Zebra Cooking Pot Modifications. Clip and Bail Handle Improvements.
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- Опубликовано: 23 янв 2025
- In this video, I go through some of the modifications you can do to the tried and trusted Zebra billy can. These cooking pots are loved the world over as an inexpensive and very durable pot for open fire cooking.
They do however, have one annoying flaw and that is the bail handle - they have a tendency to swing down to the side if you are not hanging the pot by the handle - this causes them to get hot from the fire and burn your fingers when you go to take the pot off the heat.
When new, the pots come with plastic clips (their intended design is for use as a lunch container) but these clips just melt in the fire. A fire proof alternative is required that will also double as a securing clip to hold on the lid - very useful if you bake in the pot - they make ideal camp ovens if turned on their side and placed in the embers of a camp fire.
I will be going through three different ideas, step by step, to solve this problem using a few basic tools and some inexpensive materials.
I hope you enjoy the video.
Thanks for watching!
Links
Zebra Billy Can 12cm
www.thebushcra...
Brass Tubing 5mm OD
www.ebay.co.uk...
Bicycle Brake Cable
www.halfords.c...
Electrical Connector Block
www.screwfix.c...
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simonablokeinthewoods@gmail.com
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Simon, a bloke in the woods
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Music:
Corncob - Country By Kevin McLeod
Crawdad Stomp By John Kirsch
Every time I think I have a camping gear addiction Simon proves I only have my toes in the water.
'abe frohman'? That is hilarious. Clearly a fellow 80's teenager :)
Hahaha - There are therapy groups for people like us mate. 😂
@@simonablokeinthewoods that´s not funny mate,,,I´m not only gear addicted..I also own a 110 300tdi..any therapy groups for those mad man...or a hopeless case.? smile..
Better to have your toes in the water, than in quicksand. Simon, through these videos, throws us a life ring.
Can’t beat a bit of tinkering in the shed 👍🏴
I'm taking the opportunity to say that I have binge watched your videos for the past three weeks 😂 You can turn your hand to anything, fair play and thank you very much for the work you put in to your videos. I'll give this a watch when I have tea in my hand. All the best, Jason 👍
Thank you Jason!
Well I never knew that by poking the cable through would hold the lid..?? Every day is a school day as they say. 👍
I wondered that too. Wish had he demonstrated with some food or water inside it.
@IVORY TOWER it holds on for baking, but no seal so won’t hold in liquids or sloppy food - for that, you need to use it upright. 👍
@@simonablokeinthewoods Perfectly works for me. Thank you for the tip 🙏
Love to see more "Simon, a bloke in the workshop". I wish I had an old school woodwork bench like yours.
It’s a great old bench - was being thrown out by a school that was having some work done - cost me nothing. 😁
I bought a new zebra pot just now, and as soon as I got home, you uploaded this!
Simon, please stop following me around and tracking my purchases...or I’ll have to unsubscribe!
😆
😂😂😂
Great suggestions. I LIKE the way the steel cable can hold a lid in place for baking!
I just had an idea when I saw that little clip at the end of all the pots… You should really do a gear room video!
....in my case that would be a 'gear warehouse'! I have stuff squirreled away in every conceivable space (and inconceivable space) in my house, truck, garage, shed.....High time I had a cull, before the family pack their bags and leave!......mind you, that would create a bit more space...hmmm?
...... bucket handle ??????
I cut the original handle off mine and replaced it with bike brake cable and electrical connectors. Love the idea of tucking it through the lid handle to keep it on!
i made a bcb crusader lid out of a an old mess tin using your method, it works an absolute treat, now i am going to butcher my zebra cans because that wire idea is excellent, i dont pack the zebra cans purely because of the handle being a pain in the backside when your throw them in the backpack, cheers simon.
That was one of the best “how to” videos I’ve ever seen, very clear, step by step and utterly foolproof. Thanks! Les
I think I like the wire handle option the best too... especially when you showed how to secure the lid with it 👍🏻
Simon if you don’t have brass tubing you can buy stainless steel crimps and steel cable in a fishing tackle shop these are use in sea fishing for terminal tackle on a line, which stops larger fish biting through the line. The crimps come different sizes, I have use bike brake cable as it cheaper. I have pulled the cut end in to the crimp and dropped a bit of solder in to the crimp to stop the frayed end catching on anything. I do like the brick tie trick
Cheers Geoff! I hadn’t thought about tracer crimps 👍👍
Very smart replacement with steel cable . I like how you are an inventor .
Ah now have not seen this side to Simon's talents & what one creates smarty pants. Safety First. Take a bow Simon cheers
Clever, especially the bit of bending the wire under the lid handle to hold it in place.That's rather ingenious.
Great ideas brother.
One suggestion, when using cable, instead of letting the end stick all the way through the sleeve just stop it a little shy of coming all the way through then squeeze and finish as you did. This will prevent possibility of the end of cable sticking fingers or snagging on other gear.
Love your channel and your vids, keep up the great work.
Great tips, my Zebra came with stainless clips, so I'm already sorted.
Brilliant modification Simon ~ I prefer the third option as well because it solves both problems. Hope you can get out soon as the lock-down is eased.
Cheers John - got a trip planned for next weekend 👍🛶🏕
Look forward to these every Wednesday!
While you’re buying the brake cable, ask the bike shop for some cable end covers that crimp in place. They don’t take strain, but they avoid frayed ends from giving you a painful injection.
Or you could cut your brass a bit longer and lose the cable end inside it.
Thank you Simon; Absolutely Brilliant!
You've really inspired me, I will be replacing the handle on my billy can with stainless cable.
Cheers.
I can't wait to replace mine with a cable. The handle has always been a pain. Thanks for going into so much detail on how to do it as well as showing so many options. 👍🏻
Well if someone hasn't got a stack of pots 'n' pans... Brilliant as ever. Cheers!
Did anyone ever tell you , you have such brilliant ideas and a genius in practical execution?
Thank you Carolle - I can’t take the credit for the ideas - they’ve been about for a while (at least the first and last ones have) 👍👍
@@simonablokeinthewoods BUT, and that is the deciding point, it has not come to my attention and I can assure you, in preparation for realizing a dream of mine.- the prep of which has been going on now for 3 years(!!!!!) - I have been looking regularly at all forms of camping and travel - all forms. Everyone has, of course, something to offer but yours is one of the most attractive, practical Vlogs out there with just the right amount of chatter. The only trouble is that I have no workshop and the changes and the insecurities that have developed in the past year have confined my activities and almost crushed my plans for the future. But Vlogs such as yours, and especially yours, has always infused me with a bit of life sustaining inspiration, giving me sufficient subsidence for the next battling round.
I don't have a Zebra can, but I used brass snare wire for a similar setup on my steel water bottle. Works a treat.
Been watching camping and bushcraft videos on RUclips for awhile now . Just came across your channel today , don't know why I never saw your channel before , maybe it's a geographic thing . I'm in the US . Subscribed and enjoying catching up on past videos , great content 👍👍
Just modified my billy can to the bike cable concept. So easy to do and I can’t wait to test it out. Thanks for the step by step tutorial. Merry Christmas and a happy new year!
Simon- I appreciate very much the third demonstration you provided. I actually avoid bringing my billy pots when camping because I can’t stand how intrusive those handles are. They just get in the way. I ordered up some product as you suggested and will grind off the handles when those items arrive. Thank you for posting what you do. I have benefited from your work. -Carl
Cheers Carl - it’s a huge improvement 👍👍
I just bought my first Zebra Billy can. Probably be modifying it soon. Great idea Simon. Thanks for another great video.
I've just recently got into bushcraft especially over covid and I've binge watched nearly all of Simon's videos 😍 and from what I can see nearly everyone has copied what his doing 🥰 even Zebra billy cans as you can buy them now with this modification 🤩👌
Keep doing what your doing Simon I can't get enough of your videos 👍
It's always nice to be able to modify a piece of gear to make it fit your needs better. Thank you for sharing the mods that work best for you. God bless and stay safe.
Thank you Simon I found it very useful I've just bought myself a biscuit tin so I can use that instead of buying a zebra can when I go camping amazing video thank you Simon .
Nicely Done, you are the Man👍🏻
i know, the stuff you did has been done before. But you are a ‘natural explainer’, 🤔🤣
As Always, pleasant watching 👀👀
Your “pots and pans” brings new vistas🏔🏔 to my mundane ‘outdoorsies’🫖🍴🥣
Firebox Stove store sells the Zebra pot with the modified metal clips installed. Plus they offer baking kits for each size pot,,, Great video 👍
Very useful. Great ideas. My favorite is the last one too.
Love the workshop videos. 3 great cheap tips for modifying your Zebra Billy cans and easy to do as well. Cheers Simon.
Simon - I watch. I learn. thanks. As I've said before - your conceptual aptitude is very high and I for one am so glad you are willing to share.
Thanks Ken!
Hi Simon ,great tip.. I also like the last mod using the Bike brake cable, Thanks for sharing, Cheers Ian
You certainly seem to have an handle on it, great videos as per usual
Boom boom! 😁👍
I just bent the handle so it wouldn't fall down, plus the lid stays put too. Quick with a needle nose pliers. God bless you Simon
Another great video Simon. Showing people ‘tricks of the trade’.
Brilliantly demonstrated! 😎🤙
Mahalo for sharing your latest creative video 🔩⛓🔨😁
Thanks for sharing some good choices to get rid of them plastic clips 👍
I have a a pre-plastic lid clip 12cm diameter Zebra which I picked up on a backpacking '09 SE Asia trip in Malaysia for a couple of quid (equivalent £ to Malaysian Ringgit price) brand new with Zebra labelling in a general sell evreything hardware type store along with a Sterno type gel screw top stove with rest on the top pot stand. I had a hammock and a poncho already with me and I headed into the rain forest for a couple of days.
I modded my Zebra when I got back to the UK. the bale arm went because it's square end stuck out when folded down, I replaced it with a clip into the former bale arm fitting rivet holes, bent semi circular, cut to size wire from a wire coat hanger, that I could fold closer to the billy's side or unclip and store inside when packed. I sprayed it with high temperature stove paint to stop it rusting. Later, after some thinking, I bent it again, just above the lid with indents, so when it was vertical it locked the lid down so spillage would be minimal if accidentally knocked over.
Pouring without an insulating glove was now a problem, so I cut the bent long U shaped wire handle off a sieve and bent the open end so it would clip into one of the bale arm fittings. I then cut a short length of coat hanger wire slightly bigger than the width of the handle, enough to bend both ends of it around and onto the handle. That now slid down to spread the handle at the open end and lock it in position. I cut a slot into a cut down wine bottle cork (after drinking just a glass of the contents of the bottle) so it was a tight fit on the lid handle. Bare handed pouring and lid handling sorted.
You are one handy bloke, Simon!
Good show old chap! I was considering giving my new Zebra Billy away as I still haven't used it. I think I may just keep it now and carry out option No.3 to it. Good man, Simon 😉👍
Another great video. I might try the wire one on my metal lidded mug. Keep up the good work!
Thank you! Cable is the way to go for me. Crazy they put a plastic clip on it to begin with
Ingenious! Thanks for another great film. I like option three too.
Great intro music Simon.
And great to see an interesting informative video 📹.
Blessings from a fan in New Zealand 🇳🇿.
Modification guru. Thanks Simon!
Thats exactly what I was looking for, cheers Simon!
Great tip tucking the cable into the lid handle. Thanks.
You are a genius Simon .
I prefer the clips. I’m lucky enough to get my Zeeeebra pots from Steve at Firebox Stoves with the clips already installed. However, this was an excellent video, showing all the options. Well done.
Fantastic DIY hack Simon 👏 👌. That's my wkend sorted, revamping my old Billy-cans 😀 👍
I love these tinkering videos. Excellent content. :)
This is a great mod and love that it packs better and can loop n lock the lid... Also ... Great use for old bike brake cables
Hi Simon,,thanks for another great tip mate, I like the wire bail idea best, and have used it on a home made billy pot, thanks to this video, cheers mate, stay safe, best wishe's to you and your's, Stuart UK.
Very clever solution!
Nice one. I’m going to do the third one. The original one is a nuisance when packing my rucksack. 👍
Thank you again Simon. Have a great day.
Make a decent wooden spoon mate and you could use those for an impromptu music session! great pots they always come up trumps for many a dish, good work!
I like the wire bail. Great job.
Hello Simon, another great video. I’ve just bought and altered my 12cm pot handle and it fits (almost) inside my 16cm 👍👍 thanks
Great mods keep them coming and will be good to see you out again be safe. Hope all is well with everyone and Maggie?
Brilliant. Never thought of that. Might do the wire handle.
Very useful Simon, I agree with you the last option is better thank you for sharing 👍
Nice one Simon, excellent video, the bale wire handle looked the best solution 👌🏻
One of the many things I like about you Simon is your respect of tools. An old weathered hammer is still a hammer, if you know what I mean and isn't it better to use tools with a bit of history as we go about our work....
Definitely - I love old tools, I use a few of my Grandfathers old carving tools, so much nicer than the modern rubbish - what has happened to the quality of steel? 🤔
awesome video! I was just thinking of changing the handle on my 14cm, you read my mind!
Excellent ideas for modifying this great little pot!
Thanks!
I was literally talk about this on Sunday with a friend who uses a zebra Billy. Great minds and all that.
Brilliant 👍Recently bought a 14 cm Zebra Billy pot and was wondering what to do about the plastic lid holders. Great when boiling water but pretty useless for anything requiring sustained heat.....now I know what to do! Cheers Simon 👍 ATVB from sunny Malaysia 😷🏕🇲🇾
Thankx for tip on using brick ties. Tried to make the clips b4 but was rubbish at it, time to try again
Well done mate. Loved the 3rd option. So simple yet effective.
Like the idea of the handles packing better
Another mod on the list to do
Thanks Simon
Hi Everyone, I've just modified these clips (Q-Connect Fold Back Clip 42mm) available from most places. These work perfectly with just 1 bend required, hope this helps it's a lot less faff. On my 16cm Zebra pot, try them they're cheap as chips, & NO coathangers were harmed either......
I like the third option too. Thanks
Just finished watching all your videos from the oldest to this one, brilliant stuff, excellent resource and following your recommendation I will proceed onto Andy at Kent survival, and thanks for making lockdown a bit more bearable
Thanks Sean! I’m really glad you’ve enjoyed them 👍👍
Great tutorial Simon, particularly showing three different options. 👍
Extremely useful!
Thank you👌👍👍👍🙋
Thx for sharing the interesting cook pot handle ideas.
Have a few Zebra Pots, the cable handle mod is kick ass! Could have stopped the cable end so it was flush or slightly below the brass tube when crimped......ATB
Excellent! I have the 12cm Zebra with the upgraded 'factory' (?) fitted steel clips. I bought this version thinking it would be the best option straight from the box....however, they are SO tight that it is almost impossible to flick them either up or down and you risk scalding/burning yourself and losing the contents of your pot when trying to manipulate them. I tried opening them up a bit but with little success. I will shortly be reaching for my angle grinder for the stainless steel wire and brass tubing fix! Thanks Simon.
That’s not good! The wire bail handle will improve things! 👍👍
Nice one Simon ! Good easy to follow instructions !
Hi Simon
Just got round to watching this video... Love It..!! 3 great solutions.. Nice and easy to do.. I had the same problem with my zebra.. But thanks to Ginge.. He made me a wire clip just like the one in your 1st vid.. Problem solved.. 👍👍👌
Hello Simon I'm Steven from India. I like your work very much...
Thanks Stephen! 👍
Excellent tutorial Simon. Something I feel able to do to my Zebra billys.
You are very creative indeed Simon. Love the ideas for the billy can.
Thank you for the great video Simon.
Some great tips there. Thank you Simon.
Great video, informative and easy to follow. I must get a Billie can.
Such a great video, you simplified the procedure for me Thanks again Simon.
Nice one Simon great video ATB
I'll be using mine on a walk at Southwold tomorrow, might make some of those clips!
Great vid as always 👍
How many zebras do you have?? Looks like a small herd
Hi Sally, a herd is the correct common name for a collection of Zebra, but a dazzle is another name for them.
Simon has a dazzle of zebra.
😂😂 a mating pair and one offspring
Hey John, thanks for sharing! Now I know the right way to describe a bunch of zebra.
Loving your vids Simon, so inspiring and makes you want to get up and go out in the mornings and explore like you do. Thankyou.
Excellent video I will be modifying my zebra pot, never cared for the handle when packing it. Keep up the good work so much of my new kit I have discovered on your channel. As well as your colleges from Richard Outdoors and Kent Survival, great gear and must haves.