Lighters for Dummies

[Richmond B. Funkenhouser]

A while back I bought an ass load of Clipper lighters, flints, and a big can of butane.

I've burned them all out and it's time to refill 'em... actually it has been for months.

I've set down to fill them up a few times, but it seems like I only get a day or so worth of gas into them.


● How do I know which adapter to use?

● How do I know when the lighter is full?

● Does the brand of butane matter?

● Any tips on technique or other advice is welcomed.

Here's what I'm working with:

 

[HawkeyeLinus]

Aboslutely no clue - explains why the thread title drew me in.

 

[daveinlax]

I’d stick with Bic disposable lighters but clippers don’t need an adapter. I prefer gas with a plastic filler. The plastic seems to mate better. You could throw the lighters in the freezer and warm up the gas to get a complete fill. I put the can under my arm but I’d just throw them out and get a Bic.

 

[ashdigger]

First things first. Bleed the air out with a simple tool. You don’t need the tool, but since you’re filling 8,352 lighters it’ll make your life easier.

The trick to a full fill, is a full purge.

 

[BronzeAgePiper]

Are you burping the valve by pressing a q tip against the refill nozzle? If not you’ll need to do that until you hear no more hissing. I use the adjustable extended reach clippers, have so for years, usually get a couple dozen refills at least out of each one before they start to develop quirks. They have a rubber gasket around the valve instead of that red hard plastic, I think they may be a little more secure, better for heavy usage? I’m not sure but those you have should be fine, not sure what the problem is.

I have also noticed that the new Clippers with the chrome tubes are far less reliable than the older models with the matte black tubes, so I get them on eBay or Amazon if I can find them. I also use a good quality butane like Vertigo brand. Another reason I like the mini tube clippers is the electronic discharge as opposed to the flint wheel. You can start to tell when the mini tubes are getting low just by the size of the flame but I always carry two because there still can be an element of surprise and your lighter is dead.

 

[Briarcutter]

YOU CAN DO IT!!!

 

[RPK]

 

[Richmond B. Funkenhouser]

I’d stick with Bic disposable lighters but clippers don’t need an adapter. I prefer gas with a plastic filler. The plastic seems to mate better. You could throw the lighters in the freezer and warm up the gas to get a complete fill. I put the can under my arm but I’d just throw them out and get a Bic.

I would agree that I should have just bought Bics two or three years ago when I bought this 50 pack of Clippers. I think the 50 pack of Bics was five or ten dollars more.

But... Now that I'm on the other side with 50 empty lighters, looking at the prospect of 50 free lighters, I'm going to try and get 'em filled.

 

[Richmond B. Funkenhouser]

View attachment 430108

Never.. I also ain't going to ride a horse down to the store, or carry a black powder pistol.

 

[fireground_piper]

I would agree that I should have just bought Bics two or three years ago when I bought this 50 pack of Clippers. I think the 50 pack of Bics was five or ten dollars more.

But... Now that I'm on the other side with 50 empty lighters, looking at the prospect of 50 free lighters, I'm going to try and get 'em filled.

Sunken Cost Fallacy. Get out of it!

 

[Richmond B. Funkenhouser]

@BronzeAgePiper or @ashdigger

Can I just hold the button down until all the gas is out?

 

[Richmond B. Funkenhouser]

Sunken Cost Fallacy. Get out of it!

I'm not having to put more money in. I just have to refill them.

 

[Hillcrest]

Upbeat music seems to be the key:

 

[ashdigger]

@BronzeAgePiper or @ashdigger

Can I just hold the button down until all the gas is out?

Of course, the tool just makes the process easier.

 

[Richmond B. Funkenhouser]

Upbeat music seems to be the key:

You know I already watched that.

 

[BronzeAgePiper]

Of course, the tool just makes the process easier.

Oh didn’t know that, well I reckon you can’t do that with my electronic discharge lighters. However I do enjoy a lil poke n hiss every once in awhile.

 

[Hillcrest]

You know I already watched that.

Then your ready for the advanced class:

P.S. I am waiting for the hair to regrow on my right hand after refilling a Zippo so maybe do what others say first ...

 

[Richmond B. Funkenhouser]

Oh didn’t know that, well I reckon you can’t do that with my electronic discharge lighters. However I do enjoy a lil poke n hiss every once in awhile.

Probably just hold the button down right before the click, you should hear gas coming out.

I just wasn't sure that counted as a full purge.

 

[Sig]

All good info here.
But, years ago I heard from a guy who had advanced knowledge of lighter mechanics that you should not let lighters sit completely empty.
Apparently this can damage the seal.
Sinse then I haven't had any issues with refillable lighters.
To be honest, I haven't used a refillable in over a decade.
But, when I did have issues, refilling them BEFORE, or immediately after becoming empty made them much better.
The reason this makes SOME sense to me is that I know when the propane runs out in your home, it is highly suggested to have a leak test done. The lack of pressure can cause leaks.
These lighters lose gas when not being used too. So over time they will become empty from lack of use.
Buy a Bic.

 

[greeneyes]

I put the lighters in the freezer to lower the chamber pressure, and run the butane can under the hot tap to increase the pressure. It works well, even when the adaptor seal isn't flush.

I'd rather switch to matches than have to do it 200 times in one sitting though.