In some cases, lighters can break or get stuck. Repairs are generally not complex - but buying a new one is also very simple. The first step is to figure out what's wrong with your lighter, then get to work fixing it. Don't get frustrated if you don't get the desired result right away - check all potential problems before giving up. If your lighter has sentimental value, you may be able to make it work again.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Diagnosing the Lighter Problem
Step 1. Make sure it's not broken
If the plastic part of your lighter has broken, you need to buy a new one. You will no longer be able to use it, because it will no longer be possible to keep the gas under pressure.
Step 2. Look for signs of rust, dust, or debris
If you have left a lighter outside for a long time, the metal wheel may have rusted. By not turning, it cannot produce the flame. If your lighter doesn't work just because of the dust and debris inside, you may be able to clean it with your fingers or a pipe cleaner.
Step 3. Check the gas tank
Fortunately, the most common problem with lighters is the very small tank. Once you run out of fuel or run out of pressure, you will need to refill the tank.
The lighters most vulnerable to mechanical or internal problems are the disposable Bic
Step 4. Check for spark
If the lighter no longer produces sparks, the flint has run out. The spark ignites the fuel and produces the flame, so the flint is essential.
Step 5. Check if the flame is small, if it disappears in a few seconds or if it is not present
If the flame goes out immediately, the fuel may have run out. If, on the other hand, you have recently bought the lighter, perhaps the gas cannot reach the spark.
Method 2 of 2: Repair the Lighter
Step 1. Fill the tank
For most lighters, you will need a can of butane; you can find it in hardware stores. Be sure to completely drain the tank before refueling. Turn the lighter upside down, with the refill valve facing up. Apply pressure to it, keeping the lighter away from your face and any flammable objects.
- Make sure the spout of the butane can fits into the hole in the bottom of the lighter. It must go straight in, with the lighter directly above the cylinder. After inserting it, rotate both devices, to bring the lighter under the cylinder. Push until you hear the metal of the lighter cool down - this is a sign that you have successfully discharged the butane into the tank.
- If you have a Zippo lighter, you will need to purchase specific liquid fuel, from the Zippo online store.
- Remember, the simplest solution is to buy a new lighter if the one you have now has no sentimental value to you.
Step 2. Replace the flint on a butane lighter
The flint is the component that produces the spark. It is a small black cylinder about 5 mm long. To replace it, remove the metal part surrounding the flame and the wheel. You will have to rotate it to remove it. You will notice a spring, approximately 2.5-4 cm long. Remove the flint from this spring and replace it with a new one. It is easy to refit the lighter: place the flint, put the spring back in the hole and the metal shield in its place.
On the internet you can buy a new flint for a few euros
Step 3. Replace the flint of a Zippo lighter
To do this, open the lighter and pull the fireplace up. The fireplace is the metal shield with five holes on each side. Pull it up to remove it completely. Below it you should see a piece of what appears to be cotton, held in place by a screw. Unscrew it carefully, then remove it along with the spring and the small piece of metal it contains. Drop the new flint into the hole, put the spring back in place, tighten the screw and put the fireplace back in place. You should have solved the problem.
Step 4. Remove the metal surrounding the flame hole if it is very small or if it fades quickly
This fault indicates a problem with fuel delivery. You can do this with tweezers or any other suitable tool. Rotate the gas escaping tube counterclockwise a couple of times. It may simply be too tight. If that doesn't work, you will likely need to replace that component. Fortunately it is not very expensive.
Advice
- Bic lighters usually have a safety band to protect children, above the wheel, which can become quite annoying … to eliminate it, just remove the metal surrounding the flame and pull it up to remove it from its seat.
- The easiest way to remove the metal part around the flame (or "fireplace") is to use a blade or pointed object to pry the side away from the button, just enough to get past the hook that holds it in place.
- When refueling a Zippo it may be useful to leave the lighter upside down for a few seconds or a minute after inserting it.
- When handling a lighter there is always a risk of triggering an explosion, so be careful!
