How to Make a Torch for Less Than a Dollar

With only a few "household items" you can make a torch that's relatively safe* that can last for up to an hour.

with the end of the world coming you might just need a steady source of light and heat.

*I am not responsible for anything you do with the information provided in this guide ... not that you couldn't figure this out on your own or anything ;)

Step 1: Supplies

For this project you will need an piece of 100% cotton cloth* (I used an old under shirt) a sturdy stick or a scrap piece of wood a stapler a hammer and tiki  torch oil or kerosene

*Has to be 100% cotton (or Kevlar ) materials such as cotton blend/polyester/rayon ect will melt when heated up and cause huge problems  (think melted plastic 1-3 degree burns ! )  

Step 2: Wrapping the Torch

the first thing you want to do is get a rag that's about twelve inches wide and roughly twenty four inches long
Now fold it width wise until its about seven inches wide, and staple one end to the stick with a few staples

*You can use wire or wire mesh to affix the cloth instead of staples ( I used staples cause I had them and it took the least time to use) Do not use zip ties unless they are metal core. (the wire mesh will also help keep the ash together when the wick starts charring.)

Step 3: Tightly Wraping Torch

You want to make sure you wrap the rag tightly around the torch so when it burns the rag doesn't fall off . to keep the rag taught put staples every two inches or so as you wrap. also try to tuck in the "frills" it will burn longer.
the tighter you wrap the wick the better it will hold up during burn time.

Step 4: Soaking the Torch

You want to soak the torch in the tiki® torch oil or kerosene about ten minutes or more before use to make sure all of the fabric is covered with the fuel.  

any dry portions of the fabric will result in charring and early failure due to burning of the wick material.

Step 5: Lighting the Torch

The torch can be lit many ways including sparks or embers 

*pro tip !   light from the tip of the torch and let the flames do the work by tilting the torch. 

Step 6: Now Go Crazy , Not Too Crazy

The torch can now be used for most any of your lighting and heat needs !

it's a great tool for lighting stubborn bonfires.


Be very careful using in enclosed spaces as an open flame can not only pose a fire hazard but also puts you at risk for carbon monoxide poisoning and even death .