This is an "instructable" on how to make a cheap and reusable torch. How to make a cheap Torch. Now, I am going to say that I am not suggesting the use of a torch as a zombie fighting weapon. I am suggesting the use of a torch as a means to light your way when that flashlight inevitably runs out of batteries. A torch can provide all the light you need and can carry fire from one place to another fairly easily. Please, as always, be careful with this and know that I take no responsibility for the actions you choose to take when making or using this survival tool. Have fun. 
Note, for best results, you may want to consider multiple layers of material on the burning end and a really strong stick with bit more length to it than the one pictured.
"They drew first blood not me..." (Stallone in Rambo: First Blood)
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I would use a broom handle. Thanks for putting it up!
Keep in mind that the torch itself unlit can be a bludgeon so it makes sense to use good materials. However, one could always forgo the staples in the instructions and just tie off the top end considering you have access to enough rag/burn material.
"They drew first blood not me..." (Stallone in Rambo: First Blood)
why wouldnt you jsut make an electric torch? we made an awesome one once from loads of battery packs from old computers. dont do it in an abandoned warehouse though... the police always think 'bomb' rather than people messing about with computer components.
but seriously you jsut hook thenm all up with a few wires and attach a bulb (we actually had a flood light which we adapted to fit the batteries) and voila! let there be light!
i jsut think fires not the best idea as you can set fire to things that you dont want to and its hard to put it out when you dont want to be seen. and jsut think about all the things that'll be abandoned that you could hook up?
great as a last resort though.
I did not post an electric one because you will be more likely to have access to a stick, some cloth, and some type of liquid that is flammable than a bunch of batteries and computers that no one care about or are willing to have destroyed. Also, the ease in preparation of such a torch as opposed to the electrical "know how" required to make your version. I like that fact that you can make one ahead of time or in a pinch with relatively few materials that are readily available. A rag is piece of cloth you don't mind burning, a stick can be found on the ground, and a propellant can be any number of flammable substances. Really not hard to find things. I am not saying that your idea is bad, just not as easy to acquire and put together.
Also, you can't cook food with a lightbulb very well. If you just want light, then by all means, get a reliable flashlight and a whole bunch of batteries. When you are out of batteries in an emergency, let me know what you think about the torch idea.
I made sure to state that this method is to be used with caution and at your own risk in my original post.
Edit: A regular old torch worked just fine for Rambo.
"They drew first blood not me..." (Stallone in Rambo: First Blood)
Recently, I got the oppurtunity, with the help and insight of my pyrotechnic inclined friend Shadow (thanks again by the way), to make a simply constructed Torch with the use of Duct Tape, Charcoal Fluid (for starting Barbecue Grills), a piece of cloth, and about an inch in diameter four foot long dowel rod. The result of lighting this torch was very nice as the torch stayed lit even with repeated and rapid swings of the torch in different directions.
Note that at all times while experimenting with the production of our torch, we had access to a water hose that was turned on and ready to go as well as some flame resistant clothing. Also of importance to mention is the fact that fumes from the Duct Tape are somewhat toxic and thus the smoke given off from the torch should be avoided if possible. One can still use string, a zip-tie, or even staples (although, a staple leaves metal that may have to be removed later and is not recommended) to affix the cloth to your stick of choice. Keep in mind that the thing that will be burning is the fluid, not the cloth (at least not until the fluid has been used up). There were instances where random pieces of flaming ash did fly off of the torch when swinging it in different directions and this is something to be aware of in it's use as this can easily cause another item (clothing, leaves, what you don't want to burn, etc) to catch fire. The fire left a really nice charred look to the dowel rod's ignited end too.
To put the torch out, it had to be extinguished by water, but enough rolling it back and forth on the ground could work, as well, as covering the torch with some kind of flame-retardant material. The torch will burn for a long amount of time depending on the propellant liquid used. Since I am not familiar with the time ratios of each, I will ask Shadow or other members who may know, to either post burn times and the materials in this thread, or create another dedicated thread.
There was mention on this site in a particular thread of a way to use alum as a way to make clothing more flame-retardant and I hope someone will write a follow-up on the successful (or unsuccessful) use of it and/or other materials to make clothing less fire prone. Thanks.
"They drew first blood not me..." (Stallone in Rambo: First Blood)
Kerosene has the longest burn time as per ease of attainability. And has a multitude of other uses. It can be bought at any Walmart where the lamps are and comes in a few colors so it can be seen when poured if your worried about a clear liquid. The fumes from kerosene aren't very toxic though I wouldn't suggest breathing it in though as breathing smoke is never a good idea. The Alum does work as for flame retarding clothing as does mink oil however the latter of the two can be a tad stinky but will not wash out and Alum does after a few washes. Its a preference, if you'd like I can look up other methods of making regular clothing more flame retardant and test them myself. Please use all information on fire carefully and remember that Safety is important when it comes to fire. If you don't play with fire you may find you need it and if you do you will get burned. Learning to control the burn is what's important. Please be careful and use your head.
"I am the warrior in whom the old ways have combined with the new."