Kiribi Kabuto Filling Issue

[odobenus]

Hey folks,
I recently purchased a Kiribi Kabuto lighter, and (mostly) love it so far.
My question is this: I'm having issues filling it that I've never experienced with a butane lighter before. After purging, when I try to apply the nozzle of the butane can to the filler-tip on the lighter, the former doesn't connect properly with the latter, so the canister's nozzle depresses and blasts backward, spraying butane everywhere (just not into the lighter). In order to get the the canister to connect with the lighter, I need to remove the screw around the lighter's filler and take the base off, and then I can align the two for successful filling.

Is that the purpose of the screw around the lighter's filler? I can't find anything online recommending that I need to take the base off for filling. Or is it possible that Colibri butane canisters have nozzles that are too fat to fit properly with this lighter?

One more thing: I can't remember which forum-member mentioned recently that this lighter is a hell of a lot easier to light left-handed. Anyone else have that experience?

Thanks very much!

 

[craig61a]

I would try using a different butane canister. Perhaps there is an issue with that particular one. I had that happen before with a Xikar canister.

As for the slotted ring around the filler nozzle, I would guess that holds the outer case sleeve to the top section of the lighter. I've never had either of mine apart, but to me it seems logical.

As for right vs left, I'm a righty, so I flip the cap with my thumb and use my index finger to spin the spark wheel. Left handed, use thumb to push down the wing, and strike the wheel.

If you bought the lighter from SP, and it has issues, you can send back to them for repair. They warranty them for two years.

 

[odobenus]

I would try using a different butane canister. Perhaps there is an issue with that particular one. I had that happen before with a Xikar canister.

As for the slotted ring around the filler nozzle, I would guess that holds the outer case sleeve to the top section of the lighter. I've never had either of mine apart, but to me it seems logical.

As for right vs left, I'm a righty, so I flip the cap with my thumb and use my index finger to spin the spark wheel. Left handed, use thumb to push down the wing, and strike the wheel.

If you bought the lighter from SP, and it has issues, you can send back to them for repair. They warranty them for two years.

Thanks Craig. I'll try a different canister. I bought this lighter from Tobacco Pipes, but I'm thinking SP will help out if necessary.
As for the lighting, I'm working on the right-hand index-finger technique, and improving slowly, but after approx. 10 million strikes of Zippos and Bics, seems like only my thumb knows how to spin a spark wheel. Back to school!

 

[pauls456]

I have this problem with my IM Corona- it's very hit and miss. The thick plastic nozzle of most butane canisters is not a good match for these lighters. Years ago I came across a butane canister with a metal nozzle which worked wonderfully, but I don't remember the brand.
I'm thinking of switching to an ST Dupont for this reason.

 

[craig61a]

I have this problem with my IM Corona- it's very hit and miss. The thick plastic nozzle of most butane canisters is not a good match for these lighters. Years ago I came across a butane canister with a metal nozzle which worked wonderfully, but I don't remember the brand.
I'm thinking of switching to an ST Dupont for this reason.

I use a brand named "Special Blue". It has a metal nozzle. Is it any better than anything else...? I don't know. I've been using it for a couple years now, with no issues. And they sell at a local smoke shop that's near my house.

 

[tbradsim1]

Try to buy a refined butane canister that has different plastic tip inside the cover, you will probably find one that fits your nozzle.

 

[pauls456]

I see Special Blue on Amazon, but there's a 12 can minimum order.

 

[odobenus]

Turns out my Colibri canister does have these little plastic adapters but none of them fit either. I'll check out this Special Blue.

Also a rep from SP says Lotus and JetLine work well. He said I should not be removing that screw, but I'm not sure why not. All it does is undo the base and provide much easier access to the fill port.

 

[hoosierpipeguy]

I must be doing something wrong. I just press the metal tip of the canister onto the lighter. Has always worked.

 

[odobenus]

I must be doing something wrong. I just press the metal tip of the canister onto the lighter. Has always worked.

Which brand of butane are you using, Hoosier? I'd like to find some with metal tip.

 

[pauls456]

I also tried Xikar, advertised as a refill specifically made for lighters. Turns out it has a plastic tip and is no better than Ronson or any of the others that work so poorly with these lighters.

 

[hoosierpipeguy]

Which brand of butane are you using, Hoosier? I'd like to find some with metal tip.

I was mistaken, I guess this comes with a plastic tip already. I remember using some that had a metal tip, this brand is like this or if the box. Great butane as well.

 

[samuelgawith01]

Try the small Zippo, it fits all my Corona lighters,no problems.

 

[Singularis]

I have a Kiribi Kenshi and it fills great with a Zippo butane canister. 4 times out of 5, lighting issues means low butane. But I do get that intermittent lighting issue. Sometimes wonder if it is dirty or too humid. And then the next day it works great. Also, being a lefty, I light left-thumbed, which is great as I usually hold my pipe in my right hand. But when pressed I can light right-thumbed.

 

[3rdguy]

I had the same problem with one of their brand new ones. I have a different Kabuto that refills perfectly. I tried every adapter I had and ended up sending it back to SP. This is the one I could not get to refill.

 

[3rdguy]

I use the Whip-it! cannisters, buy them by the case off of ebay. If it is good enough for the dabbers its good enough for me.

 

[Chasing Embers]

Thanks Craig. I'll try a different canister. I bought this lighter from Tobacco Pipes, but I'm thinking SP will help out if necessary.
As for the lighting, I'm working on the right-hand index-finger technique, and improving slowly, but after approx. 10 million strikes of Zippos and Bics, seems like only my thumb knows how to spin a spark wheel. Back to school!

I've only ever used my thumb to open and strike swing arm old boy style lighters in one movement. What is the purpose of lighting with the index finger?

 

[brian64]

I had this problem when I tried to fill my Kiribi with a Xikar can (thread below). The Colibri worked for me.

Question For Kiribi Lighter Owners :: Pipes Accessories

I just purchased a Kiribi Mikazuki lighter, but I am unable to fill it because the butane nozzle is too big for it apparently...it just sprays out in all directions. The butane I'm using is Xikar Purofine, and I notice that the Kiribi fill valve is slightly smaller than the one on my old Xikar...

pipesmagazine.com

 

[odobenus]

I had this problem when I tried to fill my Kiribi with a Xikar can (thread below). The Colibri worked for me.

Question For Kiribi Lighter Owners :: Pipes Accessories

I just purchased a Kiribi Mikazuki lighter, but I am unable to fill it because the butane nozzle is too big for it apparently...it just sprays out in all directions. The butane I'm using is Xikar Purofine, and I notice that the Kiribi fill valve is slightly smaller than the one on my old Xikar...

pipesmagazine.com

Interesting -- thanks for sending that thread. I read through to the end where Oaklris mentions that they were having the exact same problem, but like me, with a Colibri can. Very odd. I'll try a different brand and see if that solves it. In the meantime, I still fail to understand why I shouldn't take the base off to fill, even though it's a pain. It seems to me like the narrow diameter space around the fill port is the issue, especially if the fill port isn't perfectly centered.

I had the same problem with one of their brand new ones. I have a different Kabuto that refills perfectly. I tried every adapter I had and ended up sending it back to SP. This is the one I could not get to refill.View attachment 83918

Oh man, hoping to avoid that outcome! Especially since I ordered it from TP, not SP

I've only ever used my thumb to open and strike swing arm old boy style lighters in one movement. What is the purpose of lighting with the index finger?

Idiosyncrasy of the lighter's design, I guess, but index finger is the only way to light it right-handed. I'm already getting the hang of it.

 

[btsteve]

I have used Xikar, Lotus, and Zippo butane all with standard tips that came with them to fill my Kiribi.