Oil Lamps
Posted by 00_Mountaineer@reddit | preppers | View on Reddit | 24 comments
I just purchased two oil lamps that I am super happy with along with extra fuel for them. They produce so much light I was stunned. They also last about 5 evenings burning about 4 hours each night before needing refilled. The oil doesn’t seem to ever really expire either if stored correctly.
I am using them regularly for evening lighting to get used to using them and I really enjoy the light they give off.
Both are brass and sturdy with only the glass lamp part but brass base where the oil is stored. The one is smaller and is made to carry around the house as needed.
They seem like a great addition and safer than candles. I obviously have fire extinguishers around the house though just in case.
Wayson@reddit
I have one Feuerhand lantern and a gallon of oil mostly as a desperation option for very limited heating and to keep my EMP paranoia tamed. For lighting I am mostly relying on LED lamps including several BLF LT1 lanterns, as they will last for years and are not fire hazards and can easily be recharged from solar.
No-Nose-9468@reddit
Spot on-- get a Faraday pouch for EMP protection of electronics.
00_Mountaineer@reddit (OP)
Thanks for the recommendation. The BLF LT1 looks really nice to add to my LED lighting options. I like when things are chargeable, as like you said, I can charge them off my solar indefinitely.
dittybopper_05H@reddit
They are no more safer than candles in candle lanterns, like these:
Though admittedly they will put out more light than a candle. The big advantage of candles is that they are a dry-fuel light source.
And ironically in some situations safer than oil lamps.
Both wax and lantern oil need a wick to burn. If you drop a candle on to something that can act like a wick, the amount of liquid wax that gets spilled is actually pretty limited. It is possible for an oil lamp to spill a lot more liquid fuel, which can cause a bigger immediate fire.
But at the very end of it, you shouldn't be leaving an open flame unattended. It's wasteful, because you're burning up fuel for no reason, but most importantly it's a safety consideration regardless of whether you're using a candle or oil lamp. If there is an accident with a candle or oil lamp and you are right there, you can attend to it immediately before it gets out of hand. If you're in the next room and your cat, dog, or poltergeist knocks it over and starts a fire, it can get out of hand before you notice it.
616c@reddit
Depending on which story you believe, it could be Mrs. Leary's cow or Mrs. Leary's kid playing craps knocking over a lantern and starting The Great Chicago Fire of 1871.
Cute-Consequence-184@reddit
They also can produce a lot of heat for the winter.
StylishNoun@reddit
I love my oil lamps and have used them with Walmart-purchased lamp oil that's 10+ years old, so they've always been part of my prep (and also sometimes just a source of ambience). All my lamps are antiques from family or picked up in thrift and antique stores, although some of those Garret Wade ones are *awfully* tempting...
MrGaryLapidary@reddit
I really like my English duplex and my center draft Success. They put out gather around the campfire light.
ahwheelock@reddit
I also have oil lamps. I like the glow and the idea of having them around as a backup. However, with the near eternal light that LEDs can put out with only a small amount of battery power, it seems unnecessary. More for nostalgia than actual prepping I think.
A small solar panel, with a power bank to store the power, will power LED lights for as long as you could possibly need. Very safely.
00_Mountaineer@reddit (OP)
That is very true. I am set on the led and solar charging front so I guess a backup for my backup for when SHTF. I’ll just take in the warm glow of the nostalgia for the time being I guess though.
MrHmuriy@reddit
I once had a Petromax lamp that used white gas to work. I had to pump it up, refill it, change burned out mantles, and it was better not to use it indoors. I played with it for a while and then sold it to the next owner. Now its tasks are performed by Streamlight Super Siege LED lamp.
Fit_Acanthisitta_475@reddit
I have an oil lamp as backup. But solar lamp is much better and safer.
Additional_Insect_44@reddit
This reminds me of diy candle/lanterns I did last fall while in my shack. Take Vaseline, put in metal can or candle jar, add paper,, maybe magnesium shavings, ignite. Can burn for 12 hours.
Agitated-Score365@reddit
I love them because in the winter they give off a bit of heat too. Not sure 🤔 f you did bit get some extra wicks! My hose is drafty and I use them during the winter for a bit of warmth.
11systems11@reddit
I've got a cool looking oil lamp that I've had for 30 years and still works great. I've got a gallon of oil for it which would last quite a while.
Revolutionary-Half-3@reddit
I've got a few Dietz hurricane lamps that are pretty minimal for light output. My single Aladdin is supposed to be as bright as a 60w light bulb, with less smell and much higher efficiency than regular wick lanterns.
I've yet to light it because it's been a low priority to find a good spot to put it, they don't like being moved when in use.
Halo22B@reddit
Now use them on a 100 degree summer night....you got spare chimneys right, they are glass...sure maybe not as tippy as a candle (durr is that why they invented candlesticks/holders)...but a pool of burning oil is nobody's idea of fun. Oil lamps aren't the worst prep but like everything they have a ton of tradeoffs and new peppers should be aware
shortone1493@reddit
Just remember some oils sold for oil lamps don't work in the cold. I have several oil lamps and have a good supply of fuel. But when the power is out and the fuel is stored in a cold building or using the lamps in the cold below freezing the oil can help making the lamp not usable when needed. So depending on where you live this should be tested before the weather turns if you use them outside.
Internal_Raccoon_370@reddit
some of those lamps are wonderful. My wife inherited one from her mother that was made around 1900 or so. We've found wicks that fit just about perfectly and as you said, it puts out an amazing amount of light.
Be careful if you're buying new ones, though,. The ones you found are excellent quality but there is a lot of garbage out there stamped out of cheap sheet metal, thin glass, etc. Those are mostly purely decorative and shouldn't be used at all.
00_Mountaineer@reddit (OP)
Good to know, the low quality was something I was seeing in a lot of options online and in stores. Cheep didn’t seem worth it or safe enough. Waited a few years until I stumbled upon these, and pulled the trigger on these two to start with, before possibly getting more. I am more than happy with the sturdiness and quality of these. They are made in India if that is pertinent information for anyone.
Persianguy2819@reddit
Have been looking for a good oil lamp for when power goes out. Do you have a link or brand/model for what you have?
00_Mountaineer@reddit (OP)
These were the two I got along with the filling funnel. Both seem like really nice quality. The others look great as well.
https://garrettwade.com/product/extra-bright-nickel-oil-lamps
MountainGal72@reddit
Oh, wow! Those are really pretty!
Ours are all antiques but I bet my husband would love adding these to our preps. Thanks for sharing!
bhuffmansr@reddit
I love lamplight. I have 2 kerosene lamps and 9 of those little oil candies.