Certain metals, known as ferrous metals, spark when struck due to their iron content.
The most common are iron, steel, and alloys like ferrocerium.
When metal is struck, it can produce sparks due to a process called frictional heating. The impact generates heat, causing small particles to break off the metal surface. These particles react with oxygen in the air, leading to a brief combustion that manifests as a spark. The phenomenon is commonly observed in metal-on-metal contact, such as striking a hammer against an anvil.
Table of Contents
Here’s how the process works:
Iron is a pyrophoric substance that spontaneously catches fire at a relatively low temperature when exposed to air.
All steels contain iron (although some steels contain significantly more iron than others).
When you strike a piece of high-iron-level steel with something like the sharp edge of a knife or a piece of flint or quartz, it causes very small pieces of fresh unoxidized iron to “shower” into the air.
When exposed to the oxygen in the air these tiny pieces of iron quickly oxidize and catch fire, creating a “shower” of sparks.
This is the basic principle that makes ferro rods and Flint and Steel work, except that they also contain other metals.
For more information, see How are Ferro Rods Made or Is A Ferro Rod Better Than Flint?
- 5ft Paracord included, gives you a good grip and never comes off. Comes with a bayite Striker-Pro striker attached to the paracord, always be prepared to start a fire
- bayite 6 Striking Edges Striker-Pro striker is made from TOOL GRADE HSS STEEL and has a distinct hardness, maximizes a shower of hot sparks, no matter whether you prefer to use your left hand or right hand to scrape. Don’t use bad quality Knife as striker. Otherwise it will not produce enough sparks due to insufficient hardness of blade
- Ferrocerium Rod Length:4″(10cm). Diameter: 3/8″(10mm). Large enough for a shower of sparks and small enough to carry
- Made of high effective ferrocerium rod. Waterproof & Weatherproof, fits all weather, works in any weather condition
- Sparks shower at 5,500 F (3,000 C) to ignite a fire in any weather (even wet), at any altitude. Perfect emergency fire starter for Bushcraft, Hiking, Hunting, Fishing, EDC, Emergency, BBQ, Gas Camp Stoves, etc
- Length of the rod: 6″(15.3cm). Diameter of the rod is approx 1/2″(12.7mm). 9ft Paracord included, gives you a good grip and never comes off. bayite new Striker-Pro striker included, always be prepared to start a fire
- bayite 6 Striking Edges Striker-Pro striker is made from TOOL GRADE HSS STEEL and has a distinct hardness, maximizes a shower of hot sparks, no matter whether you prefer to use your left hand or right hand to scrape.
- EXTRA LARGE. Super thick and large rod throws a MASSIVE shower of hot sparks to light fire instantly in any conditions. Windproof & weather resistant. Fits all weather
- You can also use the back of a blade from an box cutter. That’s the most efficient scraper that can be found easily. Don’t use bad quality Knife as striker. Otherwise it will not produce enough sparks due to insufficient hardness of blade.
- Provides up to 3000 degrees C spark in all weather, at any altitude. Durable, lasts for approximately 12,000 strikes. Perfect emergency fire starter for Bushcraft, Hiking, Hunting, Fishing, Camping, EDC, Emergency, BBQ, Gas Camp Stoves, etc
- FERRO ROD FIRE STARTER – Includes a 3.15″(Length) X 5/16″(Diameter) ferro rod. Made of a high quality ferrocerium and magnesium blend, each fire rod can withstand over 20000 strikes at 5,500 F (3,000 C). Start fires in any weather (even wet), at any altitude
- WITH LANYARD & MULTI-TOOL – Comes with a leather lanyard and a 6-In-1 multi-tools that function as a straight-edge striker, tinder scraper, map scale, ruler, hex wrench, and most importantly – a bottle opener
- QUICK & EASY TINDER – 4 tinder ropes and 2 tinder tabs included. Wax-infused natural tinder is easy to ignite from the sparks of ferro rods and also has strong weather resistance, so you can safely start a fire whenever you need it
- LIGHTWEIGHT & COMPACT – Fits easily in your pocket, backpack, and is the perfect fire starter kit for camping, hiking, hunting, fishing, EDC, emergencies and more
- Quality Service – BCHARYA is a professional brand of Sports & Outdoors Survival Tools and we provide 24×7 after-sales support service to solve any of your worries, please feel free to contact us
- 【Sturdy Materials】Yuztousp magnesium fire starter is handcrafted wooden handle with perfect grip. Made of high quality metal, the matchsticks are sturdy and will not rust or fade. Each fire starter also comes with a bright colored string that feels great in your hand and is easy to hang and carry.
- 【Good Survival Tool】After thousands of single-strike uses, our fire starter tool is highly effective. Maximizes a shower of hot sparks, no matter whether you prefer to use your left hand or right hand to scrape. Ferro rod fire starter fits all weather and it works in any weather condition.
- 【Upgraded Design】Each fire rod comes with a 41″ reflective paracord lanyard, emergency whistle, aluminum alloy keychains, and a 6-function multi-tools.The fire starter flint features a bottle opener, hex wrench, micro ruler, map scale, and sharp spine scraper.
- 【Light Weight & Potable】Flint and steel fire starter kit fits in your pocket, backpack or car glove box. It is the perfect iron rod fire starter for camping, hiking, hunting, fishing, EDC, emergencies, barbecues and more. The fire starter rod is designed so that the user has a firm and safe grip when pushing the striker over the rod.
- 【Customers Satisfaction】 It is windproof and waterproof and fits any weather and altitude. Also if you have any questions about the fire starter survival tool, please feel free to contact us.
- MULTI-FUNCTION DESIGN: Terdemor fire starter survival tool includes a 5″ Ferro Rods, a 4″ scraper, a paracord, a emergency whistle and two 12″ Nature Dry Tinders.
- GREAT FERRO RODS: Terdemor Firestarter is made of Magnesium, Lanthanum, Cerium and other rare metals. More than 20,000+ striker and over 5,500°F to create shower of sparks. 5″ long body make sure it easy to use and easy to hold.
- THE BEST SCRAPER/STRIKER: Different from others, the scraper of the flint and steel is made of special high speed stainless steel (3CR13). Also, it’s much longer (4″) and thicker (0.1″) than other scrapers.
- LONGER BURNING TIME: 20 minutes burning time for each 12″ Nature Dry Tinder and 40 minutes for two tinders total.
- TERDEMOR GUARANTEE: We value your feeling, any uncomfortable purchasing experience, please contact us and we will make it right within 24 hours!
FAQs
Why does metal spark when struck?
Metal sparks when struck because striking steel with a harder substance releases extremely small iron particles into the air. These iron particles spontaneously ignite when exposed to the air, creating sparks.
What types of metals typically produce sparks?
Ferrous metals that contain iron, such as steel and iron alloys like ferrocerium, will produce sparks when struck due to their iron content. Titanium, while not a ferrous metal, also produces bright white sparks.
How does the sparking process work on a molecular level?
When a piece of high-iron steel is struck with a hard, sharp object, tiny pieces of fresh, unoxidized iron break off and become exposed to the air. Due to iron’s pyrophoric properties, these iron particles quickly oxidize and catch fire, creating a shower of sparks.
Do all metals produce sparks when struck?
No, only certain metals produce sparks when struck. Non-ferrous metals like copper, brass, and aluminum generally do not throw sparks. The ability to spark depends on the metal’s iron content and chemical properties.
What affects the amount and color of sparks produced?
The carbon content of the steel influences the sparking characteristics. High-carbon steels produce more sparks than low-carbon steels. The color of the sparks can also vary based on the specific composition and alloying elements in the metal.
Are the sparks produced by striking metal dangerous?
Yes, the sparks and molten metal particles ejected when striking or grinding metal can be very hot and can start fires if they land on flammable materials. Safety precautions should always be taken when working with metal tools and grinding operations.
Leave a Reply