When resources are scarce, the ability to adapt is key. Knowing how to transform everyday items into survival essentials can make all the difference when you’re in a bind.
That’s why those who prepare don’t throw anything that could prove useful in the garbage—especially something like #10 cans.
A #10 can measures 6 3/16 inches in diameter and 7 inches in height, has a 109.43 fluid ounce capacity, and is equivalent to 5.325 traditionally sized soup cans (a size #2 can).
Given the size and capacity of #10 cans, they are used for bulk food storage and long-term food storage.
But these sturdy, versatile containers can also be repurposed into life-saving survival tools with just a little creativity. Here are some of our favorite emergency uses:
1. Water Filter
In an emergency, a #10 can could function as a means for filtering water. The simplest way is to use your clean, empty #10 can as a pot for boiling water.
Additionally, you can make a DIY water filter using a #10 can.
Here are the instructions:
Materials
- (2) #10 cans
- Sand
- Dirt
- Rocks
- Water
Instructions
- After you’ve collected all these materials, punch a few small drainage holes in the bottom of your #10 can.
- Fill the bucket first with a layer of sand, followed by a layer of dirt, then a layer of rocks.
- Once your #10 can is full, hang it on a post or a tree—anywhere that it is elevated—and place the second empty #10 can underneath it.
- Pour water into the hanging #10 can and let it drain into the empty bucket below.
[Related Read: 5 Ways to Purify Drinking Water in the Event of an Emergency]
2. Emergency Stove
You can use a #10 can to make a rocket stove. Here are the instructions:
Materials
- (1) #10 can with lid
- (2) 28-ounce cans
- Extra can (for the shelf)
- Insulation (from the attic)
- Tin snips (or something to cut metal)
- Heavy-duty gloves
- Marker
- Wire hanger
Instructions
- Mark and cut the center hole on the side of the #10 can.
- Repeat, but this time, measure and cut the can that will be going inside the #10 can.
- Cut the rim off the final can.
- Make 1 1/2-inch tabs around the can.
- Squeeze this can through both of the cans, through the outer #10 can and into the smaller can located inside the #10 can.
- Cut tabs around the top of the #10 can.
- Fill the space inside between the #10 can and the outside of the smaller can with insulation.
- Cut a lid that will cover the insulated section and place it on top. Use tabs to keep it in place.
- Use some of the leftover metal to make a shelf that fits inside the small can that is attached outside the #10 can.
- Now you are ready to light it. Put kindling on the top shelf and light.
- Once lit, you can set a pot on top and cook.
3. Makeshift Pot
Use the #10 can to store just-add-water meals to have a one-pot dish. You can either boil the water separately or heat it using the rocket stove you created with another #10 can.
4. Lantern
There are several ways you can turn your #10 can into a source of light.
Punch holes in the sides of a #10 can, place tea light candles inside, and have a beautiful lantern.
Or, add sand to the can and place a solar light inside during the day for a great light source in the evening that can be moved wherever you need it.
Additionally, with wicks and paraffin wax, you can use your #10 to make homemade candles.
5. Water Carrier
In a survival situation, you will need a way to carry necessary supplies, such as water.
Punch two holes in the side of a #10 can and add a wire. Now, your #10 can works as a great bucket for carrying water.
You can also use the #10 can bucket should you have to forage for food.
6. Makeshift Shovel
Another unique emergency use for a #10 can is as a shovel. You’d be surprised how great this works when you’re in a pinch!
7. Food Storage
Designed and used for food storage, this is the ultimate emergency use for #10 cans.
However, they can also be used for food storage even after they are emptied of their original food contents.
When outdoors, place food inside the #10 can to keep it protected from nature and wildlife.
8. Alarm System
If you find yourself in unfamiliar territory, you need to protect yourself from strangers and animals.
One easy way to do so is to create a #10 can alarm system.
You can stack the cans around the perimeter of your base, making it difficult for an intruder to enter without making noise.
You can create hanging alarms by your entryways using the cans, which will alert you when someone enters or leaves the base.
9. Emergency Kits
You never know when you will end up stuck on the interstate due to an accident or severe weather.
Fill a #10 can with emergency car supplies, such as flashlights, glow sticks, emergency blankets, nonperishable food, and a poncho.
10. Survival Fishing Kit
Similarly, you can use a #10 can as a survival fishing kit.
Fill the can with several feet of fishing line, a small tackle box, hooks, bait, knives, a net, and a small travel rod.
Don’t throw your #10 cans away, friends!
In liberty,
Elizabeth Anderson
Preparedness Advisor, My Patriot Supply
