Lighter Tips

[Scottmi]

What have you learned about getting the best out of your lighter?
I observed it was always taking two thumb spins with my Clipper lighter to get a flame. Tried pressing the gas briefly first, then the full flint light and got a dependable light. Now will be my SOP. Curious to know any other tips with any lighter.

 

[PA Piper Mike]

I always take a pair of needle nose pliers and remove the child safety metal piece off my bic lighters. Not that I have to, but it's a smoother spin and striking.

 

[Chasing Embers]

Turn the striker and run.

 

[HawkeyeLinus]

Q tip and alcohol on the Old Boy and Peterson lighters when stuff starts to build up. Otherwise they are first time every time.

Make sure I put the tiny and special nozzle clearing tool for the Beattie where I know I can find it, which isn't usually where it was the last time I tried do that.

No Zippo worries - they tell me when they are out, tell me if they need a flint, otherwise just keep going.

 

[Chasing Embers]

Make sure I put the tiny and special nozzle clearing tool for the Beattie where I know I can find it

If you don't have the original box and envelope, it'll fit in the lighter case. I've never actually had to use it yet.

 

[HawkeyeLinus]

If you don't have the original box and envelope, it'll fit in the lighter case. I've never actually had to use it yet.

Thanks, never thought of that! LOL, it's the little box I'm always "losing". The really old and well used one I have gets finicky if not used for a long time and the tool is usually the answer. The new old one needs a flint, still haven't tried it and need to! Just got a little packet of new flints last week.

 

[Scottmi]

i've had to use the q-tip alcohol tip on my Vertigo electronic lighter. It helped, but still not 'like new.' When new, was instant flame one click without fail. Now it is 2-5 click to get flame. It will always work (when it has fuel) but that is a bit disappointing even for a $20 lighter.

 

[Scottmi]

Another tip, being one who indulges outside when it is not too damn cold, I keep the lighter in my pocket so it is warm enough to work!

 

[Chasing Embers]

i've had to use the q-tip alcohol tip on my Vertigo electronic lighter. It helped, but still not 'like new.' When new, was instant flame one click without fail. Now it is 2-5 click to get flame. It will always work (when it has fuel) but that is a bit disappointing even for a $20 lighter.
View attachment 266172

A quirk of piezoelectric lighters. My IM Corona Pipemasters never light on the first click regardless of the fuel I use.

 

[Scottmi]

A quirk of piezoelectric lighters. My IM Corona Pipemasters never light on the first click regardless of the fuel I use.

Finally I have an answer to my question: "Old Boy or Pipemaster?"

 

[Chasing Embers]

Finally I have an answer to my question: "Old Boy or Pipemaster?"

That's why my primary is a Beattie.

 

[warren]

Making sure it has fuel and wick is or appropriate length works for me. That's for the Zippo. For the Bic? Insuring there are a couple in the gear bags and, of course, one in a pocket.

 

[bullet08]

Making sure it has fuel and wick is or appropriate length works for me. That's for the Zippo. For the Bic? Insuring there are a couple in the gear bags and, of course, one in a pocket.

Same. Check fuel on Zippo, and few Bic in my pockets somewhere.

 

[Gimlet]

i've had to use the q-tip alcohol tip on my Vertigo electronic lighter. It helped, but still not 'like new.' When new, was instant flame one click without fail. Now it is 2-5 click to get flame. It will always work (when it has fuel) but that is a bit disappointing even for a $20 lighter.
View attachment 266172

Your Vertigo is doing better than mine. Sometimes it's one click, then twenty and nothing happens, or when it does it's almost out of gas because of all the failed ignitions. I can see the spark and hear the gas but it will not light. When it does the flame goes from 1/4" to 3" all on it's own without me touching the wheel.
It's been like that from new. It's a maddening lighter.

 

[RustiePyles CPG]

I find butane lighters infuriating. Petrol lighters are much more reliable, for me it's a Zippo or a Ronson. They never fail, and are much more impervious to wind. I have a quite an Old Boy I use from time to time and It's a quality lighter, but next to useless outside.

 

[UB 40]

What have you learned about getting the best out of your lighter?
I observed it was always taking two thumb spins with my Clipper lighter to get a flame. Tried pressing the gas briefly first, then the full flint light and got a dependable light. Now will be my SOP. Curious to know any other tips with any lighter.
View attachment 266104

The clippers can be a pain in the a..

Sometimes I stretch the spring, that helps for a while.

 

[kcghost]

I just don't worry about lighters. It either lights or I just try again.

 

[El Capitán]

For my zippo pipe lighter I make sure the chimney is on the top, check the fluid, and let it burn for a few seconds before I apply to the tobacco.