newbie question re: lighter cleaning

[jep]

Okay first let me say that I am dealing with cheap0 single flame torch lighters.
They just don't work (2 of 'em). I have "burped" them prior to filling them with good filtered butane. I have fiddled with the flame adjustment and I still just get a anemic flame that lasts about 10 sec. Is it clogged? Carb cleaner? would that help? I do have a triple flame (another cheapo) that works good, but jeez does it use up the butane. I mean two to three cigars and fill 'er up again. Any advice? If this has been discussed before then direct me to that place.

 

[iCraig]

Are you purging before you refill? Also, what quality butane are you using?

 

[krulos]

Pick up a ronson jetlite for $3 at wal-mart. I've been using one for about 6 months now with no problems. I get 10+ lights on a single tank.

 

[jep]

I have purged prior to filling with a good butane (colibri), and I have read the posts about the Ronson lighters, and when I seen one I'll grab it. The spark is there. I mean these things are pretty simple so I thought there maybe some simple fix. I hate to throw stuff away.

 

[vperlman]

I have purged prior to filling with a good butane (colibri),...

OK, that's the first problem. IMO Colibri is not good butane. You need Blazer, Lava, Vector or something that is at least triple refined, and 5X is preferable.

When you bleed it, don't assume it's empty when you stop hearing anything come out. Wait a few seconds after you think it's empty, shake the lighter, then push the valve in again. Usually, there is some butane left in there, even though you thought it was empty. Keep repeating this til it's really, completely empty.

Then take your can of butane and put it in the freezer. Wait 10-15 minutes. Then make sure the flame adjuster on the lighter is turned down as low as it can go and try filling the lighter.

If you suspect that something is clogging the jet, take a can of compressed air and shoot it at the burner.

After you fill the lighter, wait til it warms up to at least room temperature, turn the flame adjuster back up, and give it a try.

BTW, IME cheap lighters often work great, but typically crap out after a year or two. Good luck! :santa2:

 

[PLUSH]

Yeah, I use

Vector 5x Refined Butane

never had a problem. It sounds like you are getting some air in there when you fill up.

 

[Dave]

take a can of compressed air and shoot it at the burner.

I've brought back a few lighters from the dead once I started cleaning them with compressed air. Has made single biggest difference for me. BTW, if you're curious about what would happen.....make sure you point away from you when trying to light and clean at same time :glassesgr

 

[vperlman]

... BTW, if you're curious about what would happen.....make sure you point away from you when trying to light and clean at same time :glassesgr

LMAO :laugh:

 

[dpricenator]

I have also used a pipe cleaner to loosen the carbon deposits that build up on the jet ports.

 

[jep]

Hey:guitar:This is really helpful. I'll ditch the colibri and use the other brands of butane suggested. Good stuff about bleeding the lighter which I was not doing correctly. I'm looking at a Lotus Laser that's on sale for 17.50. scratchhe

 

[Treinenwj]

Good info here! I've been wondering what was wrong with my lighter too. I'll try these tips and see what happens.

 

[iCraig]

Hey:guitar:This is really helpful. I'll ditch the colibri and use the other brands of butane suggested. Good stuff about bleeding the lighter which I was not doing correctly. I'm looking at a Lotus Laser that's on sale for 17.50. scratchhe

I've got a lotus that I picked up on sale for like $15.. Good deal IMO. Been working well for about 5 months now.