Q&A for How to Start a Fire with Sticks

Keep trying, even if you don't get a coal right away. If you're trying to make a fire with sticks, keep in mind that it's going to take a long time. A lot of people give up too soon, because they think it won't work or there's something wrong with the stick, but creating enough friction to start a fire takes a lot of work.

You can, but it takes time and patience. Wear gloves to keep your hands from getting cut or burned. If you don't have gloves, try putting your sleeves over your hands to protect them.

You can sharpen sticks with a knife or a sharp piece of rock and make cordage out of various plants, like yucca, to replace the string. Many people bring survival kits with them to the wild that contain some of these supplies, however.

You want your drill to be made of a harder material than your fire board. Push your thumbnail into the fire board; if it makes a dent, then it is good softness. Push your nail into the drill; if there is no dent, then you have the proper setup.

No, not really. However, you should use dry wood from dead trees.

Tinder, typically bundles of sticks smaller in width than a toothpick, is pretty much always found on the ground. It takes a bit of effort to hunt around for a sizable handful, but it is vital for a successful fire.

No. It is necessary for both pieces to be wooden so that the friction that results from rubbing them together will heat the wood enough to catch fire. This is impossible to do with a rock.

There's no single answer. It depends on how dry the wood is, the type of wood you're using, and how sunny it is outside.

Nylon, leather, jute and paracord all work well. Try using a bigger string, as a smaller string might break.

You can use stone tools. Just hit different rocks together until you get a sharp edge. That can be substituted for a knife.

You do need enough strength to be able to apply lots of pressure while rubbing fast, but almost anybody could do it.

Probably not, unless you managed to take the lead out. But anyway, the paint could cause very harmful fumes, and it may not work.