Lighting a Bic lighter with a quick click is quite simple once you have learned the correct execution. Use your thumb to quickly turn the cog wheel down, in the direction of the red button, then press and hold the red button to release the gas. When you click the wheel you get many sparks which, in contact with the fuel, ignite the flame. Aim for the flame instantly in one quick, smooth motion, then hold the button down to keep it burning.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Taking the Shot
Step 1. Hold the lighter with your primary hand, holding it vertically
Fold your fingers around the stem, tightening it firmly; then place your thumb on the red button so that the end of your thumb touches the metal wheel. You may need to try different thumb angles before you find the optimal one.
- The red button is the command that controls the release of gas from the tank.
- Hold the lighter a little more than a centimeter under the metal part: this will become very hot when the flame is lit and if your finger is very close you risk getting burned.
Step 2. Quickly turn the wheel downward, moving your finger in the direction of the power button
Use your thumb and apply some force to the wheel as you move it to create the spark. If you move quickly and firmly enough, you will hear the characteristic clicking sound and the flame will materialize on top of the lighter.
Sparks are not always visible, because they are generated inside the metal cage
Step 3. Press and hold the gas button to keep the flame burning
After clicking the wheel your thumb should be resting securely on the red button. By continuing to press it you will maintain a constant flow of gas from the tank to the outside, fueling the combustion and ensuring that the lighter does not go out. The moment you release it, however, the flame will stop burning instantly.
- Do not keep the flame active for more than 30 seconds in a row; stop the gas flow as soon as you have finished lighting the object of your choice: the metal cage heats up very quickly and you risk getting burns.
- If you want to optimize the duration of the lighter charge you should avoid keeping the fire burning longer than necessary. Almost all lighters have a flint that is made to last longer than gas during normal use, so it would be better to turn the lighter off and on again rather than keep it burning between consecutive uses (for example when you have to light many candles). The flint is unlikely to stop sparking before the gas tank is empty. Once the fuel charge is exhausted, the lighter becomes unusable (unless it is a refillable model).
Part 2 of 3: Understanding the Mechanism
Step 1. Locate the metal wheel
This part is responsible for the creation of the flame: when you rotate it with a quick movement of the thumb it acts on a piece of flint, generating sparks that cause the gas to burn and the flame to ignite.
Step 2. Understand the function of the power button
The red button, when used, opens the gas flow control valve. To light the flame you will then have to turn the wheel, causing the sparks, and hold the button down at the same time.
Step 3. View the operation of the lighter
When you move the wheel you cause a spark, while pressing the red button causes the fuel to escape. By performing both actions at the same time, the sparks ignite the gas, causing a flame to be generated from the hole in the top of the lighter; it then continues to burn until you release the power button.
Part 3 of 3: Troubleshooting
Step 1. Keep trying
If you are using a lighter that you just bought (or that has not been used much) the problem is probably in your technique and not some malfunction of the object. Check the position of the fingers; make sure you turn the wheel with enough force and speed to generate sparks; avoid releasing the red button too early by holding it down confidently instead.
A Bic lighter should work even in light wind or rain conditions. If in these cases you still find yourself having problems lighting it quickly, you could protect the top of the object by bending your free hand around it (or in another similar way) to protect it from gusts of wind, in order to prevent the flame from extinguishing
Step 2. Consider removing the security band
In this way the lighter will no longer be childproof but it will become easier to use, because you will no longer need a lot of strength to create strong enough sparks. Many people have the habit of immediately changing the object they have just purchased.
Step 3. Check the gas level
If there is no way you can develop the flame, check that there is enough fuel in the tank. In the case of a transparent lighter you will not have problems, while the opaque models must be placed in front of a rather strong light source. An alternative method, especially useful for black or very dark colored lighters, is to check that you can hear the noise of the gas coming out: hold the top of the lighter a short distance from your ear and sometimes press only the red button., being careful not to touch the wheel to avoid burning your hair. If the lighter is empty you shouldn't hear any noise, while if it still has enough gas it will create a rather recognizable hiss.
- If the tank is empty, throw the lighter away - disposable models are not meant to be refilled.
- A standard-sized Bic should guarantee you up to 3000 ignitions before discharging.
Step 4. Check the condition of the ignition mechanism
If the lighter still has enough gas, but still does not give off any flame, there could be a problem with the flint: cheaper models or models used rather intensively find it difficult to ignite because the sparks are no longer vigorous enough to ignite the flint. gas instantly.
- If you are still able to produce sparks, you may want to try by pressing down on the wheel and spinning it slowly, scraping off some flint. When you then act at full speed to ignite the flame, the friction should make even these already eroded parts incandescent, increasing the power of the spark and causing the combustion to start. But be careful: the fragments of the flint could fly out of the cage and get on you, on your clothes or on your skin; the chances of getting burned or damaging clothes are very low, but still to be taken into account.
- If you are unable to produce sparks but the tank is still loaded, you can use a second lighter (perhaps an exhaust): bring the tops of the two objects closer, let the gas escape from the first and use the wheel of the other to create the sparks. that will ignite the flame of the first.
Advice
- Protect the lighter from gusts of air: Bic are not windproof. First check where the wind is coming from, for example by using the tip of a finger moistened with saliva and exposing it to air; Once this is done, turn around so that your back is facing the direction of the wind, or cover the tip of the object with one hand.
- Place the objects to be lit in contact with the top of the flame: for combustion the presence of oxygen is required, absent in the center.
- Make sure you are old enough to buy a lighter. You can buy them at tobacconists, supermarkets and other general stores, but depending on the country you are in, you may need to be at least 16 or 18 years old.
- Once you are comfortable with the quick ignition procedure for these lighters, you can also perform some nice tricks. Search YouTube for videos to learn, but be very careful: playing with fire is always dangerous.
Warnings
- Pay attention to the "numbers" you decide to make: not all those that are presented on YouTube as "safe" are really so, so carefully consider the advice in the various videos.
- Never hold a lighter by the metal cage after using it: you could burn your fingers.
