MYOG Signal Mirror (Well sorta)

[Adfischer]

Not exactly sure this counts as MYOG, but since it took some screwdrivers I'll count it as such!

Dont want to argue whether one should carry a mirror. I choose to do so because I like having one for signaling, tick checks, and the occasional personal grooming. I have carried an Adventure Medical signal mirror for a while but I find they scratch easy and do not have a great reflection.

I found a much better option - a platter from a bad hard drive. I pulled two out of a laptop drive recently. They are very reflective and VERY lightweight. This one weighs in at only 4 grams. If you have any bad hard drives laying around, open it up and give it a try.

mirror.jpg

[rocketsocks]

I too have two plastic mirrors in my pack for tic removal,you can hook one to a tree,and the other held behind your head for hard to get at spots.I rarley see these listed in a med kit list,but have always carried them after getting a tic on the back of my head,and making a mess of that situation,took forever for it to heal,alot longer than it should have had I had some mirrors to help remove it.

[atraildreamer]

Use a blank CD.

[Adfischer]

Blank CDs will break, scratch much easier, and weigh over 3x as much (15g vs 4g). This is also much more reflective.

[Spokes]

I like is idea. Gonna also add one to my kayak gear bag.

[chip2012]

What kind of hd was it? Laptop/ desktop? Hd also have previous metals in them such as Ruthenim which I believe is in the platinum group. Some are glass.

[WingedMonkey]

The bad part of this thread is it reminds me of how many useless hard drives I have sitting around.

[rocketsocks]

Been years since I took a computer apart,just wanted to see what and how it ticked,got a lap top that has needed surgery,so tomarrow...Mr.Hyde,with a hammer from staples.hehehe.

[Wise Old Owl]

oh wow this reminds me of how damn geeky I was in HS.

[hikerboy57]

cool idea!
at first i thought you were going to show us how to make a signal mirror-
step one -start with a mirror.
step two- there is no step two.

[Adfischer]

What kind of hd was it? Laptop/ desktop? Hd also have previous metals in them such as Ruthenim which I believe is in the platinum group. Some are glass.

I have some from both a laptop and desktop. The desktop drives are quite a bit bigger. You are right about the glass, got to be careful with them as they probably wouldnt be good to have break on you!

I can tell the difference by gently banging them against a hard object. The metal ones have an obvious metallic sound. (Duh!)

[Sandy of PA]

Instead of a mirror for tick checking the solo hiker, use a camera to take pictures of the areas you cannot see. If you find something suspicious then get help to check it out. Works on busy trails like the AT.

[Skid.]

used glass from a welding helmet can't be beat, and is unbreakable.