I don’t like paying for brand-name ferrocerium rods with handles when blanks can be got for much cheaper — usually $5 less than their handled counterparts. But I do like to have a handle on the rod, and I require some sort of lanyard. When it comes to something as important as a ferro rod, I find comfort in knowing that it is secured to this-or-that.
The simplest solution is to tape a loop of paracord to one end of the rod. I use gutted paracord. The tape can be wrapped a few extra times to make a handle however thick I like.
The other rod in the above photo has a similar lanyard attached in a different manner. The paracord is first taped to the rod with a small piece of electrical tape. Then, on top of that, I slid a small piece of heat-shrink tubing (the kind used for electrical wiring). That was blasted with a hair dryer, causing it to shrink.
A small hole could also be drilled in one end of the rod. This is something of a fire hazard: the drill and rod will be throwing a whole lot of sparks as the drill works its way through. And it requires access to power tools, which isn’t always practical.
My favorite method is the tape. The lanyard is secure and the tape provides a thick, padded handle.
I like to buy my blanks from Ben’s Backwoods. If you like misch metal blanks, Going Gear is the place to be.
Nice trick! I think I will try to make one with a hole as too often tape likes to age and get goo all over whatever I have applied it to.
I’ve been trying to find some details on the difference between ferrocerium and mich metal although I think they may be used interchangeably by some people. From what I’ve seen, it seems as if the mich metal likes to throw heavy globs of molten metal that even can bounce upon the ground whereas the ferrocerium seems to throw out light sparks that burn out a little more quickly and don’t bounce when hitting the ground easily.
What do you prefer and why? Thanks!