Bolo Wood ones and the Buffalo Horn ones perform very well so the material they are made from made of is strictly your personal preference.
 

COMPRESSION RELEASE or NOT?
 If you like things to be easy and also like "trick little gadgets" the Compression Release O-Ring Models are for you.  The Compression Release Models are an O-ring Fire Piston with a convenient way to vent the pressure out of the cylinder for storage of the Fire Piston. The "finger operated" release valve islocated at the lower end of the Fire Piston body

MATERIAL the FIRE PISTON IS MADE FROM
 The Coco Bolo wood shows the intrigued grain pattern of the tree is has been made from.   The Buffalo Horn is a jet black color which portrays a sense of  elegance and richness.  Both Coco Bolo and the Buffalo Horn has been polished to a high gloss and both perform equally well in terms of their ability to produce a coal..  The choice between these two material options is strictly and aesthetic and personal preference choice.
 

 The Diamond-Wood fire Pistons is technically a wooden fire piston however the wood is "man-made" by gluing multiple layers of wood together to form a solid piece  You may want to buy this model if the material the Fire Piston is made from does not matter to you but you want the "Compression Release feature of the higher priced Fire Pistons we offer.

 

The Plastic Fire Pistons are the least expensive ones and do not come with the "Compression Release" feature.  The work well and use the rubber O-Ring as the gasket. These Fire Pistons were designed for rough use, as would be the case with Boy Scout Troops or classroom use.

 As we said, the material they are made from is totally personal preference.  We carry the wooden Coco Bolo wood (imported form Honduras and Central America) Fire Pistons with their deep grain texture.  The Asian Water Buffalo horn Fire Pistons are "jet black" are the preferred material if they will be used under very high humidity and damp conditions (like the jungle or rain forest).  The Plastic Fire Pistons are the lowest cost and do not have a "Compression Release" valve.  No matter which material or type you choose, they all perform with amazing reliability.

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Fire Piston Kits
(you put the entire thing together)


Large Picture

Coco Bolo Fire Piston Kit
This Kit has all of the parts made from Coco Bolo wood ready to assemble.  You will need to glue the cap onto the plunger, wrap the gasket and add your own unique carving to the body of the Fire Piston.

"Cotton String" Gasket  Price - $45.00  Add to cart   
Rubber "O-Ring" Gasket Price - $50.00  Add to cart     


Semi-Finished Kits (pre-tested to produce a coal)


Large Picture
Coco Bolo Fire Piston Semi-Finished Kit
This Semi-Finished Kit is a pre-tested working Fire Piston.  All you will need to do is add your own unique carving to the body of the Fire Piston.

Cotton String Gasket Price - $55.00
  Add to cart  
Rubber "O-Ring" Gasket Price - $60.00  Add to cart   


 
Finished Wood Fire Pistons

Large Picture


Coco Bolo Fire Pistons

This finished (carved and polished) and pre-tested Fire Piston is made from Coco Bolo wood and has been hand rubbed to a smooth finish.  It will light fire after fire as you amaze family and friends on its simplicity of operation.

The cotton string gasket Wooden Fire Pistons are for those interested in a "traditional" fire piston as it was used in the past.  This gasket will need to be rewrapped after about 25 fires (extra gasket string is included). 

The O-Ring gasket Fire Pistons was designed for more sever use (Boy Scouts, School demonstrations etc.).  The O-Ring will need to be replaced after approximately 100 fires (a replacement o-ring is included)
 

The Compression Release Model Fire Pistons was designed with both the convenience of the O-Ring as well as providing a way to release the pressure inside the cylinder when storing the Fire Piston with the plunger in the cylinder

Prices:
Traditional String Gasket
"Cotton String" Gasket - $65.00
  Add to cart
"Cotton String" Gasket with leather pouch - $75.00 Add to cart   
 
Modern O-ring Gasket
"O-Ring" Gasket - $70.00
  Add to cart
"O-Ring "Compression Release Model -  $75.00 Add to cart  
"O-Ring "Compression Release Model with pouch -  $85.00 Add to cart                      
Note: Compression Release Model shown in above picture on right

   


 
Finished Horn Fire Pistons

Large Picture

Asian Buffalo Horn Fire Piston 
(Carved and Polished)
This finished and pre-tested Fire Piston is made from the horn of an actual Asian Water Buffalo that has been hand polished to a glossy smooth finish.  It will light fire after fire as you amaze family and friends on its simplicity of operation. Buffalo Horn is a good choice in climates with high humidity

The cotton string gasket Horn Fire Pistons are for those interested in a "traditional" fire piston as it was used in the past.  This gasket will need to be rewrapped after approx 25-50 fires (extra gasket string is included). 

The O-Ring gasket Fire Pistons was designed for more sever use (Boy Scouts, School demonstrations etc.).  The O-Ring will need to be replaced after approximately 100 fires (a replacement o-ring is included)

The Compression Release Model Fire Pistons was designed with both the convenience of the O-Ring as well as providing a way to release the pressure inside the cylinder when storing the Fire Piston with the plunger in the cylinder


Traditional String Gasket

"Cotton String" Gasket - $85.00 
Add to cart (shown in photo on left)
"Cotton String" Gasket with leather pouch - $95.00  Add to cart

Modern O-ring Gasket
"O-Ring" Gasket - $80.00 
Add to cart
"O-Ring" Gasket with Compression Release - $85.00  Add to cart

"O-Ring" Gasket with Leather Pouch - $103.00*  Add to cart  
"O-Ring" Gasket w/Compression Release & Pouch - $108.00
  Add to cart 

*As Seen and used by Les Stroud in "Survivorman"
(Discovery Channel -Alaska Adventure" 2007 season)


Note: Compression Release Model shown above on right
 

"Diamond-wood" , our Lowest priced Compression Release
  Fire Piston

Our least expensive "compression release" model Fire Piston made of a laminate of birch and other woods (known as "Diamond Wood) to create a very durable, hard, nearly indestructible material ideal for use as a Fire Piston with the added feature of a vented "compression Release" valve for easier storage.  This Fire Piston is for the person wanting to own a Fire Piston but does not care if it is made of the distinctive grain of Coco Bolo or the jet black shiny finish of Buffalo Horn Material

This model features a precision turned aluminum piston shaft, O-Ring compression seal and a nylon neck cord that can be used as an emergency string for your Bow Drill. and has the O-Ring gasket for superior compression for reliable fire making. 

Diamond-wood Compression Release Fire Piston
 

Our price - $69.95   Add to cart
On SPECIAL - $49.95  Add to cart

 

   


 
Speciality Fire Pistons
Economy Plastic Fire Piston
This finished and pre-tested Fire Piston is ideal for the person wanting to own a Fire Piston but does not care if it made of the traditional Coco Bolo or Buffalo Horn Material.  It is made from high impact Plastic and has the O-Ring gasket for superior compression for reliable fire making.  This Fire Piston is recommended for rough use as with Boy Scout Troops or Classroom equipment.

Economy Plastic Fire Piston
Our price - $49.95   Add to cart
SPECIAL - $40.00  Add to cart

10% discount on quantities of over 6 Plastic Fire Pistons

View Videos of this Fire Piston in Use!


 

Transparent Fire Piston
This finished and pre-tested Fire Piston is ideal to demonstrate the Physics principals of the Ideal Gas Law (PV=nRT), Charles's or Boyle's Law.  It is also a fully functioning Fire Piston that actually produces a visible "FLASH" in a dark room as the tinder ignites.  Made from high impact acrylic plastic these unique fire starting devices are available in clear, amber and translucent green.

 

Price - $75.00 (Clear) Add to cart

Price - $69.95
(Amber) Add to cart

Price - $69.95(Green) Add to cart
SPECIAL - $59.95 Add to cart


Pocket-size Clear Plexiglas Fire Piston
This finished and pre-tested Fire Piston is ideal to demonstrate the Physics principals of the Ideal Gas Law (PV=nRT), Charles's or Boyle's Law.  It is also a fully functioning Fire Piston that actually produces a "FLASH" in a dark room as the tinder ignites.  Made from high impact acrylic plastic these unique fire starting devices are available with a replaceable O-Ring
 gasket or in a "gasket-less" version

Price - $95.00 (O-Ring Gasket) Add to cart
Price - $115.00
(Gasket-less) Add to cart


 


Piston Pyro (AS SEEN IN POPULAR MECHANICS - APRIL 2010 issue)
This classroom demonstration unit is a ready-to-use fascinating apparatus to demonstrate how temperature increases with pressure by igniting cotton tinder as the plunger compresses air in a cylinder.

A heavy aluminum rod fits inside a clear acrylic tube. A piston tipped with three O-rings and fitted with a contoured handle is used to compress rapidly the gas, raising the temperature sufficiently to ignite a small piece of paper in the tube.

Unit Includes...
 - Machined aluminum piston plunger  (will last for years)
 - Clear Lexan piston chamber ( so you can easily "see" the combustion
    reaction)

 - Replacement gasket o-ring (for future gasket replacement)
 - Cotton tinder  (included material to start the demos immediately)
 - Bottle of gasket lubricating oil (to keep the unit operating consistently)
 - Complete instructions  (to insure your success at using the unit)


View Video of the Piston Pyro in Use!

View Close up of the Piston Pyro in Use!

Our price - $79.95   Add to cart
SPECIAL Price - $49.95 Add to cart


 



 
"Survival Pen" Fire Pistons
here


"Survival Pen" Fire Piston

While not a "writing" pen, this all aluminum, slim profile, pen sized survival kit comes in 2 models and offers the ultimate in light weight carrying convenience and its high compression seal permits ignition of natural tinders like cattail fluff, tinder fungus and decayed wood or the char cloth used in Flint & Steel fires.. All this in a package no larger than an ordinary pocket pen.

The Survival Fire Pen is available in two versions:
 - Fire Piston Pen only
 - Fire Piston plus Flint Sparking Rod*
 

Survival Piston Fire Piston only (above)
Our price - $99.95  Add to cart
On SPECIAL - $75.00  Add to cart

Survival Piston Fire Piston with Flint Sparking Rod *
Our price - $109.95  Add to cart
On SPECIAL - $89.95  Add to cart


VIEW VIDEO ON HOW TO USE THIS FIRE PISTON

 

*Note: The "Flint Sparking Rod (ferrocerium) is hidden in a machined "secret compartment" inside the Fire Piston Pen



 
Fire Pistons Accessories
   

O-Rings

Replacement "O ring" Gasket for all Fire Pistons
Get a few spare O-Rings for your "O-Ring" Fire Pistons 
Fits all of the "O-Ring" Gasketed Fire Pistons we offer (except the Piston Pyro)

Price - $1.25 One (1) spare O-Ring  Add to cart
Price - $2.95 Three (3) spare O-Rings  Add to cart
 

  Replacement Cotton String Gasket Material
Cotton String that we use to wind the gaskets for all of our String gasket Fire Pistons

Price - $2.95 Cotton String Replacement Gasket material  Add to cart
 


 

"Pre-made" Char Cloth
The tinder that is easiest to ignite is charred cotton (commonly referred to as "char cloth").  Simply put a small piece in the cup of your Fire Piston and et a coal!

Pre-Made Char Cloth (bag) Price- $7.95...Add to cart



Tinder Fungus
The best natural tinder we have found to use in most Fire Pistons is Tinder Fungus (commonly referred to as "Chaga).  It is found on white birch trees where the tree sustained an injury to its bark.

Tinder Fungus (small bag approx. 1/4 oz) - $7.50  Add to cart
Tinder Fungus (larger bag approx 1 oz)  $19.95   Add to cart

 


    

         

Jute Twine on a Spool
Simply pull the twine apart to make a "coal catching", light fluffy tinder bundle to blow into flames.
$2.00  
Jute Twine    50'        Add to cart
$3.95   Jute Twine (Full Spool of 200') Add to cart  

Jute (Oakum) Tinder that is "Pre-Shredded"
This Oakum (Jute) tinder is already shredded.  All you have to do is fluff it up and it's ready to catch a coal from your Flint & Steel or Bow Drill
$7.95   Pre Shredded (1 gallon bag)  Add to cart
$49.95
  Pre Shredded Box (approx 5 lb)   Add to cart 

             School / Boy Scout Special Price $39.95   Add to cart 


Learning Primitive Fire Making Video
Step by Step instruction to guide you to your first Bow Drill Fire
 
40+ Ways to Make Matchless Fires
Videos shows less know primitive fire starting methods as well as more modern methods
Tinder Fungus
One of the traditional fuels for the fire piston
  

Articles on Fire Pistons

"How on Using your Fire Piston"

"Wrapping your String Gasket - Troubleshooting"

 

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