Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Resources for Survival - Improvising Multi-Use Items



Being able to improvise a needed item in a survival situation can be a critical factor in your ability to survive a crisis or a disaster. The popularity of multi-tools among the survivalist community is just one example of the multi-use items that can be found. A great many persons simply refuse to go anywhere at anytime without a good multi-tool.  

There is a simple truth about being able to improvise. All you need to realize that almost everything has multiple uses. Just take a moment to think about it and you will realize that what you need may already be there. Many simple and everyday items have more than one use and with a little imagination and creativity it won’t take you long to figure out an alternative use that can make a big difference in your effort to survive.

In a survival situation, you will need to use anything and everything you can to survive. Even if you are caught with nothing but the clothes on your back, you will still have numerous and almost unlimited resources at your disposal.

Things like a simple t-shirt can be used to make cordage, filter water, create a torch, fashion a bandage or a tourniquet. And all of this is from just one piece of clothing. Boots or shoes can become emergency water containers, the laces can become cordage and your socks can be used to make an expedient pair of gloves to protect your hands or to filter water.

It’s not only what you have on you but also what you have around you. If you need a hammer and don’t have one perhaps a stout rock will do the trick. Need a shovel but don’t have one handy? Try a good stick. They were used to dig with long before there were shovels.

Improvising in a survival situation is only hard if you focus too tightly on the intended use of an item. Remember that anything can be used as a resource. This will help you to better improvise what you may require or need for your survival.

In a survival situation, everything is a resource with multiple uses.

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker



8 comments:

Anonymous said...

I've jerry rigged tons of stuff!Rope in a motorcycle flat tire,panty hose for a fan belt,a belt for a tow strap! Just think of what you need,you'll find something.
Dean in az

John said...

Being resourceful and creative is definitely part of the survival mindset. If I'm not always the resourceful one, I hope I'm near someone who is. Two heads are better than one, as they say. And, to use another cliche, think outside the box.

Anonymous said...

Hey I just learned about a cool mini-tool you might take a look at yourself (if you already haven't already) - ignition pliers. Simple description is slip joint pliers, about 5" overall length.

They beat needle nose pliers in that they can adjusted to turn a nut almost 1/2" across the flats comfortably - thats pretty good versatility. The jaws are about 1/8" wide, so they can slip in narrow spaces and narrow bolts and nuts. And they can be easily carried in pocket, a rubber band added for converting to poor boy vice grip.

About $10 at Sears. Channel-Lock also makes them for slightly higher cost, give them a look and see if impressed. I bought two of them, one going in my everyday carry tool bag.

Hope this helps.

riverwalker said...

To: Dean in AZ

There is usually something that can be used to help get you out of a bind. The trick is not to realize that the answer may be right in front of you.

Thanks Dean.

RW

riverwalker said...

To: John

Being resourceful is critical in any survival situation. There is an old saying that was popular during the depression that fits the situation fairly well:

"Make do or do without."

Thanks John.

RW

riverwalker said...

To: anonymous 12:44

Sounds like a pretty good item that may be worth checking out.

Thanks anon.

RW

MilissaBee said...

I just wanted to let you know that I really enjoy reading your blog. I have learned so much useful information. Thank you so much.

riverwalker said...

To: Milissa

I'm glad you've found some of tips helpful and enjoy my blog.

Thanks Milissa.

RW

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