These two simple survival fire starters cost $1 and could save your life in a survival situation for years to come.

Each item can be found at the dollar store and each one can last for years. The two items are a magnifying glass and an 8 pack of cigarette lighters.

Now the lighters everyone understands. Each lighter can last between 2,000 to 3,000 lights. Even a cheap junk lighter can last a couple years if used sparingly.

The magnifying glass may surprise many people though. You can start a fire with a simple dollar store magnifying glass even on partly cloudy days.

To do this, simple focus the sun's rays on a single tiny focal point. When the point grows small enough you will get some smoke and then fire. You have to adjust the magnifying glass up or down to get the right focal point. And you will have to angle the magnifying glass into the sun for best results.

Even on partly cloudy days this can work if your tinder is dry and easy to catch on fire.

Together these two fire starting methods can last you for many years to come. If taken care of the magnifying glass will never wear out. And the lighter, only used on cloudy or rainy days, will last a very long time.

You can see a video here with me starting a fire using a magnifying glass: