subject: Caring For A High-quality Butane Lighter [print this page] Butane lighters have come a long way in the past few decades. They used to be almost exclusively disposable affairs. Today, people tend to favor products that can offer years of service and, to that end, manufacturers have continually-improved upon the available designs. The butane lighters of today, properly cared for, can easily offer a lifetime of service and may well be something that can be passed down from one generation to the next. Butane lighters have become an investment.
There are butane lighters which are specifically designed for outdoor use. These are mostly windproof lighters which can be used to light a cigar, pipe or cigarette even in the most extreme conditions. These require care though they are very durable.
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.
The filler valve on the lighter also needs to be kept free of obstructions. Make certain of this before attempting to refill the lighter and, if anything is blocking the hole, simply remove it by tapping or cleaning it out with a tool. Be careful not to depress the valve, however. Some butane lighters use flints. Make certain that the lighter has a fresh one before setting out on any adventures.
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.
