In a survival situation, access to resources can be limited. But with a little creativity and resourcefulness, you can make a variety of useful tools out of scrap materials. Here are five survival tools you can make out of scrap:
Spear
A spear can be used for hunting and self-defense, and it can be made out of a variety of materials. One option is to use a strong, straight branch as the shaft and attach a sharpened piece of metal or bone as the spearhead. You can also use a pipe or tube as the shaft and attach a sharpened blade to the end.
how you can make a spear using a branch or pole:
Choose a straight, sturdy branch or pole for the shaft of your spear. The length of the shaft will depend on your personal preference, but it should be at least as long as your arm from shoulder to fingertip.
Sharpen one end of the shaft using a knife or a rock to create a point. You can also use fire to char the end of the shaft, which will make it easier to sharpen and will also help to preserve the wood.
If you are using a branch, you can leave the spearhead as is. If you are using a pole, you may want to attach a blade to the spearhead. You can use a piece of metal, bone, or other sharp material for the blade. To attach the blade, you can use cordage to tie it securely to the shaft.
Test the balance and stability of your spear by throwing it a few times. Make any necessary adjustments to the length or weight of the spearhead to achieve the desired balance.
If you have the resources, you can also add additional features to your spear to make it more effective. For example, you can wrap the handle with cordage for a better grip, or attach a crossbar to the shaft to improve the spear’s stability.
And that’s it! With a little effort, some scrap, and some basic tools, you can easily make a spear out of a branch or pole.
Shelter
A shelter is essential for survival, and it can be made out of scrap materials such as tarps, plastic sheeting, and old tents. You can use these materials to create a simple A-frame shelter or a more complex structure with multiple rooms.
How to make a shelter using scrap materials such as tarps:?
Gather materials: Look around in the scrap. You will need tarps, ropes, and stakes (optional). You can also use other materials such as branches, sticks, or poles to create a frame for the shelter.
Choose a location: Look for a flat, dry area that is protected from wind and rain. Avoid low-lying areas where water may collect.
Lay out the tarps: Spread out the tarps on the ground to create the base of the shelter. Make sure the tarps overlap to create a waterproof layer.
Create the frame: Use the ropes to tie the tarps to the branches, sticks, or poles to create the frame of the shelter. Make sure the frame is sturdy and secure.
Add stakes: If you have stakes, you can use them to anchor the tarps to the ground and provide additional support for the shelter.
Finish the shelter: You can add additional layers of tarps or blankets on top of the frame to create additional insulation and protection from the elements. Make sure the shelter is secure and all openings are sealed to prevent drafts.
Remember to always follow local regulations and guidelines when building a shelter, and be mindful of your surroundings to ensure the safety of yourself and others.
Firestarter
In a survival situation, being able to start a fire can mean the difference between life and death. You can make a fire starter out of a battery, a piece of steel wool, and a piece of wire. Simply connect the positive and negative ends of the battery to the steel wool using the wire, and the steel wool will begin to heat up and catch fire.
Water filter
In a survival situation, access to clean drinking water is essential. You can make a simple water filter out of scrap like a plastic bottle, a piece of charcoal, and a piece of cloth. Simply fill the bottle with layers of charcoal and cloth, and water poured into the top of the bottle will be filtered as it passes through the layers.
How to make a water filter out of scrap
To make a water filter using gravel, sand, and charcoal, you will need a container with a narrow neck to hold the materials, such as a large bottle or jar. Here is a simple method you can try:
Gather materials: You will need gravel, sand, and activated charcoal. You can also use other materials such as rocks or pebbles as the base layer of the filter.
Prepare the container: Rinse the container thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris. Cut the neck of the container off if it is too wide.
Add the layers: Begin by adding a layer of rocks or pebbles to the bottom of the container. This will help to support the other layers and prevent them from sinking to the bottom. Next, add a layer of gravel, followed by a layer of sand, and a layer of activated charcoal. Make sure each layer is packed tightly to ensure maximum effectiveness.
Use the filter: To use the filter, pour dirty water into the top of the container and let it pass through the layers of gravel, sand, and charcoal. The water should come out the bottom of the container clean and clear.
Keep in mind that this type of filter is not suitable for removing bacteria or viruses from water, and it should not be used in place of a reliable water treatment method. Always follow local guidelines for treating and drinking water to ensure the safety of yourself and others. Also, you can use portable water filters
First aid kit
In a survival situation, injuries are a possibility. You can make a basic first aid kit out of scrap materials such as old bandanas, gauze, and medical tape. You can also include any medications you have on hand, such as painkillers or antibiotics.
Oil lamp – how to make it?
To make an oil lamp out of scrap materials, you will need a container to hold the oil, a wick, and a way to light the wick. Here is a simple method you can try:
Gather materials: Look in the scrap. Find a small container to hold the oil, such as a small jar or tin can. You will also need a wick, which can be made from a strip of cotton fabric or a bundle of thin sticks.
Prepare the container: Cut a hole in the top of the container large enough to fit the wick through. If you are using a jar, you can also remove the lid.
Add the wick: Tie one end of the wick around a stick or pencil and push the stick through the hole in the container. The wick should be long enough to reach the bottom of the container.
Fill the container with oil: Pour a small amount of oil into the container, making sure not to overfill it. The oil should be high enough to saturate the wick, but not so high that it touches the bottom of the stick or pencil.
Light the wick: Light the wick using a match or lighter. The oil will begin to burn, providing light. Adjust the height of the wick as needed to control the flame.
Remember to use caution when handling and lighting an oil lamp, as the oil and flame can be dangerous. Always use the lamp in a well-ventilated area and keep it away from flammable materials.
How to make Bow and Arrow
Here is a simple way to make a bow and arrow using scrap materials:
Gather materials: You will need a straight, strong stick for the bow and a slightly shorter, thin stick for the arrow. Yo can easily find it in the scrap. You will also need some twine or cordage to use as the bowstring.
Create the bow: Tie one end of the cordage to one end of the bow stick and the other end to the other end of the stick. The cordage should be taut when the bow is bent.
Create the arrow: Cut a notch at the end of the arrow stick and tie the cordage to it. This will serve as the nock, which is the part of the arrow that fits onto the bowstring.
Add fletching: You can add feathers or other scrap materials to the back of the arrow to help stabilize it in flight. To do this, glue the feathers to the back of the arrow using a strong adhesive.
Test the bow and arrow: Try pulling the bowstring back and releasing it to see if the arrow flies straight. Adjust the bowstring and fletching as needed until the arrow flies properly.
CONCLUSION
By using your creativity and resourcefulness, you can make a variety of useful tools out of scrap materials. These tools can help you to survive in a variety of situations, from hunting and self-defense to finding shelter and staying healthy. So, always keep an eye out for scrap materials that you can repurpose and use to your advantage.