(ModernSurvival.org) – In prepper circles, the importance of being able to improvise on the fly is beaten to death. Everyone talks about how vital this skill is, and with good reason. Being able to “MacGyver” out of an emergency using random items will go a long way toward surviving longer than the average Joe.
Sometimes, being able to create something useful out of random trash can be fun as well — a great way to impress friends and family. One such useful trick is the ability to create a working stove from a random tin can.
The following video explains how to transform a soup can into an operational stove using nothing but an old-school can opener:
Building the Stove
Creating the stove itself is relatively simple: use the can opener to punch four holes in the sides of the can on the bottom edge. Once this is done, punch holes through the bottom of the can using the holes made in the previous step (which is more difficult as the metal on the bottom is stronger). Bend the metal flaps back out through the bottom to create legs for the stove to sit on.
Next, punch holes through the top rim of the can (the video shows eight, but it could require more depending on the size of the can). These will allow oxygen into the stove to fuel the fire.
Be extremely careful during this process, as the corners of punched-out metal will be sharp and can easily cut skin.
Why Bother?
The first question one may have in regards to using a soup can stove is why bother? First, the can stove will use far less fuel than a traditional campfire, as it runs off of twigs and sticks rather than logs. This will conserve energy during the day when a full-blown campfire may not be necessary.
Second, the soup can stove is mobile. For example, a soup can stove will quickly cook a meal on the side of a trail while backpacking. Taking five minutes to craft a stove from a can is a lot faster than building a campfire (not to mention it is illegal to make a campfire on many trails).
Often, survival comes down to the ability to use what is on hand to its utmost potential — even a soup can. With a little ingenuity, almost anything can be used beyond its original intended purpose to survive. To see multiple ways that a simple pair of socks can help a person survive, check out our article here.
~Here’s to Your Survival!
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