Refill a Lighter

If you have a butane, or windproof Zippo lighter, you’ll eventually need to refill it. Refilling your lighters is easy and only takes a few minutes. Simply put the right type of fluid into your lighter when you notice your flame getting low, or when your lighter can’t produce a flame at all. Always exercise caution when refilling a lighter.

Steps

Refilling a Butane Lighter

  1. Select a quality brand of butane to refill your lighter. You can find refill cans almost anywhere you can purchase cigarettes or cigars, like a tobacco store. Look for bottles that come with metal tips instead of plastic ones. Metal tips are better for inserting the butane into the lighter.[1]
    • Make sure to read the warnings and instructions on the butane canister to make sure it works with your lighter.
    • Follow the safety directions on the canister.
  2. Choose a place to refill the lighter that is well ventilated. You’ll be dealing with flammable materials and gas, so you need to be in an open space with good ventilation.
    • Your kitchen or an outside area are good places to refill your butane lighter because both are open spaces.
    • Open a window or turn on a ventilator if you have one.
  3. Purge your lighter. Release the air and remaining fuel inside the lighter. Push down on the refill lever with the screwdriver. You will know when all the air has been released because you will no longer hear a hissing sound. The butane can not go into a lighter if the lighter is full of air.[2]
    • The refill lever is also sometimes known as the nipple. It is located on the bottom of most butane lighters.
    • You can identify the nipple by flipping your lighter upside down and locating the circular hole. Inside the hole, you should see a smaller circular valve.
    • To purge the lighter, use a pen or small screwdriver and push on the valve to release any air.
    • Make sure the lighter is pointed away from your face.
  4. Set the flame height adjuster on the lighter to the lowest level. The flame height adjuster should be on the bottom of the lighter. Use a small flat head screwdriver and turn the screw clockwise to lower the flame. The minimum setting is near the minus sign on the adjuster.
    • This is a safety measure to ensure that if you accidently ignite the lighter, your flame will be small.
  5. Shake the can of refill fluid. If you have an older can especially, give the can a quick shake so you can make sure you still have enough butane in the can, and it’s not just air.
  6. Secure the tip of the refill bottle into the refill valve on the lighter. Make sure you are holding the lighter and refill bottle straight up and down. Sometimes the bottle tip does not form a secure fit with the lighter's valve. If this is the case with the butane you have selected, there are tip adapters available.
    • Most butane refill bottles come with an adapter, so before you try to refill, make sure the standard tip fits over the valve.
    • Don’t fill the lighter at an angle. This will let air into the lighter tank. Air in the lighter will cause the lighter to not work properly. It will have to be drained and refilled.[3]
  7. Fill the lighter for about 5 seconds. Most lighters require you to press down for about five or so seconds to get an adequate fill. If you feel that your lighter isn’t full, repeat for another 5 seconds.[4]
    • Some lighters have a fuel level that you can check. Check the butane level viewer if you have one to ensure your lighter is full.
    • Lighters that are filled too full will overflow. This can be dangerous as butane can leak and catch fire when lighting.
  8. Set the desired flame height. Flip your lighter over and turn the adjuster back with the screwdriver. The height of a good flame should be about {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}}. Let the butane settle for a few minutes for attempting to light the lighter.
    • Once you’ve refilled and set your flame height, give your lighter a minute or so to absorb the butane, and make sure nothing is leaking.
  9. Test the lighter. Wait a few minutes for any spills and fumes to dissipate. Hold the lighter at a safe distance from your face and ignite the flame. You may need to add more butane if the flame does not catch or seems weak.
    • In most butane lighters, butane doesn’t dissolve over time. Always test your lighter before refilling it to make sure that it is empty.

Refilling a Zippo Lighter

  1. Use authentic Zippo Lighter Fluid. Other lighter fluids will work most of the time, but the Zippo fluid will give your Zippo lighter the best flame and longest life.
    • You can use a different brand of lighter fluid if you wish. However, Zippo recommends that you use the official lighter fluid as contains the right chemicals to work properly in your zippo.
    • Never use charcoal lighter fluid. Charcoal lighter fluid is not made for a small container like a Zippo. Using charcoal fluid can be very dangerous.
  2. Remove the chimney cap. This is the portion of the lighter that looks like a chimney. Your Zippo is in a metal case, in order to refill, you have to pull it out.[5]
    • Grab the chimney cap, the small rectangular portion with holes in it, and pull the lighter out.
  3. Flip the lighter over. You will see a small circular pin, known as the flint screw, and a rectangular piece of felt, known as the felt pad. To fill your lighter, you will pull up the felt pad.
    • The rectangular felt pad will say “LIFT TO FILL” on it. This is the portion you lift to reveal the rayon balls, which look like cotton, and a wick underneath.
    • There may also be a small hole in the center of the felt pad. Use a small screwdriver or pen and insert it into the hole. Use your tool as a lever to pull the felt pad up.
  4. Squirt your lighter fluid in to fill. While pulling the top felt pad back, put the tip of your lighter fluid into the lighter insert and squeeze gently. Keep squirting lighter fluid until you see the top portion of your rayon balls dampen.
    • Be careful not to let lighter fluid drip down the outside of your Zippo or get any on your hands.
    • Go slowly so you don’t overfill the lighter. If you add too much fluid, your lighter will leak, which can be dangerous.
  5. Push the top felt pad back down. Let the fluid soak in for about 45 seconds before flipping it right side up. Then, with a damp clean rag or paper towel, wipe down the outside of your lighter.
    • It’s also a good idea to wash your hands before placing your lighter back into the casing.
  6. Insert your lighter back into the casing. Simply slide your Zippo back into the casing. Push down on the chimney to make sure that your lighter is fully in place.
    • Close the lid to make sure that your lighter is snug and properly in place.
  7. Test your lighter. Light your Zippo to make sure that the wick is primed and your flint is creating a spark.
    • The first couple of times you light your Zippo after refilling, your flame may be bigger than normal.



Tips

  • Remember to purge the air from your butane lighter before refilling.
  • Wipe down your lighters after filling to remove any spilled fluid.
  • Always refill your lighter in an open space with sufficient airflow.
  • Only use the proper butane and lighter fluid to refill your lighter.
  • Always point the lighter away from your face.

Related Articles

Sources and Citations

  1. ↑ http://www.stogiefresh.info/edu-cigars/articles/maintaining-lighters.html
  2. ↑ http://vectorkgm.com/official/vector-product-maintenance/
  3. ↑ http://www.ebay.com/gds/Your-Guide-to-Fixing-Butane-Torches-/10000000178630314/g.html
  4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9a7BXTk4Fds
  5. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zq_qdzV2vmI

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