Tips and Tricks for an Altoids Tin Survival Kit

An Altoids tin survival kit is a compact, versatile solution for carrying essential tools and supplies that can make all the difference in an emergency. However, simply packing your kit isn’t enough—you need to ensure it’s effective and ready to use when you need it most. Here are some valuable tips and tricks to help you maximize the utility of your Altoids tin survival kit, including testing your kit, replacing supplies, maintaining tools, and practicing with each tool.

For more, check out our ultimate Altoids Tin Survival Kit Instruction. 

Test Your Kit Regularly

Why Testing Matters:
Testing your entire survival kit is crucial because it ensures that everything functions as intended. It’s one thing to pack a kit with carefully selected tools and supplies, but it’s another to know that each item works correctly when you need it most. Regular testing helps you identify any issues, such as malfunctioning tools or depleted supplies, or a lack of skill or knowledge in a critical area so you can address them before they become a problem in an emergency.

How to Test Your Kit:

• Fire-Starting Tools: Practice using your fire-starting tools, whether it’s a ferrocerium rod, waterproof matches, or a lighter. Make sure you can consistently create a flame, even in less-than-ideal conditions.
• Cutting Tools: Test your knife or razor blade on various materials to ensure it’s sharp and ready for use. Consider sharpening it regularly to maintain its effectiveness. If you plan on using it as a ferrocerium rod striker, verify that it can create a spark with your ferro rod.
• Water Purification: If your kit includes water purification tablets or a mini filter, test these tools by purifying a small amount of water. This will give you confidence in their ability to produce safe drinking water.

Replace Supplies That Might Expire

The Importance of Fresh Supplies:
Some items in your survival kit have a limited shelf life, and over time, they can lose their effectiveness. Replacing supplies that might expire ensures that your kit remains reliable and ready to use.

Items to Monitor:

• Water Purification Tablets: These have a shelf life, and using expired tablets can be ineffective or even dangerous. Check the expiration date and replace them as needed.
• First Aid Supplies: Bandages, antiseptic wipes, and other first aid items can degrade over time. Ensure these items are in good condition and replace them if they show signs of wear.
• Matches and Tinder: Waterproof matches and tinder can lose their effectiveness if exposed to moisture or humidity. Replace them periodically to ensure they’re ready when you need them.
• Batteries: Batteries for small flashlights or other electronic devices can lose their charge over time. Regularly check and replace batteries to ensure your electronics are functional when needed.

Practice Using Each Individual Tool

Why Practice Is Key:
Having the right tools in your kit is only half the battle—you need to know how to use them effectively. In an emergency, stress and adrenaline can make even simple tasks more challenging. Practicing with each tool in your kit ensures that you’re familiar with their operation and can use them confidently when it matters most. 

How to Practice:

• Fire-Starting:  Sensing a theme here? We cannot overstate how important it is to know how to use your fire starting tools. Fire is life.  Practice starting a fire with your kit’s tools under different conditions, such as in the rain or with wet tinder. This will help you develop the skills needed to start a fire quickly in any situation.
• Navigation: If your kit includes a compass or GPS device, practice using these tools to navigate. Try finding your way to a specific location using only your compass and map, or test your GPS device’s accuracy.
• First Aid: Familiarize yourself with the first aid supplies in your kit. Practice bandaging wounds, applying antiseptic, and using any specialized tools, such as tweezers or a tourniquet.
• Urban Gear: For urban kits like escape and evasion, or lock picking its it's important to understand the basic use of these tools before attempting to use them effectively.

Maintenance for Long-Term Storage of High Carbon Steel Tools

Why Maintenance Matters:
If your Altoids tin survival kit may include high carbon steel tools, such as knives or saw blades, as well as leather coverings or sheaths. It’s essential to maintain these items to prevent rust corrosion, or dry rotting over time. High carbon steel is known for its durability and sharpness, but it is also more prone to rust if not properly cared for.

Maintenance Tips:

• Oil Your Tools: Apply a light coat of oil to high carbon steel tools, and wrap them in a light layer of plastic over the oil before storing them in your kit for long periods. This creates a protective barrier against moisture, helping to prevent rust. You can use mineral oil, gun oil, or even a small amount of cooking oil in a pinch (especially if you might use this knife to cook with).
• Check for Rust: Regularly inspect your tools for any signs of rust or corrosion. If you notice any, use a fine abrasive pad or steel wool to remove it, then reapply oil to the cleaned area.
• Wax Leather: apply a layer of wax, oil, or other leather protectant to keep your leather from drying out. If you store your knife in it's sheath make sure the inside of the sheath is well oiled. 
• Store in a Dry Environment: Ensure that your Altoids tin is kept in a dry environment to minimize the risk of moisture getting inside. Consider using a small desiccant packet inside the tin if you have extra room to absorb any moisture that might enter.

Keep Your Kit Accessible

Why Accessibility Matters:
A survival kit is only useful if you can access it quickly, or ensure it's always close. Consider how you carry your Altoids tin survival kit and ensure it’s easy to reach in an emergency.

Tips for Accessibility:

• Everyday Carry (EDC): Carry your kit in a pocket, bag, or on your belt where it’s easy to access. Consider using Grim Workshop’s Bandit to attach additional tools to the outside of your tin for quick access.
• Vehicle Storage: If you store your kit in your car, keep it in the glove compartment or another easily accessible location, rather than in the trunk or under heavy gear.
• Backpack Storage: Consider keeping it in an externally accessible pocket so your not required to dig through your entire bag to locate it, or keep it on a small external pouch you can easily remove. 

FAQ

Q: How often should I test my Altoids tin survival kit?
A: It’s a good idea to test your kit at least once every few months. Regular testing ensures that everything is in working order and helps you stay familiar with the tools.

Q: What should I do if a tool in my kit isn’t working properly?
A: Replace any malfunctioning tools immediately. It’s better to have a reliable, functioning kit than to discover issues during an emergency.

Q: How can I practice using my survival kit without wasting supplies?
A: You can practice using your tools with minimal waste by testing small amounts, purchasing tools that have refillable components, purchasing back up tools (one for testing, one for keeping for emergencies) or simply replacing your tool when it gets used beyond a certain point. For example, practice lighting a fire with just one match or purify a small amount of water and don't let your supplies go below a certain point without replenishment. This allows you to maintain your supplies while still gaining valuable experience.

About Grim Workshop

Grim Workshop specializes in creating innovative, durable, and practical survival tools designed to fit seamlessly into compact kits like Altoids tins. Our Survival Cards, Micro Tools, and Dog Tag Tools are crafted to maximize functionality while minimizing space, ensuring that you’re always prepared for any situation. Proudly made in the USA, Grim Workshop is committed to providing high-quality tools that meet the needs of survivalists, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone who values preparedness. For more information on our products and how to build your ultimate Altoids tin survival kit, visit Grim Workshop.