How to Make a Coffee Can Heater
By OutdoorAly

Posted: January 30, 2014

Looking for a portable and easy way to heat up your hands while outdoors? All you will need is these three things:

  • An empty metal coffee can (13-16 oz.) with replaceable lid
  • A bottle of rubbing alcohol
  • A roll of toilet paper

The first step is to place the roll of toilet paper inside the coffee can. (You may have to remove the cardboard tube by pressing it out with your thumbs.) The toilet paper should form a fairly snug fit. Next, simply pour the rubbing alcohol evenly over the toilet paper. Use enough to thoroughly saturate the paper, but not so much that any liquid is visible in the bottom of the can. After the alcohol has been absorbed into the toilet paper, the coffee can may be sealed until the heater is needed (this will help slow any evaporation of the alcohol). In all likelihood the lid won’t fit tight enough to keep the alcohol from leaking out if the can is tipped over, so your heater should be stored upright.

When your heater is needed, simply light the toilet paper with a match or cigarette lighter. The alcohol burns very clean with virtually no visible smoke, making it great for use in duck blinds. Once your hands are warmed, simply smother the fire. After the can has cooled down, you can replace the lid and store until it’s needed again.

Of course make sure to properly ventilate and use common sense around flames.

 

 

 

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