A magnifying glass is rather low down on the list of fire-starting tools to have, but it certainly has some perks. They are lightweight, compact, easy to use, affordable, and as long as you don’t break them, they will last indefinitely. Magnifying glasses also require much less physical exertion than friction methods. 

Of course, its biggest downfall is that it relies on plenty of sunshine to work. But when sunshine is in abundance, a magnifying glass is extremely effective for starting a fire. As simple as they are to use, many people still have difficulty getting a fire going. If you have trouble with this too, here are some easy-to-follow tips that should make you more successful. 

Clean It!

I think that we all know that a magnifying glass relies on focused sunlight to get a fire going, although it is easy to forget that a dirty lens won’t be as effective. Something as simple as dust and other debris on the lens can drastically reduce how well it works. 

Before using the magnifying glass, be sure that the lens is as clean as possible by wiping it off with a soft cloth.

Use the Right Tinder 

A magnifying glass does not produce a flame like a butane lighter or matches do. Instead, they use focused sunlight to create an ember, which means tinder becomes even more important. 

Tinder can easily be made from a dry piece of wood by using a knife or saw to create a pile of wood dust. This dust has a lot more surface area and will be easier to turn into an ember.

Another option would be to use punky wood. Punky wood is wood that is in the process of rotting. While punky wood does not burn all that well, it does take and hold an ember well. 

One of the best things that you can use is a piece of charcoal or blackened wood from a previous fire. Since this material is already partially burned, it doesn’t take much for an ember to be made. 

Prepare Plenty of Fuel and Put it All Together

As with all methods of making fire, preparation and patience are key. First, gather several piles of tinder and kindling. Think you have enough? Go ahead and gather another pile or two, plus a pile of larger fuel. 

Once you have that, prepare your wood dust or piece of charcoal. If you are using wood dust that isn’t in your tinder bundle, be sure to put it on a leaf or similar material so that it is easier to transfer. 

Next, use the magnifying glass to focus sunlight onto your tinder. If conditions are perfect, then you should be able to It will produce an ember in thirty seconds to a minute, but remember to be patient because it can take some time. 

Place the ember into the tinder bundle and gently fold the sides in as you bring the ember to life by blowing onto it. When the ember bursts into a flame, place the tinder bundle under some kindling and add more kindling as needed.  

Conclusion 

A magnifying glass is easy to use, but like everything else, it takes practice to become better at it. Hopefully, the few tips discussed in this article will make you more successful the next time you decide to use a magnifying glass to start a fire. 

Thanks for reading and remember to have patience! 

If you have any questions about using a magnifying glass to start a fire or want to share your experience, please leave a comment below.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Bryan grew up in the Midwest and spent every waking moment outdoors. Learning how to hunt, fish, read the land, and be self-reliant was part of everyday life. Eventually, he combined his passions for the outdoors, emergency preparedness, and writing. Bryan is a published author with Fox Chapel Publishing. In 2019, Bryan authored the book, Swiss Army Knife Camping and Outdoor Survival Guide. In March 2021, he released his second book, Paracord Projects For Camping and Outdoor Survival.