Q&A for How to Start a Fire With a Bow Drill

Return to Full Article

Coming soon

Add New Question

Question

Can I just use my hands instead of a bow?

Community Answer

Your hands wouldn't generate enough friction, and you would burn your hand. There is another method using a stick instead of a bow to create fire.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 42 Helpful 73
Question

What items can I use to make a notch?

Community Answer

You can use a pocketknife or multitool to cut the notch. If you don't have those, you could try to find a piece of wood that is naturally in the right shape, but this is nearly impossible.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 26 Helpful 48
Question

How big would the stones have to be to keep the fire contained?

Community Answer

The rocks should be 2 - 4 times larger than your fist and the rocks should be placed in a small circle not a massive circle.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 39 Helpful 46
Question

What can I do if I can't find rocks that big?

Community Answer

You can pile a lot of small rocks up and seal them with wet mud. (Wait until the mud dries before starting your fire.)

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 41 Helpful 23
Question

Is it safe to have my pet outside while doing it?

Community Answer

Absolutely not. Make sure your pet is not nearby where you're doing this, as your pet could incur injury.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 17 Helpful 25
Question

Is a bow drill the safest way to make a fire?

Reaper1032

Community Answer

Yes it is, as long as you don't touch the stick that is spinning, and make sure the rock that you use to hold the stick is thick and it doesn't crack.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 9 Helpful 25
Question

How long does it generally take to make the embers of a fire with a bow drill?

Reaper1032

Community Answer

About 15-30 minutes depending on the situation, the weather, and the humidity of the wood.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 9 Helpful 29
Question

How long does it take to start a fire with a bow drill?

Reaper1032

Community Answer

Usually it takes about 15-30 minutes, depending on how dry is the wood, how strong are you, and the weather conditions.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 11 Helpful 24
Question

How loose does the string need to be for a bow drill?

Community Answer

It doesn’t need to be tight, but don’t leave it slack either. Make sure the string is tight when you put your spindle in it, because it has to have friction to catch and turn the stick.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 9 Helpful 15
Question

How do I start a fire with a bow drill with softwood?

Community Answer

Follow all the same steps as with hardwood. Softwood is in fact easier to start a fire with than hardwood. Make sure the wood is dead and not green though.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 13 Helpful 13