Homemade mini torches: emergency fix or burn hazard
DIY paraffin mini torches burn for up to 30 minutes, but the risk of burns and the lack of a proper handle make them a controversial option. Are they wo
English · Original discussion in Spanish · Published
Paraffin mini torches: handy for camping if you take precautions
During a power cut or a night of camping, any portable light source is welcome. A homemade tutorial shows how to make mini torches out of paraffin and paper, with a burn time of up to 30 minutes. The idea is simple: soak a roll of paper in paraffin and light it. But the devil is in the details.
The method and its risks
When paraffin burns, it doesn't melt like wax — it burns along with the paper. Several warnings point out the danger of hot paraffin dripping onto your hand if the torch has no handle. The suggested fix is to add a stick, though the original tutorial doesn't include one. The more cautious remind readers of the emergency number (112) and recommend keeping burn creams like Silverderma or Linitul on hand.
Alternatives with a longer track record
Against the paraffin torch, the traditional oil lamp is making a comeback — it has used waste oil or animal tallow for centuries. In extreme situations, like those in a post-apocalyptic movie, the tallow from a hunted animal can fuel a lamp. A tin-can version is also mentioned which, besides providing light, doubles as a heater, though there's a risk the can gets hot and spills its contents.
The consensus isn't clear: the paraffin torch is quick and cheap, but safety falls short. The oil lamp, while more cumbersome, is proven and reliable. In the end, the choice comes down to whether you prioritize immediacy or safety. The forum data (no users cited) makes one thing clear: without a handle, don't hold it too close to your hand.
Related discussions on the forum
During a power cut or a night of camping, any portable light source is welcome. A homemade tutorial shows how to make mini torches out of paraffin and paper, with a burn time of up to 30 minutes. The idea is simple: soak a roll of paper in paraffin and light it. But the devil is in the details.
The method and its risks
When paraffin burns, it doesn't melt like wax — it burns along with the paper. Several warnings point out the danger of hot paraffin dripping onto your hand if the torch has no handle. The suggested fix is to add a stick, though the original tutorial doesn't include one. The more cautious remind readers of the emergency number (112) and recommend keeping burn creams like Silverderma or Linitul on hand.
Alternatives with a longer track record
Against the paraffin torch, the traditional oil lamp is making a comeback — it has used waste oil or animal tallow for centuries. In extreme situations, like those in a post-apocalyptic movie, the tallow from a hunted animal can fuel a lamp. A tin-can version is also mentioned which, besides providing light, doubles as a heater, though there's a risk the can gets hot and spills its contents.
The consensus isn't clear: the paraffin torch is quick and cheap, but safety falls short. The oil lamp, while more cumbersome, is proven and reliable. In the end, the choice comes down to whether you prioritize immediacy or safety. The forum data (no users cited) makes one thing clear: without a handle, don't hold it too close to your hand.
Related discussions on the forum
- I've gone back to using Win XP · 22 replies
- I'm trying out Linux Mint and... · 44 replies
- Strong plastic smell in Chinese products · 12 replies
- Everyone wearing TuPac t-shirts. Was he really that good? · 35 replies
Also available in: Deutsch
Summary of a discussion on Burbuja.info - Foro de economía, actualidad y política., translated from Spanish and reviewed before publication. Read the full discussion (10 replies).
More summaries
-
LED light and excess blue: the debate over its health effects
White LED contains a blue component and colour temperature makes the difference. The debate over public and home lighting and its effect on health.
-
Diesel at €1.55: the €110 fill-up bill nobody explains
Filling a diesel tank now costs €110 with fuel at €1.55 a litre. Hauliers once threatened to bring Spain to a standstill at €1.20. The hidden bill behind the…
-
Summer dehydration: backyard pools and gazpacho
Backyard pools to fight dehydration: solution or risk? 2,000 kg of water, gazpacho and other alternatives for a healthy summer without putting…
-
Lidl's frozen sardines at €3.90/kg vs. fresh ones
A kilo of frozen sardines costs €3.90 compared to €9-€10 for fresh ones in Madrid. The question is whether the flavor holds up after freezing.
-
Prime Days 2025: the great non-purchase becomes the norm
Most people bought nothing during Prime Days 2025. Between skepticism and a tax-fueled boycott, Amazon's flagship event is losing steam.
-
Why are bodies still being removed wrapped in sheets in Spanish cemeteries?
Exhumed remains in Spanish cemeteries must be placed in airtight bags or cardboard boxes. Some families report exhumations with sheets and remains left on the ground.