ThatQuiz Test Library Take this test now
How to start a fire using a bow drill (friction fire)
Contributed by: Roe
  • 1. What is the primary principle behind starting a fire with a bow drill?
A) Using a magnifying glass
B) Focusing sunlight
C) Friction creating heat
D) Chemical reaction
  • 2. Which type of wood is generally preferred for the spindle?
A) Hardwood
B) Softwood
C) Petrified wood
D) Green wood
  • 3. What is the purpose of the handhold?
A) Protecting the bow
B) Applying downward pressure to the spindle
C) Guiding the bow
D) Holding the tinder
  • 4. What is the ideal shape for the bow?
A) Perfectly straight
B) Circular
C) Slightly curved
D) Sharply angled
  • 5. What is the purpose of the notch in the fireboard?
A) To collect the ember
B) To lubricate the spindle
C) To improve airflow
D) To hold the spindle in place
  • 6. What is char cloth typically made of?
A) Plastic
B) Wool
C) Silk
D) Cotton
  • 7. What material is typically used for the bow string?
A) Wire
B) Elastic
C) Chain
D) Paracord
  • 8. Why is proper posture important when using a bow drill?
A) Reduces noise
B) Impresses onlookers
C) Looks more professional
D) Conserves energy
  • 9. What is the best technique for blowing the ember into flame?
A) Holding your breath
B) Hard, forceful breaths
C) Using a bellows
D) Gentle, steady breaths
  • 10. What should you do if smoke starts to appear, but no ember forms?
A) Stop immediately and start over
B) Lubricate the spindle
C) Add more tinder
D) Continue drilling, increasing pressure
  • 11. What is the purpose of lubrication (such as pine resin) on the spindle?
A) Increase friction at the fireboard
B) Strengthen the spindle
C) Reduce friction at the handhold
D) Waterproof the spindle
  • 12. What should the diameter of the spindle be, roughly?
A) Hair-sized
B) Pencil-sized
C) Baseball bat-sized
D) Tree trunk-sized
  • 13. What is the ideal consistency for the tinder bundle?
A) Solid and hard
B) Oily and greasy
C) Fluffy and dry
D) Dense and wet
  • 14. What is the 'socket' of the handhold typically made of?
A) Metal
B) Soft material like cloth
C) Hard material like stone or bone
D) Plastic
  • 15. Why is it important to 'season' your bow drill set?
A) To make it waterproof
B) To allow the wood to dry and harden
C) To add flavor to the wood
D) To prevent insects
  • 16. Which of these is the LEAST suitable wood for a fireboard?
A) Cottonwood
B) Aspen
C) Cedar
D) Oak
  • 17. What does 'tinder' refer to?
A) The spindle
B) Easily combustible material
C) The bow string
D) The fireboard
  • 18. What is the first step after creating an ember?
A) Adding more fuel to the fireboard
B) Transferring it to the tinder bundle
C) Throwing the ember directly into the campfire
D) Blowing on the spindle
  • 19. How do you know when the ember is ready to be transferred?
A) It disappears
B) It glows brightly and produces smoke
C) It's completely black
D) It's cold to the touch
  • 20. What should you do to prepare the spindle before using it?
A) Sharpen it to a point
B) Soak it in water
C) Cover it in glue
D) Ensure it's smooth and rounded
  • 21. What is the 'bearing block' also known as?
A) Fireboard
B) Handhold
C) Spindle
D) Bow
  • 22. What part of the process requires the most patience?
A) Developing the ember
B) Making the tools
C) Finding the right wood
D) Lighting the tinder bundle
  • 23. Why should you practice fire making with a bow drill?
A) To develop muscle memory and technique
B) To waste time
C) Because it's easy
D) To show off your skills
  • 24. What is the correct order of materials to make a fire?
A) Ember, tinder, kindling, fuel wood
B) Kindling, fuel wood, ember, tinder
C) Tinder, fuel wood, kindling, ember
D) Fuel wood, kindling, tinder, ember
  • 25. What is 'feathering'?
A) Smoothing the spindle
B) Attaching feathers to the bow
C) Protecting the tinder from the wind
D) Creating thin shavings of wood for kindling
  • 26. What size kindling should be added to the tinder?
A) Large logs
B) Green leaves
C) Small, dry twigs
D) Wet branches
  • 27. What is the primary danger of bow drill fire starting?
A) Drowning
B) Animal attacks
C) Friction burns
D) Explosions
  • 28. Why should you use dry wood?
A) It's prettier
B) It's heavier
C) It's easier to find
D) It ignites easier
  • 29. What direction should you face when building a fire?
A) Into the wind
B) It doesn't matter
C) Away from the wind
D) Perpendicular to the wind
  • 30. Why is it important to have a flat surface when using the bow drill?
A) Provides stability
B) Helps to keep insects away
C) Reduces noise
D) Looks more professional
Created with That Quiz — the site for test creation and grading in math and other subjects.