Pinterest Test #4: mason jar match storage

Another thing I saw on pinterest that I thought was brilliant was match storage using a mason jar. I also learned a lot about matches in the process. I always knew 'regular' matches would only light if you struck them on the box, but I never knew that it was because part of the combustion chemicals were located there rather than the match head. 'Strike anywhere' matches have all of that material in the tip of the match, which is why you can strike them on any rough surface.

All of the tutorials I found for this were designed for the 'strike anywhere' matches. It made me wonder though, because 'regular' matches are designed for safety - 'strike anywhere' matches can be lit accidentally if they rub a rough surface, and I'd rather not set my house on fire accidentally.

Now the basic recipe is 1 8oz Jelly jar, a piece of sandpaper, and strike anywhere matches. But what would you do if you ALREADY HAD safety matches like me?

All the tutorials said "you can't do this with regular matches"...to which i said "challenge accepted!"

(I know they probably meant the sandpaper part, but I was looking for excuses to tinker....)

I took my good old box of strike anywhere matches and dumped them into my jelly jar.

Then I carefully disassembled the box - I didn't want to rip the strike pads.

Next was pretty easy. Cut the strike pads out, trace the jar lid, and cut out the circle on the strike pads.

I think next time, I may use a dab of glue to attach the two pieces of strike pad, but that's totally optional, this method works perfectly fine. Then just put the strike pads over the lid and screw on the band. done!

...Except not. Anyone who's even opened a mason jar knows that the lid comes apart when you unscrew it, and getting the strike pads to line up pretty is kind of a pain. So out came the trusty power drill, and i made a hole in the tin lid with a cutout in the strike pad to match. Now i can just shake out a match without removing the cover every time.