How to Fix a Lighter | Lifestyle

by DaveSabot

A high-quality cigar lighter is one of those little luxuries that make life a lot more fun. The elegant finishes, environmentally-friendly nature of a reusable device and the reliable service make them as practical as they are indulgent. They will have trouble, however, from time to time. A lighter is such an inherently simple device that it's generally very easy to figure out what is causing the difficulty.

Most lighter problems will be traceable to a few specific areas. There may be debris in the fuel jet, there may be an air bubble in the fuel line or there may be something physically obstructing the igniter mechanism. All of these difficulties are easily remedied.

If there is spark and no flame then one must check to make certain that there is fuel being delivered. On a torch lighter, one can hold the lighter close to their ear, without lighting it, of course, and hit the fuel release. There should be a distinctive sound of escaping fuel. Bleed out any air that may have become trapped in the reservoir by keeping the valve open for a few seconds and try lighting the device again. Most often, this will do the trick. If the jet is obstructed, gently tap the inverted lighter on a hard surface to knock the obstruction free. A toothpick or thin piece of wire may be used for stubborn obstructions.

If the lighter has an electronic igniter, there may be other issues at hand. Make certain that the igniter is producing spark. Don't stick one's face directly over the lighter when doing this, however! Simply cup a hand over the lighter to block out light, hold it away from the face and trip the ignition. It should give off a nice, visible spark. If not, check for obstructions. If there are no obstructions and there still is no spark, the lighter may need servicing.

If the igniter is physically obstructed, the remedy will depend on whether it is a flint or electric mechanism which is at issue. With a flint mechanism, never force the wheel. One may turn it backwards a bit and forwards again to try to dislodge any debris. Also ensure that one actually is turning it against a flint and not against the spring that holds the flints in place. This happens more than one may think. On an electronic lighter, make certain that there is spark. If there is not and no obstruction can be seen, the lighter should be brought to a service person. These devices are delicate and require a qualified technician to replace them properly and safely.

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 cigar lighters store. With expert knowledge of cigar accessories, including Colibri lighters, Dave also owns a premier online humidors store.