Butane Lighter Lifespan

[smellyfeet]

Hello. I own 4 butane lighters (2 Nibo, Ronson and a no name), all of which do not work. The problem I have with them are the same; every time I use one there’s no light. There is a a spark (sometimes a weak one) but does not light; I hear the gas coming through, but no ignition. I wanted to ask if this can be fixed easily or should I just throw them out and buy new ones. All of my lighters lasted roughly 3.5 years; is that the normal lifespan of a lighter? If there is a lighter that lasts longer and more reliable, I am open to suggestions. Thanks.

[yzingerr]

Tons of people here like the wally world special $2.94 Ronsons (me included!)
Try adjusting the gas flow.
Sometimes the spark is very small or weak...
You might have to remove the gas valve governor to adjust the flame lower or higher than it will currently go.

[louistogie]

This happened to me with all of mine to.

[smelvis]

Very common, I also sorta collect lighters and i got a Colibri with cutter and punch that I just loved, I almost wore the finish off. Colibri offers a lifetime warranty but the pricks will not honor it without the receipt. No way I have a two year old receipt.

I tried using compressed air because mine did have spark, emptying the tank refilling and waiting a day before trying again, all to no avail. I guess we are just screwed. I did get a Vector large desktop while at at herf with friends and so far the Casino seems to want to gurentee it for life we'll see.

Lighters are cool but like everything else each seems to have a time and place.

Good Luck

[JohnnyFlake]

Like most material things in life, you get what you pay for!

I know a number of people that have "Old Boy" lighters and have been using them for well over five years. I have a very good friend who has had one for over tens years and it still works perfectly. That friend finally convinced me to get an "Old Boy" which I did about 6 1/2 years ago, in fact I bought 2 identical ones at the same time on a special deal. I have one, still new in the box and have been using one for over 6 years now, with no problems. I'm not sure what the plain models go for now days, but I got two for $90 at that time.

[fuente~fuente]

I can tell you that you can extend your lighters life & performance usally by using high quality butane. It won't clog up your lighter like the cheap stuff. Not saying that's your problem for sure, but it's a thought.

It could be that it's turned up or down too much like someone else posted. But you do "get what you pay for" in lighters most of the time in my experience.

[thebayratt]

The spark that is made is from a pzeo electric crystal (if im not misstaken). When you put pressure on the crystal it creats a small electrical current (the spark) to ignite the gas.
Maybe light a match and put it over the lighter and try and light it. If it flames, then its the spark crystal... if not then you have a gas problem. Just a thought/theory.

[Cypress]

If in doubt, buy a Xikar. Guaranteed for life.

[SMOKE20]

Originally Posted by Cypress

If in doubt, buy a Xikar. Guaranteed for life.

Good call.

[e-man]

From my experience, most lighters stop working due to electrode problems. If you hear gas, then try to light it with another flame source (lighter, match, candle, etc). If you can get it to light, then you're not clogged. Try adjusting your flame height as you try it.

Jet lighters are very hot. Usually, the electrode is a small piece of wire that sits above the burner. Often, the electrode melts, bends, or disintegrates, and the spark doesn't come in contact with the butane gas anymore.

If you look straight down, the spark should arc to the burner. if your electrode is damaged, then it may arc somewhere else. The electrode is just a piece of wire. You can take the lighter apart, and feed more wire out. You can always replace the wire if it's too short to adjust...just keep it insulated until the end.

[X2187]

What are some of the high quality butane brands?

[JohnnyFlake]

Originally Posted by X2187

What are some of the high quality butane brands?

For years I have been using Lucerne Lighter Fuel (triple filtered). It's easy to find, most tobacco shops carry it, and it's reasonably priced!

[Herf N Turf]

Vector is about the best fuel out there. It's 5x filtered.

Here's my list of remedies.

1) Use compressed air to blow out the burner and ignitor area
2) Purge the lighter COMPLETELY prior to each refill
3) NEVER shake the fuel can and store it upside down
4) Purge gently after filling (air only)
5) Let the lighter stand unlit until it gets back to room temp; approx 20min

Unless it says Colibri on it, your lighters should last many years.

Ronson Jetlite, or Xikar if youre buying

[smellyfeet]

Thanks for the tips posted. Worst case scenario is that i can always use wooden matches.