Steel Wool - Be careful!

[rwhite692]

Figured I'd share, "an ounce of prevention", and all that.

Always knew about how steel wool can be a fire hazard, but nonetheless it happened to me just the other day.

I had just picked up a mixed pack of various grade steel wool pads (like a dozen pads, sold in a poly bag) for a project, and the sealed bag was sitting on my workbench.

Lo and behold, I was grinding on some steel prepping it for welding about 10-12 feet away, and a spark hit that bag it and set it right off.

My Daughter was in the garage with me at the time and saw it, I might not have seen it until it was a much bigger deal.

Tossed a towel over it and put it out, but man, does that stuff like to BURN.

Making sure to keep this stuff in a closed container from now on.

 

[ThreePointedStar]

Good call. Never would have thunk. Thank you.

 

[5lima30]

Thats why a 9v battery and steel wool is an excellent fire starter even in wet conditions!

 

[camarotoolman]

I remember in boy scouts using it start a fire using flint and steel.

 

[NUTTSGT]

I know the 9V battery trick but never thought about sparks. I'll keep that in mind next time we do a safety talk or investigating a garage fire. Thanks

 

[rlitman]

Sure. Steel wool has a thin oily film from the factory to keep it from rusting that makes it much easier to ignite. Sparks can light the oil, and there is enough energy to get the metal smoldering, but I've never seen it progress to open flames (but I believe it is possible).

The finer the wool, the easier it is to ignite. 0000 steel wool is about as combustible as dryer lint.

 

[dmeadow]

Steel doesn't burn-- ask Rosie O'Donnell

 

[onewaydave]

Steel doesn't burn-- ask Rosie O'Donnell

He, he,he.

Dave.

 

[hicketts]

I show it to my class every semester. If you blow on it a little the flames really pick up. I just like to be ready for the Zombie Apocalypse.

 

[kursplat]

I remember in boy scouts using it start a fire using flint and steel.

me too one of the most fun things i learned there, and i had a great time in scouts

 

[NUTTSGT]

Steel doesn't burn-- ask Rosie O'Donnell

Ahhh the brilliant almighty hypocrite, Roise O'Donnell

 

[dave67fd]

I show it to my class every semester. If you blow on it a little the flames really pick up. I just like to be ready for the Zombie Apocalypse.

What in hell do you teach?

 

[mtnkrake]

Dangerous and fun.

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[HTGTS350]

Steel wool will ignite just by rubbing it together in the right conditions.

 

[James E]

So, just the current from a 9v arc'd (arced?) across fine steel wool will start a fire?

I was a Scout for a long time and I never knew this. I'm feeling a bit let down by my old troop right about now. I thought we'd discovered and shared just about every way of destroying things that was known to man.

 

[TAMPAGT07]

Steel doesn't burn-- ask Rosie O'Donnell

Actually, the ******* said that it didn't melt...I guess she figures anyhting made of steel just comes out of the ground the way it is shaped....


As a young lad, I realized that steel wool and power transformers could be quite entertaining for a youngster...The best was when I took and old power cord and took a big ball of steel wool, wired it in, and pluged it in....My dad never did figure out where all of his steel wool went..

 

[GRX]

Been there, done that. Which is why my steel wool resides in a closed coffee can.

 

[thightower]

The job isn't done right unless something catches on fire anyway.

 

[GRX]

The job isn't done right unless something catches on fire anyway.

Very true. Adds excitement. Leaving random firecrackers sitting around while welding is good too

 

[rwhite692]

The job isn't done right unless something catches on fire anyway.

LOL, couldn't agree more!

 

[BWS]

Went to exactly one cub scout meeting......seems asking about Brownies wasn't on the menu?Fat free Pringles as a fire starter FTW.

Our steel wool is in the "finishing" dept.I think it should stay there.....but,thanks for the headsup about it's volitivity,did not know?

 

[hicketts]

What in hell do you teach?

I teach high school "Wood shop / Carpentry". We do CNC work and treat as almost a Pre-engineering course, and every Wensday we do Redneck Science Days.

 

[harrisor]

I too did this with the boy scouts. It is also one of my favorite ways to start a fire with people that never seen it done before.