[Weird] Survival Tools & Supplies

Having the right tools is an important part of survival. Mankind stands out from the rest of the animal kingdom with the ability to create and use those tools. Since the first caveman picked up a stick to hit his obnoxious neighbor, we've been finding ways to use the materials around us to do things that we can't do with our bodies alone. As time has passed, the number, variety and complexity of those tools has increased exponentially. When the "ideal" tool is not available, make do with what you can find. In a crisis, make the most of everything you have; that means getting a little creative. The only limitation is your imagination.

Recycle and Melt Aluminum to Mold into any New Object How to Make the Mini Metal Foundry    [Video] How to Make Metal Casting Molds    [Video] [Blog Link] Make a Soup Can Lid Ulu Cutting Tool: An Ulu is a traditional crescent-shaped-blade cutting tool of the Inuit people of the Artic. A make-shift version can be formed from soup can lid. Remove the lid with a can opener or by smashing the can level with the can lid to remove the lid rim holding the lid in place or rub the can on a rock until the seal breaks. Fold 1/3 of the lid over to create a flat folded edge to hold the tool. Sharpen the exposed rounded edge on a stone. This tool can be used as-is or a handle can be added to the folded part for a better grip. Survival Uses for Tin Cans Scoop Signal Mirror Survival Whistle Pail/bucket - add wire/cordage handle Cooking pot Perimeter alarm Candle lantern or stove Arrow head Fishing lure Cutting tool

Aluminum Foil:    [Blog Link] Make containers to eat/drink from, collect or boil water or cook Solar oven Fishing lure or signal device Sharpen knives/scissors Scrub cookware or remove rust Resize batteries (fill big-battery space with foil when using a smaller battery) Transport fire coals Ground cover Insulation [Uses List 1]    [Uses List 2]

Battery (12v) as Spot Welder with Jumper Cables and Carbon Rod    [Video]    [Article & Video] Learn Blacksmithing [Blog Link]

Body Language: Every person and creature speaks "body language". Knowing how to read a person, animal or situation is hugely beneficial in everyday life and survival situations. Body language is one of the best ways to do this for Bartering and Survival Companionship and Self-Defense.

• Water container (placed inside a sock or bandana)
• Tourniquet
• Bandage Wounds
• Cordage to tie things down
• Food Storage
• Start And Maintain a Fire (flammable!)
• Make-Shift Gloves for fingers, hands or feet to prevent injury or infection
• Slingshot
• Gun Muzzle Cover
• Fishing Bobber or Emergency Floatation Device
• Keep Matches (or anything) Dry
• Target Practice
• Signalling Device (blow up as a balloon or use use the foil wrapper as reflector)
• Scarecrow to frighten away animals
• Trash Bag
• Store Small Electronics to prevent damage
• Lubrication
• Compost container
• Open Jars
• Cover for containers
• Head covering against rain or to retain heat
• Fermentation Indicator - "It stands up, the wine is ready; the process is completed."
• Contraception & Safe Sex (duh!)
• Images of Survival Uses

Making Cordage in the Wilderness from Common Plants    [Video]
Make Natural Cordage from Plant & Animal Fibers    [Video]
Making Cordage from Animal Skins, Hair, Tendons and Sinew    [Article 2]
Also see Paracord

• Corn Stock
• Corn Cob Jelly
• Smoke Meat - Throw a couple dried corn cobs on the fire
• Fire Starters
• Pot Scrubbers
• Animal Bedding & Feed - ground up with chipper/shredder
• Toilet paper alternative
• Biofuel
• Smoking Pipe
• Tool Handle [Video]    [Article] Corn Cob Tool Handle

• Wrap a broken finger to the finger next to it, so that it serves as a splint
• Secure a swath or a sling for arm or shoulder injuries
• Stitching cuts and hold gaping wounds together
• Sewing
• Braid multiple strands to create a strong rope for tying, pulling, lifting, and dragging
• Fishing line and build a fishing net
• Snare Trap line
• Clothes Line
• Fire Tinder with wax coated floss
• Tripwire Alarm
• Flossing teeth for oral health
• Wrist Lanyard for knife or flashlight
• Slicing food
• Whipping a rope at the end to keep it from coming unraveled
• Lashing a knife to a pole to make a spear
• Lashing poles together to make a shelter support structure
• Garden plants support pole line
• Temporary seal for pipe leaks
• Restraints (handcuffs)
  [Video]

Duct Tape    [Many Uses 1]    [Many Uses 2]    [Photos of Duct Tape uses]

Handles for Knife/Tool: If the handle breaks on a knife, weapon or hand tool, don't "buy" a new one. Make it yourself with paracord/rope wrap, duct tape, corn cob, a section of a tree branch, using animal bone or melting HDPE (high-density polyethylene) plastic in a metal container then molding it to the desired size and shape. HDPE plastic is identified by a "2" (resin identification code) inside the recycle symbol. The fumes from other melted plastics are noxious and can cause illness. Melted HDPE Plastic Corn Cobs Duct Tape Paracord [Blog Link]

Read more about Using an Old-School Push Lawn Mower and Other Options

Duplicate Keys By Hand
Duplicate Keys (videos)
Lock Picking (videos)
DIY Lock Picking Tools with Soda Can and Spray Paint
How to Defeat Most Combination Locks

• Wound Dressing - Sphagnum Moss or peat moss, characterized by its tiny star-shaped leaves and pale green color, is a natural source of iodine. After cleaning the wound, apply the moss as a bandage. Change the moss out each time you clean the wound.
• Drinking Water (Sphagnum moss) by scooping up a handful and wringing water into your mouth
• Water filter (Sphagnum moss) because of the high acidity and the antibacterial properties
• Fire Tinder IF the moss is dry
• Fire carrier to transport coals from one location to another
• Bedding Insulation IF the moss is dry, otherwise it could be infested with bugs
• Survival Food - some mosses are good for food, others are not. Do the research.
• Signalling for Help - throw wet moss on a fire to create thick white smoke
• Waterproof Roof - Applied to the roof of a shelter will keep the shelter's inside dry.
• Insulator for shelter
• Camouflage a shelter - place the entrance at the rear where it won't be visible and don't wear an obvious path to it.
• Navigation (NOT)

Paracord: Paracord is a lightweight nylon rope initially used to suspend lines during WWII. The smooth texture of the rope is ideal for multiple uses due to its lightweight and elastic nature. Paracords are also a prepper’s best friend. Also called a parachute cord, it is a strong, versatile, inexpensive, lightweight, and easy to carry. It can be separated into multiple strands for use as rope or its thinner inside threads for sewing. Paracord: Everything You'll Ever Need To Know 82+ Uses for Paracord That Will Surprise You Awesome Paracord Projects For Preppers How to Make Your Own Paracord Flashlight Strap Paracord Survival Bracelet:    Make Your Own    Paracord Survival Bracelet Video Tool/Knife Handle/Wrap Purchase Paracord Products

• First Aid - antiseptic, astringent, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, bandage, stop bleeding, treat skin rashes, sore throats and colds.
• Glue/Epoxy - Hafting arrowheads, fletching arrows, gluing primitive tools and weapons, waterproof boot seams, canoes, and containers, Patch holes in tents and tarps. Combined with powdered [black] Charcoal (1 part charcoal with 3 parts pine sap) it creates a very strong natural epoxy. Slowly melt the pine sap (prevent burning), let it simmer for 5-6 minutes to evaporate the turpentine so it doesn't catch on fire, stir in the charcoal powder and apply the epoxy mixture to the project to harden. The unused sap/charcoal mixture can be gathered on the end of a stick (like a popsicle for easy transport) and re-heated and reused indefinitely. [Video]    [Article]
• Candling Device - Make a candle/torch by placing globs of dried resin on a stick or coating sticks or cloth with melted resin
• Fire - pine sap is flammable and can help start or maintain a fire

Plastic Bottles: It's sad that we've come to a point where tons of destructive plastic are discarded every day; a large percentage consisting of plastic bottles. These simple recycling methods won't solve our greater problem on plastic management, but it will help out in our own little way: [56 Brilliant Ways to Reuse Plastic Bottles]    [Convert Plastic Bottles into Survival Tools] Knife/Tool Handles: HDPE (high-density polyethylene) plastic can be melted and molded into any object. If the handle breaks on a knife or hand tool, replace it by melting HDPE plastic in a metal container. HDPE plastic is identified by a "2" (resin identification code) inside the recycle symbol on the container. The fumes from other melted plastics are noxious and can cause illness. During the melting process, pause occasionally to press down the plastic to remove air bubbles and make it more dense. When it is fully melted and compressed, stick the tool handle into the melted plastic and let it cool. When it is cool, remove the plastic from the metal container and file or carve the plastic into the desired shape.    [Video] Bottle Cap Pulley: Melt 2 equal-sized HDPE plastic bottle caps together at the flat tops. Let them cool. The flat top edge of the caps are slightly rounded which will form an indented seam around the middle of the fused caps. This will act as the pulley channel. Drill or carve a hole through the center of the caps to insert an axle. Depending on the thickness of the axle, the pulley is capable of a large amount of weight. [Bottle Cap Projects 1]    [Bottle Cap Projects 2]

• Keep air and moisture out and body heat in by wrapping torso, limbs and feet to preserve body heat and stay dry
• Collect rain
• Build a Solar Still
• Shelter - Covering to make a temporary rain-proof shelter or cover an existing shelter
• Water container - Fashion a makeshift container to hold water
• Fire starter - Use the makeshift water container to act as a magnifying glass or light it with a match as an accelerant
• Waterproof gear
• Cordage - TWISTING plastic wrap into a rope makes it extremely strong.
• First Aid - cover a wound, make a sling or tourniquet
• Ground covering from wet and cold
• Winterizing Windows and Doors
• Signalling for help or trail marking - it's fairly reflective to attract attention.
• Vehicle hose repair
• Tool Handle Grip - tool that feels slippery; wrap plastic wrap around the handle of the tool a few times for better grip.
• Wrap the ends of your bananas in plastic wrap to slow down the ripening process
• Keep items together and in place by placing and wrapping them in a sheet of wrap
• Ice cream freezer burn prevention - cover the surface of the ice cream
• Shelf liner
• Cover to protect surfaces from spills
• Cover to protect electronic devices
• Covers for open containers
• Prevent mixing splatters by covering the mixing container while mixing
• Make a travel cup out of any container - cover opening with wrap and stick drinking straw through it
• Cover liquid containers under lids to prevent spills and evaporation
• Wrap paint rollers and brushes to keep them from drying out between uses.
• Wrap Gifts in lots of Plastic Wrap For A Good Laugh
• Line dishes with plastic wrap for easy cleanup. Throw away the plastic wrap when the food is over.
• Fruit Fly Trap - Puncture small holes in a cover over a small saucer or container containing vinegar or fruit to attract and trap them.

• Blow Gun
• Fishing Rod + Storage
• Water/Ice Storage (Schedule 40 PVC using PVC cap)
• Supply Storage: Cap both sides and fill it with small gear, such as tinder, fishing line, knife, dental floss, etc.
• Weapon
• Makeshift Shovel
• Boat Anchor
• Bow and Arrow Quiver
• Wood Carrier
• Periscope
• Survival Cache Container
• Bicycle storage
• Clamp
• Framing and Shelving
• Whatever else your mind can conceive

• Stops Itching from Bug-Bite and Skin Rashes
• Stops the Burn
• Freshens Kitchen Drain
• Freshens Food Containers
• Works as a Car Freshener
• Removes Small Scratches from Phone Screens
• Stops Poison Ivy in Its Tracks
• Reduces Bruising
• Repairs Minor Car Scratches
• Cleans the bathroom sink
• Removes marks from kitchen cabinets
• Removes odor from hands
• Cleans a clothes iron
• Removes scuffs from leather shoes
• Acne treatment
  and more, and more, and more, and even more.

• Distill urine to drink pure water
• Pee in a bottle and put it next to the skin to keep warm
• Soak a towel in pee and put it on the neck to keep cool
• Fertilize Plants With Urine (ten parts water to one part urine, a ratio of 10:1, for seedlings and new transplants)
• It is an indicator of body Hydration Levels. Clear and bright colored urine indicates healthy metabolism and being well-hydrated. The darker the color gets, it shows the need for fluids.
• Helps medical diagnosis of certain diseases or to monitor their progress.
• Alternative to Toothpaste and Mouthwash for clean, white teeth.
• Household cleaner and laundry stain remover. Urine contains Urea which, after storing for a period of time, converts to Ammonia.
• Its high pH breaks down organic material, making urine the perfect substance for ancients to use in softening and tanning animal hides. Soaking animal skins in urine also made it easier for leather workers to remove hair and bits of flesh from the skin.
• Helps Make Gunpowder    [Video]
• Urine Therapy (not recommended)
• Marking your territory