Making a Collapsible Pocket Ferro Rod

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Making a Collapsible Pocket Ferro Rod

By John D. McCann

I wanted a Ferro rod for my pocket, but they are always too long for a decent size rod.....

so... I modified some existing stuff to work for my purpose. 1st, I got a Scout Firesteel and Gerber Knife Sharpener.

Here are the starting components.

Next, I cut the red handle off the Scout Fire steel (and threw away the striker that comes with it). I cut the red handle with a hacksaw alongside the Ferro rod at each corner, being careful not to hit the Ferro rod. Then I pealed the red handle off leaving a Ferro rod 1/4" in diameter by 2-3/16" long.

I then took the Gerber knife sharpener, took out the sharpener and threw it in a draw of other left over stuff. The tube was the perfect diameter for the Ferro rod, but way too long. So I cut the tube down to 2-1/2" long from the screw tightening end. I took the end cap off the back leftover piece and put it on the new shorter tube. To keep it there I drilled a hole through the tube and end cap and put a split ring on it. It keeps the end cap in place and provides you with a means to connect to a key ring. I then placed the Ferro rod in the tube and it locks in by turning the end tightener. When I need to use the Ferro rod, I un-tighten the screw cap, slide the Ferro rod out almost all the way. re-tighten the screw cap and lock the Ferro rod in place. This also provides you with a handle to hold the Ferro rod when in use. Not brain surgery... but works for what I wanted.

This is the Pocket Ferro Rod closed.

This is the Pocket Ferro Rod open.

The Pocket Ferro Rod on a Key Ring, in the open position.

Not a lot of work, but a handy way to carry a Ferro rod on your key ring. Hope you enjoyed it and, as always, Be Prepared To Survive!

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