The hand drill represents the most primitive of fire by friction methods and mans earliest fire making discovery - a discovery that changed human history.
Success with the hand drill is considered by many to be the pinnacle of primitive fire making skill. Mastery of the hand drill will enable the primitive skills enthusiast to venture into the wilderness with absolutely no modern tools and be able to make fire with a minimum of preparation. With a small amount of practice and the right materials this method is far easier than many people believe. Downward pressure and rotation speed are critical.
Wilderness Solutions is pleased to offer the following hand drill sets. These sets have been carefully selected for optimum performance. Coal formation is as few as 15 seconds is not uncommon.
Caveman fire doesn't get any easier than this!
Basic hand drill with hearthboard. $20
Hand drill with thumb loops. The thumb loop adapter allows for more downward force without the problem of having to reposition the hands due to slippage down the shaft. Thumb loops offer a great advantage while learning this technique.
Hand Drill with Thumb Loops - $28
It took a little under 15 seconds to generate enough heat for this coal to form in tinder fungus.
