How to Refill a Lighter

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06-09-2024 |
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If you have a butane-fueled lighter or a windproof Zippo, you'll need to refill it from time to time.Refilling a lighter is quite simple and only takes a few minutes to do.Put the appropriate fuel in the lighter when the flame decreases in intensity or is completely absent.Always be careful during the process.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Refilling a Butane Lighter

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1
To refill your lighter, choose a premium brand of butane. Refill bottles are available in tobacconists or any smoking shop.If possible, buy bottles with metal spouts rather than plastic ones (the former make it easier to pour the liquid into the lighter.^{[1]
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- Read the warnings and instructions on the bottle to make sure the product works with your type of lighter.
- Follow the safety instructions on the bottle.
2
To carry out the operation, choose a well-ventilated place. You'll be dealing with a flammable gas, so it's best to be in an open, well-ventilated space.
- The kitchen or the outside of the house are ideal places to refill a lighter, because they are open spaces.
- Open the window or turn on the fan, if you have one.
3
Empty the lighter. Blow out any air and fuel left inside the lighter.Push down on the charging lever with a lighter.You will be sure that the lighter is empty when you no longer hear the hiss produced by the air escaping.This step is essential, because the butane does not enter if the lighter is full of air.^{[2]
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- Generally the charging lever is located on the underside of the lighter.
- To find it, turn the lighter upside down.You should notice a circular hole, inside which is a smaller valve, also in the shape of a circle.
- To empty the lighter, use a pen or small screwdriver to push the valve forward and release the air.
- Make sure the lighter is not pointing towards your face.
4
Adjust the flame height to the lowest level. The flame height regulator is located on the underside of the lighter.Use a small flathead screwdriver to turn the screw clockwise and lower the heat (the minus sign indicates the lowest level).
- This is a security measure:if you accidentally light the lighter, the flame produced will be minimal.
Give the bottle a good shake (especially if it's a little old) to make sure there's enough butane in it, and not just air.
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Insert the tip of the refill bottle into the refill valve of the lighter. Make sure you keep the bottle and lighter upright.Sometimes the nozzle of the bottle does not fit perfectly into the valve;to solve the problem you can use an adapter (there are several available on the market).
- Most refill bottles are sold with an adapter, so check the size of the spout BEFORE you start refilling your lighter.
- Hold the lighter vertically with the refill valve facing up and press the canister firmly, keeping it aligned upside down when refilling it, otherwise the butane will come out;if this happens, stop immediately and wait for the liquid to evaporate completely by airing the room.Lighters that contain air do not work properly and must be emptied and refilled to be lit easily.^{[3]
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Fill the lighter for about 5 seconds. For most lighters, the charging time is 5 seconds.If the lighter still seems empty, repeat the operation for another 5 seconds.^{[4]
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- Some lighters are equipped with an indicator that allows you to check the gas level inside.Check the display to understand if your lighter is charged or not.
- If the lighter is overfilled, the liquid inside will overflow.This is dangerous, because butane can wet the outside of the lighter and catch fire when ignited.
8
Adjust the flame height as desired. Turn the lighter over and replace the regulator with the screwdriver.The flame should be 2.5-3.5 cm high.Wait a few minutes before turning on.
- After filling the lighter and adjusting the flame height, wait for the butane to be absorbed and, while doing so, make sure there are no leaks.
9
Try the lighter. Wait a few minutes for any fumes and leaks to dissipate.Hold the lighter away from your face and light the flame.If the flame doesn't come out or seems particularly weak, you may need to add more butane.
- In most butane lighters, the butane does not dissolve over time.Always check the level inside the lighter before refilling it.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Refill a Zippo

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1
Use an original Zippo refill. Liquids used to refill other types of lighters may be fine, but the original ones guarantee the best possible flame, as well as a longer life.
- You can use other brands of refill fluids if you want.But Zippo recommends using an original product, whose chemical composition allows the lighter to work in the best way.
- Never use a liquid designed for lighting charcoal.This type of substance is not suitable for a container as small as a lighter.Using such a product can be extremely dangerous.
2
Take out the inside part of the Zippo (the one that looks like a chimney pot). The Zippo is protected by a metal case, so to recharge it, you will first have to take it out.^{[5]
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- Grab the "chimney", the perforated rectangular part, and take out the lighter.
3
Turn the lighter upside down. You will notice a small screw (which remains under the stone) and a rectangular felt pad.To refill the lighter, you will need to lift the felt pad.
- The felt pad will say "LIFT TO FILL".Once you lift the felt, you will find some rayon balls (very similar to cotton balls), which hide the wick.
- There should be a hole in the center of the felt.Insert a small screwdriver or pen into the hole and use it to pry up the felt.
4
Pour the gasoline to soak the cotton. While lifting the felt, insert the mouth of the refill can into the lighter and press gently.Continue pouring the gasoline until the outside surface of the cotton appears moist.
- Be careful not to spill the liquid out of the Zippo or get it on your hands.
- Go slowly, being careful not to overfill the lighter.If you pour too much liquid, it will leak out of the lighter (which can be dangerous).
5
Put the felt back. Wait 45 seconds for the liquid to be absorbed, then turn the lighter.Use a dry rag or piece of paper to dry the outside of the lighter.
- It is advisable to wash your hands before putting the lighter back in its case.
6
Put the lighter back in its metal case. Put the lighter back in place and press the chimney down to make sure it is securely seated in its case.
- Close the lid to ensure the lighter does not move around inside its case.
7
Try the lighter. Light your Zippo to make sure the wick is well soaked and the flint sparkles.
- The first few times you light your Zippo after refilling it, the flame may be higher than normal.