Create a vise from a tree branch for holding two batteries together in order to increase battery strength and improve the chances of lighting the steel wool. Cut a tree branch 1-inch in diameter from a tree using a saw, hatchet or knife. Split the cut down the middle with the knife for about 2 inches. Place the two battery ends into the notch so that they touch, positive terminal of one battery to negative terminal of the other. The tree- branch notch will hold the touching batteries in place.
Cut a strip of steel wool slightly longer than the length of the batteries.
Place the center of the steel wool onto the item you need to ignite. Place one end of the strip of wool onto the positive end of the battery, then place the other end of the wool onto the negative end. The wool will quickly ignite. Once signs of ignition are present, quickly release the wool to avoid burning your hands, and pull away the batteries to avoid burning the batteries so that you may reuse them.
