July 31, 2009

Butane Lighter Care

by David Sabot

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 of a butane lighter are enormously simple and, so long as they are kept clean, they should hardly ever prove subject to failure. Keep them free of debris, especially around the jet and the flint wheel. Most often, any stray lint or grit that makes its way into the lighter may be removed by simply inverting the lighter and tapping it, gently, on a hard surface. Obstructions are one of the most common causes of lighter failure but there's no reason that one cannot remedy this situation very easily. If the obstruction is particularly stubborn, a small pick or a tweezers may be used to remove it.

Make certain to only use fuel which is specifically designed for use in butane lighters. The adapter on the can is generally the best way to determine if one has the right fuel. The adapter should slide into the receiver on the bottom of the lighter with little or no effort. If this is not the case, chances are that one has the wrong fuel for the job and attempting to make it fit by forcing the nozzle is dangerous for both the user and the lighter itself. Never use a fuel other than butane in any butane lighter.

The number one concern, however, is the fuel. Butane is used to fuel many different devices so make certain that any butane refill used is specifically for lighters. The wrong adapter may cause damage to the refill valve and result in a broken lighter. The butane can should fit effortlessly into the valve. If it needs to be forced, it is the wrong kind and one should never try to make it fit by pressing harder against the valve. Given proper fuel and cleanliness, these lighters are as durable and reliable as their fluid-filled brethren and a fine choice for outdoor life.

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