Sometimes a lighter can get stuck or be damaged. Usually, lighters can be repaired quickly, but usually people prefer to buy new ones. The first step is to diagnose the problem with the lighter, and then troubleshoot the malfunction to fix it. Don't be frustrated if the lighter doesn't work right away; check all potential problems before giving up. If the lighter has sentimental value, you can make it work again.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Diagnosing the Lighter
Step 1. Make sure the lighter doesn't break
If you break the plastic part of the lighter, it's best to just buy a new one. The pressure in the lighter has been damaged and you can no longer use it.
Step 2. Look for rust, debris, or dirt
If the lighter is left outdoors for a long time, the metal wheels on it may rust. If it doesn't spin, the fire can't be lit. If there is dirt and debris inside the lighter, you can clean it with your fingers or a pipe cleaner to get it back on.
Step 3. Check the fuel tank
Fortunately, the most common problem with lighters lies in the extremely small fuel tank. when the tank no longer holds enough fuel or pressure, you need to refill it.
The type of lighter that is most susceptible to mechanical and/or internal damage, is the single-use Bic lighter
Step 4. Look for the presence of sparks
If there is no spark, it means that there is no tap / flint. The tap is the component of the lighter that the wheel rubs against to produce a spark. The spark will ignite the fuel and produce a fire so this part is very important.
Step 5. Check if the lighter flame is small, charred, or not present at all
If there is no fire, chances are the fuel is completely empty. However, if the lighter was recently purchased, it is likely that the fuel will not reach the spark.
Method 2 of 2: Repairing the Lighter
Step 1. Refill the lighter
For most lighters, you will need to purchase a can of butane to refill the lighter. You can buy it at a hardware store. Make sure you drain all the remaining fuel in the lighter first. Flip the lighter so that the fill valve is facing up. Depress the fill valve and keep the lighter away from your face and any flammable objects.
- Make sure the nozzle of the butane can fits snugly into the base of the lighter. Its position must be upright with the lighter, and above the can. It's a good idea to insert the nozzle, then turn it over completely so that the lighter is under the can. Now, press until you feel the metal of the lighter cool. This means that butane has been successfully put into the tank.
- For Zippo lighters, you will need lighter fluid from the Zippo online store.
- Don't forget, sometimes it's easier to buy new lighters unless they have sentimental value to you.
Step 2. Replace the tap on the blind lighter
The tap is the component that produces the spark. This black cylinder is approximately 0.5 cm long. To replace the tap, remove the metal surrounding the flame and ignition wheel. Twist until the position changes. When the metal is removed, you will see a spring that is about 2.5-3 cm long. The taper is a small 0.5 cm long component that is black and cylindrical. Now enter a new tap. After that, replace the lighter by inserting the ignition wheel, screwing the spring back into the hole, and replacing the top of the lighter.
You can buy a new tap for only Rp. 12,000 on the internet
Step 3. Replace the tap on the Zippo lighter
To change the tap, open the lighter and pull out the chimney. The chimney here is an object with five holes on each side. Pull it all the way up. Underneath, there should be a piece that looks like cotton that's held in place with screws. Carefully unscrew the screw and pull together the spring and the piece of metal inside. Insert a new tap, put the spring back in, tighten the screws, and put the box back in the lighter.
Step 4. Remove the metal surrounding the fire pit if it is small or scorched
That is, there is a problem in the release of fuel. You can use tweezers, pointed pliers, or other suitable tool. Turn the nozzle from the gas outlet counterclockwise several times. It's possible that the components are attached too tightly. If the problem has not been solved, you should buy a new lighter. Luckily it's not too expensive
Tips
- Bic lighters usually have a safety rubber on top of the spark wheel which can be quite annoying at times. To get rid of it, simply remove the metal around the flame and pull the safety rubber off (with pliers or fingers).
- The easiest way to remove the metal around the flame (or "chimney") is to use a blade or thin object to pry the side away from the button, just far enough to get it past the lock holding it in place.
- It's a good idea to let the lighter tip over for a few seconds or minutes while refilling the Zippo, after adding more fuel to the lighter.
- Be careful when fiddling with lighters as there is a risk of exploding.
