How to Fix Common Lighter Problems

Download Article

Spark your lighter back to life with these quick-fix tips

Co-authored by Ali Garbacz, B.A.

Last Updated: December 1, 2024 Fact Checked

Download Article

Fixing Your Lighter

|

Figuring Out What’s Wrong

|

Video

|

Tips

|

Warnings

Your lighter suddenly stopped working, and the nearest gas station is miles away. Or maybe this particular lighter holds a lot of sentimental value. Either way, all hope is not lost. Fixing a broken lighter is a quick and easy process. This article will list some of the common problems people have with their lighters plus walk you through how to fix the issue so you can get your lighter working again.

Things You Should Know

If your lighter's wheel isn’t spinning, use a cotton swab or toothpick to clean out any rust or dirt that's blocking it.
If your lighter’s flame is small or completely nonexistent, refuel it with a butane can and/or loosen the nozzle that releases fuel so more comes out.
If there's no spark, replace your lighter’s flint with a new one.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Fixing Your Lighter

Download Article

1
Refuel your lighter with butane. First, purchase a butane can. Make sure you bleed all of the remaining fuel out of your lighter first. Then, turn the lighter upside down with the fill valve facing upwards. Insert the nozzle of the butane can into the opening in the valve, positioning it so that the lighter is under the can. Squeeze the can for about 5 seconds. You’ll know the lighter has been filled when you feel the metal around the filling valve turn cold from the gas.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- To empty the lighter of any excess fuel, use a blunt object—such as the eraser tip of a pencil or a capped pen—to press down on the valve. Hold the lighter so that the opening to the valve is facing upwards, then press your blunt object into the opening and pump it a couple times to release the fuel. You’ll hear a hissing sound that lets you know the fuel is coming out.
- As an added step, after you’ve partially filled the lighter with butane, take a blunt object and reinsert it into the valve to release just a bit of the gas. Some of the gas will have turned to liquid as you fill the lighter, so this gets rid of that liquid. After you’ve done this, fill the lighter with a bit more butane (squeezing the can for just about 1 second).
- For a Zippo lighter you'll have to buy Zippo lighter fluid specifically.
- Zippo lighter fluid can also be used on butane lighters.
Replace your flint on a butane lighter. Remove the metal surrounding the flame and the spark wheel by twisting it out of position. Once you have removed the metal, remove the flint from the spring that’s situated inside the lighter. To assemble the lighter, place the new piece of flint into the flint tube, insert the spring back in place, then place the metal pieces back on.^{[2]
X
Research source}

Advertisement
3
Replace your flint on a Zippo lighter. Pull the entire unit out of the case, then use a screwdriver or a coin to unscrew the screw that’s holding in the spring. Pull out the screw along with the spring and small piece of metal inside. Remove the old piece of flint by turning the entire unit over and gently tapping it against a hard surface. To reassemble, drop the new flint in and replace the spring. Then, tighten the screw and replace the metal unit back in the lighter casing.^{[3]
X
Research source}
- Be careful when pulling out the screw, since it’s in a tense coiled position and could spring out quickly and fly away.
Loosen the nozzle that releases gas to get a bigger flame. A flame that dies quickly could be an indication that not enough fuel is being released. Use tweezers, needle-nose pliers, or anything else sharp to remove the metal around the hole where the flame comes out. Then, turn the nozzle that releases the gas counter-clockwise a few times to loosen it so that it releases more fuel.

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Figuring Out What’s Wrong

Download Article

Your lighter will no longer work if the plastic piece is cracked or shattered since the pressure inside the lighter is now compromised. If this is the case, simply buying a new lighter is the best option.
2
Look for rust, debris, or dirt on any of the metal parts. If you've left a lighter outside for a long period of time, the metal wheel on top might be rusted in place. If it won't spin, it won't light.
- To clean the wheel and get all the gunk off, use a cotton swab or toothpick. Apply a bit of rubbing alcohol as well if the dirt and grime are really stuck on there. When you’ve finished cleaning it, use a paper towel to wipe down the wheel and the rest of the lighter.
- Never use water to clean your lighter, since this could cause it to malfunction. Instead, use a soft, dry cloth to wipe it down and a very small amount of rubbing alcohol to get stubborn spots cleaned.
- Another option is to buy a new wheel and replace it entirely.
The most common problem with these kinds of small, handheld lighters is their equally small fuel tank. When this no longer holds enough fuel or enough pressure, it needs to be refilled.
4
Look to see if there is a spark. If there is no spark, that means that there is no flint. The flint is a small piece of stone that the wheel scrapes against to create a spark. The spark lights the fuel and gives you a flame, so the flint is extremely important.^{[4]
X
Research source}
- For the average user, the flint needs to be replaced every few weeks.
If the flame burns out, then it’s possible that you’re running low on fuel. However, if you just recently bought the lighter there might be an issue with the fuel reaching the spark.

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Video

Tips

To fix a lighter that’s gotten wet, first wipe it off the best you can and blow air into the fuel hole and onto the spark wheel to dry them. Then, rub the sparkwheel against a hard surface until you start to see sparks. The friction will help dry it out.^{[5]
X
Research source}

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 1
Bic lighters usually have a child-proof safety band over the spark wheel. To get rid of it, just remove the metal that surrounds the flame using either your fingers or a pair of pliers and pull up on the safety band until it’s dislodged.

Thanks
Helpful 6 Not Helpful 3
The easiest way to remove the metal around the flame (or "chimney") would be to use a blade or other slender object to pry the side away from the button, just far enough to make it over the latch that holds it in place.

Thanks
Helpful 4 Not Helpful 3

Show More Tips

Submit a Tip

All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

Name

Please provide your name and last initial

Submit

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

Warnings

When dealing with a lighter, there’s always the risk of being injured, so handle the lighter with care and never put it near your face.

Thanks
Helpful 4 Not Helpful 6
Keep children away from lighters at all times.

Thanks
Helpful 2 Not Helpful 14