Jon-E

[sgtt]

Anyone else having problems finding fuel for you Jon-E handwarmer?  Today I was at Fleet Farm, Walmart, Gander Mtn., and The Sportman's Warehouse.  No go.  The lady at Gander told me it was due to Homeland Security.  Used to make bombs she said.  This as we were standing by the white gas and propane and, only shouting distance from the gun powder.  I know I can use cigarette lighter fluid but, I have found it to be more expensive.  The other item I have not been able to locate is "strike anywhere" kitchen matches.  It must all be for MY safety.  I feel better now.  Thank you!

[bearfat]

Been years since I've located the blue headed "strike anywhere" matches too.

I remember the Jon-E handwarmer you talk about but I think I only tried it one year. Do they still sell them?

The meth makers have caused problems too getting certain supplies.

About 4 months ago I had a bottle of Sta-bil in my cart at Walmart they refused to sell me. I haven't a clue why or what was going on. They simply said, "Computer says we can't sell it to you.

What was really scary was when Bill Clinton was first elected President. It was rumored he was going to make changes regarding ammunition primers and their classification etcetera. The market overnight shut down on primers. It was clarified it was only a rumor and no changes would take place but it took over a year for market to slowly open back up for primers.

I remember the gun shop I dealt with frequently actually whispered to me at the check out so no other customers would hear them, "We've got some primers in stock." They placed my brick of 1000 in a brown paper bag before they would even bring it out on the counter. I felt like I was buying drugs from them.

[Bldr Bob]

I found some strike anywhere matches this winter in a little corner store by my cabin, I bought the 4 boxes that where sitting on the shelf.  My girlfriend thought I was nuts until I explained it to her, and I don't think she really understood.  I have only used my Jon-e heater a couple of times since it was handed down by my grandfather.  But I used the Zippo style lighter fluid and another time I used some white gas in it.  I don't know if you are supposed to use white gas but is worked just fine in it. 

It really stinks when you look back on what we used to be able to buy without any problems and now it is restricted.  The other day I went to Walgreens to pick up a few things and had to get an employee to unlock the cabinet for razor blade refills and then she had to escort me to the counter with them.  Felt like I was buying a gun!  I almost call Garage Logic with an "end of the world story".

[Hairtrigger]

I stopped at the local hardware store that is going out of business.
They had several of the pints of fuel on their shelf.
I did not look at the price. Is it not the same as lighter fluid?

[Cowpox]

Hi guys, I hear you on the strike anywhere matches. They are where you find them. I have the best luck in gas station/convienience stores, especially in rural hunting and fishing areas. 
     To fuel your Jon-i, go to the paint store (Walmart has it) and get a quart of naptha. They run great on it, and it smells less than most lighter fluids.  It works so well, and costs so much less than Jon-i juice, that I have used it for over thirty years. Hope this helps.  Cowpox

[sgtt]

Thanks Cowpox and others-

I don't think they sell the Jon-E anymore.  It was produced here in MN and I think bought out by Blount.  I will try the naptha.  The can I have says it contains VM. & P. Naptha.  Any thoughts on plain old charcoal lighter fluid?  I would avoid the white gas as my recolection is that white gas is much more volatile.  Where is the spellcheck?

[sgtt]

Just in case anyone else still uses one of these.  I found the naphtha at Menards for about $10 a gallon.  Worked fantastic.  The only issue is dispensing the product into smaller containers. 

[Cowpox]

I use a funnel to transfer naptha into a well rinsed dish soap bottle. That pull up to open cap does a great job for dispensing into the warmer, and is by far easier to use than the child proof nightmares on the Joni fluid cans. I have been using the same Joy bottle for ten years.

[sgtt]

Good thought.  I was thinking about some other type of dispenser.  I was a bit concerned with the plastic deteriorating but 10 yrs is a good test.  TU

[Cowpox]

You are correct sgtt, that old Joy bottle has stood the test of time. But, it is begining to show it's age, and your comment on deterioration caused me to go look at the Polmolive bottle my wife has under the sink. It s very thin, hard, and perfectly clear. It is undoubtedly made frome the new bio-degradable plastic which will break down in 100,000 years, instead of the usual 1,000,000. The old Joy bottle is much thicker, kind of opaque, and much more pliable. You may have to go look in the soap section at the local market, and buy a brand that has the thickest jug. Then put some naptha in it, and store it in something that would catch a spill, until it proves it is up to the task. It just might be that the age of the Joy bottle means it is made from the old plastic which naptha doesn't act on, but it might eat the new plastic ? I'll be running the same experiment.