How and Why to Bleed a Lighter | Lifestyle

by DaveSabot

Even very high-end lighters will need to be bled out now and again. The substance being bled is air which becomes trapped in the lighter and which prevents it from functioning correctly. To correct this, one usually simply depresses the fuel release valve far enough to allow gas to be discharged but not so far that the ignition mechanism is tripped. One can verify the flow of gas by holding the lighter close enough to their ear to hear gas escape.

Most often, a torch lighter will provide very even and consistent service. The very powerful lighters, however, have low tolerances for interruptions in their fuel supply. Most often, this will manifest in the lighter sputtering. It may also manifest as short-lived flames that can result in a great deal of frustration. In many cases the culprit is just a few air bubbles trapped in the reservoir. Before engaging in the common, and ineffective, practice of shaking the lighter, consider how the problem may be remedied.

Butane lighters require a tight connection between the seal and the can when being filled. In some cases, individuals may fail to provide this. This loose seal can result in air being forced into the lighter's reservoir resulting in the types of problems described. On lighters which haven't a transparent reservoir, this can become a very frustrating problem. The only way to remedy the problem is to bleed the lighter. If this problem is constant, it may indicate that there is something else going wrong with the device.

One can avoid this situation altogether by properly filling their lighter. Most often, air is introduced into the reservoir when the lighter is attached to a butane can with an uneven seal. This results in air being forced into the reservoir. Because the butane is a liquid and the air is a gas, the air floats to the top of the reservoir and fills the fuel line. The most common, and most ineffective, response to this seen is when individuals shake their lighter after becoming frustrated with turning the wheel or pressing the button over and over again.

Remember that butane lighters require proper care. If bleeding doesn't fix the problem, check the jet for obstructions. One can remove any obstruction by gently tapping the upside down lighter on a surface or by using a straightened out paperclip to remove the obstruction. Never stick anything down the actual jet, however. This may cause problems and may void the lighter's warranty.

DISCLAIMER: This article is provided as information only and is not to be taken as financial advice.

Dave Sabot is the owner of specialty cigar lighters store. With expert knowledge of cigar accessories, including windproof lighters, Dave also authors a highly rated blog featuring tips on how to lighter repair.