[tjwilhelm]

After all Kevin's talk about TJ's balls (I prefer TJ's PJs), I thought it was time to throw Celticwarrior under the bus!

Seriously, this post is my effort to bump forward an idea that Celticwarrior shared many months back. For all the new folks, I thought it was worth bringing up again, and I added pictures, too.

This is based on the premise that everything we carry should have more than one use. Celticwarrior had wisely pointed out that "Triple" anti-biotic ointments (not cream) is primarily made from white petrolatum (vaseline petroleum jelly!). Thus, not only does it serve well for its intended first-aid purpose, it also can be used to make PJ-cotton-ball tinder!

This evening, I made up a half dozen "Triple Balls," stuffed them into a 35mm film canister, and wrapped first-aid tape around the outside of the canister. I did NOT melt the Triple ointment (as is done when making TJ's PJs) -- I was afraid the heat might damage the anti-biotic. Rather, I pushed the nozzle of the ointment tube into each end of the cotton ball and gave a good squeeze. The balls filled with ointment, and the outer surface of the balls stayed clean and dry...I hate slimy, greasy balls!

If I get a nasty little cut, instead of using Band-Aids, I just need to pull out a Triple Ball, lay it on top of the cleaned out wound, and secure the Triple Ball dressing in place with some of the tape that's right there on the canister.

If I need to make a fire in the cold and the damp, I can also whip out a Triple Ball and ignite it with my Firesteel. In the last photo, you can see one of the freshly made Triple Balls burning -- ignited with just one stroke of the Firesteel/striker in a 20mph wind. After 5 minutes, I stomped out the flame...that's plenty of time to get kindling and small fuel wood burning.

Thanks for this idea, CW!

[LaRemnant]

That flame looks like it is on carpet? Regardless, catching fire to CW's balls is always a good thing in my book!

[tjwilhelm]

Originally Posted by LaRemnant

That flame looks like it is on carpet? Regardless, catching fire to CW's balls is always a good thing in my book!

Carpet? Nope...concrete, at night.

[Bladed]

You should tape a second 35mm canister to the first one for the used balls that way you can use those for making fire first(of course use a different color lid for the used canister.

[Rayzerm]

thanks TJ, (and CW of course). That is a really good idea and tip.
I like the idea of everything having more than one use. Makes sense !

[George]

Like it, except anti-biotic ointment outside tube for God knows how long before it might be used in an accident as anti-biotic ointment.

As fire starting cotton ball OK as anti-biotic ointment not too sure as after it is exposed to air all nasties have plenty time to latch on, even develop some resistance to anti-biotic.

[crazydave]

just whats in the triple antibiotic stuff? I keep seeing it referenced but as its a general saleable item I'm assuming that its doesnt contain and real antibiotics but is a mix of iodine, cetrimide type affair? like a typical boo boo cream.

[Roadracer]

I just had to see what "Celticwarrior's Triple Balls" was all about. My initial assumption was wrong.

[kevin]

great TJ; I just recently dumped my triple antibiotic from the kit; but never new its versatility - time to put it back. great idea that CW had. thanks for expanding upon it w/ photos. if you'd like to say goodbye to TJ Balls I'd be happy to go with TJ's PJ's (if you really prefer

[tenderfoot]

i guess this is a good idea but it may be a waste of good ointment. and when i read the title i thought this would be something else (but it being in the fire section made me think again).