9 Uses for Fuel Cans in a Survival Situation

When things take an unexpected turn and survival becomes the priority, you should use every available resource. Fuel cans may not immediately come to mind, but creative and resourceful minds can reinvent them to serve multiple roles in a survival setting. Their sturdy construction and versatile design make them ideal for survival applications.

Whether you’re crafting a fishing lure, purifying water, or creating a heat source, this simple tool can be indispensable. In this guide, we’ll take a look into the uses of fuel cans in a survival situation, demonstrating their value for quick, creative thinking.

Transporting Water or Fuel

Jerry cans are reliable solutions for carrying and storing liquids in various circumstances. However, if you’re using it to transport water—or anything else you intend to consume—clean and sanitize as best as you can to avoid contaminating your food or water supply.

You can wash the fuel can with water or melted snow, or wipe it down with a cloth. You can rely on a fuel can as a survivalist water container thanks to its durability and portability.

Making a Solar Still

You can repurpose jerry cans to create a solar still, which purifies water using the heat of the sun. To build a solar still, you’ll need to cut open the fuel container and create a surface area to collect sunlight. Place the container in a sunny location, fill it with water, and cover it with clear plastic or glass to seal the top.

As the sun heats the water, it evaporates and condenses on the underside of the covering material. Collect the clean water in a separate container. This method is particularly useful for desalinating seawater or purifying questionable water sources when you’re short on potable water.

Building Traps

Sustenance and nutrition are paramount in a survival scenario, and setting animal traps can help with obtaining food. Fortunately, you can transform fuel cans into traps with some modifications. Using a small hand knife, cut and shape the metal or plastic to create trigger mechanisms or frames for trapping small animals.

The durability of the fuel can guarantees that the trap can withstand the elements, increasing its usefulness in a survival scenario. By designing a simple snare or using the fuel can to hold bait, you can increase your chances of catching something edible. Place these traps along animal paths or near water sources to increase your success rates.

Building Shelter

While it may not be the first use that comes to mind, jerry cans can be incredibly useful for protecting yourself from the elements. The strong framework of the metal or plastic offers an excellent base for creating windbreaks or temporary walls when other materials are scarce.

Additionally, you can fill them with sand, soil, or other insulating materials to enhance the thermal protection of your shelter. This can keep you warm and comfortable during cold nights.

Storing Emergency Supplies

Fuel cans can also serve as secure storage units for emergency supplies, which is incredibly useful when you’re forced out of your home. The airtight and durable nature of fuel cans makes them ideal for protecting food, matches, medical kits, and other essentials from moisture and contamination. This way, the contents remain safe and ready for use.

Moreover, you can easily transport your items in jerry cans without compromising their integrity. Whether keeping kindling dry or stashing spare batteries, the adaptability of fuel cans provides a practical solution for keeping your survival toolkit in top condition.

Constructing Tools or Weapons

You could use fuel cans to create rudimentary tools or weapons. With a small knife, you can fashion basic cutting tools or sharp-edged weapons for protection or hunting.

For instance, with some ingenuity, you can shape the metal into a spearhead. Additionally, you can cut off metal sections and attach them to whittled wooden handles to create makeshift axes. Use these hand-made tools for constructing shelters or gathering firewood.

Creating a Cooking Surface

While foraging is a great way to find nutrition, your body will need more fuel as you fight for survival. At the same time, eating raw game, fish, or eggs can be dangerous. Using a stone or hammer, you can flatten sections of the metal fuel can, create a makeshift griddle, and place it over an open flame or heat source.

The metal conducts heat efficiently, providing a reliable platform for cooking various foods. Additionally, with a bit of creativity, you can reshape the size and surface to accommodate different cooking needs, such as grilling or boiling.

Remember to clean any surfaces touching the food to avoid ingesting harmful chemicals. Depending on the grade of the fuel, residues may be useful in creating a fire for cooking!

Crafting Fishing Lures

Sharp, shiny pieces of a fuel container are effective fishing lures in your quest for sustenance during a survival situation. They’re perfect for shaping into various lure forms, such as spinners or spoons, which can attract fish through their reflective surfaces and movement in the water.

By using simple tools or rocks, you can cut small, fishlike profiles from the can’s metal sides and attach them to recycled fishing line or cordage. Adding feathers, colorful fabrics, or shiny objects from your supplies can enhance the lure’s appeal to fish and increase the likelihood of a catch.

Purifying Water

If you’re a fan of survival media, you’ve likely seen an actor use a jerry can as a makeshift boiling pot; this is one of the most common alternative uses for fuel cans. After cleaning the can, you can use it as a boiling vessel. Boiling water is one of the most effective methods to kill bacteria, viruses, and parasites.

If you have another fuel container or a tin can, poke some holes in the bottom to filter out large particles. Fill the fuel can with water, and place it over an open flame or another heat source until it reaches a rolling boil for at least one minute. This method makes the water much safer to drink, reducing your risk of contracting waterborne diseases. Moreover, a jerry can’s sturdy construction can withstand repeated heat exposure, making it durable for ongoing use as a water purification tool.

In a survival scenario, the ability to think creatively and adaptively can transform seemingly mundane objects into vital tools. However, before you do anything that might put you in a survival scenario, you need supplies.

Swiss Link Military Surplus sells a selection of Wavian fuel cans in various sizes with sturdy steel walls for continuous, heavy use. We also have an extensive collection of survival tools, from water purification solutions to emergency first aid kits. You’ll be ready to tackle any grueling scenario and come out on the other side.