How to Care for Your Butane Lighter | Lifestyle

by DaveSabot

Butane lighters are available in models which are made for use in rugged environments. A wind resistant lighter used to mean fluid-filled but today's gas-filled lighters can provide reliable service in conditions which would make a cheaper lighter useless. Making certain they work as intended does require that one pay attention to the proper maintenance of their lighter and that starts with the fuel one uses.

A Nibo lighter is a good example of a high-quality, refillable butane lighter. They produce a characteristically compact and hot flame that enables them to be used in conditions where a regular butane would stand little chance of functioning. Caring for these lighters is a combination of looking after the mechanical elements and the cosmetic parts of the lighter.

The mechanics, where the user is concerned, are easy to understand. The lighter has a receiver which is used to refill the reservoir with butane. This receiver will only accept a standard can of butane. No other fuel should be used in these lighters and any adapter that doesn't readily fit should not be made to do so by force. Doing so can destroy the lighter.

The filler valve on the lighter also needs to be kept free of obstructions. Make certain of this before attempting to refill the lighter and, if anything is blocking the hole, simply remove it by tapping or cleaning it out with a tool. Be careful not to depress the valve, however. Some butane lighters use flints. Make certain that the lighter has a fresh one before setting out on any adventures.

If a lighter fails to light after refueling, bleed off any air that may be trapped in the reservoir by depressing the gas release without turning the flint. One usually need do this for only a second or two to restore flow. Even if a lighter has been refueled some time ago, there may be air trapped in the system that can cause intermittent failure. If this doesn't work, check the jet area for any obstructions and the flint for anything that may have become lodged in the mechanism. If the lighter has an electric igniter, refer to the service manual for instructions.

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

Dave Sabot is the owner of an online specialty butane lighters store. With expert knowledge of cigar accessories, including windproof lighterss, Dave also owns a premier online cigar humidors store.