Pocket Lighters: Flame, Fuel and Refills

Standard flame or torch jet

Standard lighters produce one visible flame and suit candles, stoves and general use, but wind blows them out. Torch lighters push the fuel through a jet to produce a hot, narrow flame that holds up better outdoors, so they suit cigars, barbecues and craft work. Look for a protective hood or windproof design if you will light things outside.

Ignition also varies. A flint wheel is scraped by the thumb and needs a flint that wears down, while a piezo igniter clicks to make a spark and has no flint to replace. Both wear out over time, so a replaceable flint or a refillable body keeps a favorite lighter alive longer. Check how easy the flame is to adjust, as torch styles often have a lock or a dial.

Fuel type, refilling and safety

Fuel decides everything after purchase. Butane lighters take gas from a canister, while the wick-and-flint style uses liquid lighter fluid; the two are not interchangeable, so refill only with the fuel stated on the lighter. Disposable bodies cannot be refilled and are sealed. A gift set or kit may include fuel, spare flints and a wick, so read the contents before you assume anything is missing.

Lighters are pressurized, so keep them out of hot cars and direct sun. Let a freshly filled lighter rest before use, refill outdoors or in a ventilated room, and keep lighters away from children. Some lighters add child-resistant mechanisms, which take two hands or a stiff motion, and that is worth having in a home with young children. Never carry a lighter that leaks.

Questions about Pocket Lighters: Flame, Fuel and Refills

What fuel does my lighter use?

Look at the base or the product description. Torch and gas lighters use butane, while wick-and-flint styles use liquid lighter fluid. Using the wrong fuel can damage the lighter or leak.

Why won't my lighter spark or stay lit?

Common causes are a worn flint, low fuel, a clogged jet or a dry wick. Replace the flint, refill, and clear the jet. If the lighter is cold or damp, warm it in your hand.

Are torch lighters refillable?

Most are, using butane through a valve on the base, but check the listing. Disposable torch models exist. A refillable lighter usually mentions a fuel window or a filling valve in its details.