DIY: Storing Matches in a Mason Jar

First, some clarification: There are two different kinds of matches. Strike On Box and Strike Anywhere.

Strike On Box

Strike On Box, also known as Safety Matches, will only light when struck on a specially prepared surface of the box. Matches of this variety are most common for obvious reasons – reducing the likelihood of people accidentally burning down their homes. In a survival scenario however, these matches are inferior to their more versatile counterparts, the Strike Anywhere Match

Strike Anywhere

As you probably already assumed, a Strike Anywhere Match will light when struck against pretty much any rough and dry surface.

If you already have a whole cabinet full of Strike On Box Matches do not throw them away! They are still useful with their safety strike pad. You can always add strike anywhere matches to your supply but save any and all matches you currently have. This tutorial is specifically for Strike Anywhere Matches.

Supplies

For this project you’ll need a quart sized canning jar, a bunch of matches, glue, a permanent marker, scissors and sandpaper.

Step One: Cut Out Your Strike Pad

Trace the canning lid on the backside of your sandpaper, then cut about an eighth of an inch inside of your traced circle.

Step Two: Attach the Sandpaper

Using some reliable glue, glue the sandpaper to the surface of your canning lid. Gluing it to the outside will prevent an accidental wearing on the strike pad from the matches, but it also exposes it to damaging elements like water.

TIP: In the picture below I failed to leave the sealing ring of the lid uncovered. If you want to put your sandpaper on the inside of the lid like I did, leave this ring exposed to keep it more watertight.

Step Three: Add Matches and Store

This part is pretty straight forward. Throw your matches in the jar and screw on the lid.

Keeping your matches in the jar will keep them safe from water damage. For you ladies, it’s also more attractive then a cardboard box. This way if you don’t have much storage space you can shamelessly integrate them into your home decor and make it look like it was on purpose. :)