Get Creative: Making a Homemade Lighter
Lighters can be an essential tool, whether you’re camping outdoors or at home lighting a candle. While there are plenty of options to purchase, it can be fun and cost-effective to create your own homemade lighter. Here are five ways to get creative with making your own lighter.
Matchstick Lighter
The most simple and straightforward way to make a homemade lighter is the matchstick method. All you need is a matchstick, a small piece of aluminum foil, and some string. Wrap the aluminum foil around the matchstick, leaving a small opening on the side. Tie the string around the matchstick, making sure it is tight. To use the lighter, pull the string to expose the matchstick and light it with a flame.
Water Bottle Lighter
If you have a plastic water bottle lying around, you can create a makeshift lighter. Cut the bottom off the bottle and puncture a small hole through the center. Fold a small piece of aluminum foil and place it over the hole, making sure the edges are folded around the rim. Fill the bottle with a small amount of lighter fluid and place a wick into the foil. Light the wick and your homemade lighter is ready to use.
Battery-Powered Lighter
A battery-powered lighter can be made from a few simple supplies such as a AA battery, wire, and aluminum foil. Cut the foil into a small, flat rectangle and fold it over the wire. Attach the wire to the positive and negative ends of the battery, making sure the foil is touching the negative end. To use the lighter, touch the foil to a piece of paper or other flammable material.
Gum Lighter
A gum lighter is a clever way to repurpose an empty gum package. Fill the package with cotton balls, saturate the cotton with lighter fluid, and seal the package. Use a piece of metal, like a bent paperclip, to touch the package and ignite the fluid. Be sure to hold the package in a safe manner as the flame can become quite large.
Spark Plug Lighter
A spark plug lighter can be made with a spark plug, a fork, and some aluminum foil. Use pliers to remove the ceramic from the spark plug, leaving just the metal base. Wrap the fork with a small piece of foil and touch it to the spark plug base. The spark will ignite any flammable material you hold near the fork.
By using materials you may already have at home, you can create your own unique and functional homemade lighter. Make sure to practice safety when creating and using these devices, ensuring they are held and used with caution.
