Refillable lighters can provide years of service but only so long as they are properly-maintained. Part of that maintenance involves selecting the right fuel for the lighter. Cheap fuels may save some money in the short run but the cost is decreased performance and, if the lighter is being used to light cigars or pipes, the chance that the lighter will end up flavoring the tobacco.

There are several ways by which one determines which fuel is the best, depending on whether one is dealing with liquid or gaseous fuel. First and foremost, only fuel specifically designed to fuel lighters should be used.

Butane lighters function best when a lighter fluid which is as free of impurities as possible is used. There are brands that advertise themselves as having zero impurities and, if one has purchased a high-performance lighter, these fuels will ensure reliability. Impurities cause lighters to light with less reliability, to foul and, eventually, they may compromise the components that deliver gas to the jet. They will also cut down on the life of the sparking devices as they’ll have to be tripped more to get a flame out of the device.

Butane torch lighters have rapidly become the most popular way to light cigars among aficionados. These lighters impart no taste at all as the gaseous fuel is consumed very efficiently by the lighter. There are different grades of fuel available but, where butane lighters advertise no impurities, it’s not so much a question of whether or not the fuel will be tasted as it is a question of reliability and taking care of the lighter itself. These lighters are available in exotic designs which feature double and triple flames, upscale styling and beautiful finishes. They have become favorites among dedicated cigar smokers.

Substituting any other fuel for butane or lighter fluid will most certainly destroy a lighter and may pose a safety risk to the user. Butane lighters, in particular, must only be fueled with butane and only from a can which fits exactly the filling adapter at the bottom of the lighter. These lighters are fairly sensitive devices but, treated properly, they can offer years of reliable service. Attempting to mate an improperly-fitting refill can will seriously damage the valve and certainly means that the refilling canister is not meant to be used with butane lighters.

Brian is a business consultant for an online lotus lighter store and has expert knowledge of cigar accessories, including cigar cutter lighters.

Refillable lighters are an investment that can easily last a lifetime if they’re properly cared for and maintained. This process is not very complex and mostly involves keeping cleaning to a regular schedule, making certain only the best fuels and other supplies are used in the lighter and, if the lighter happens to have a very expensive or ornate finish, making certain that it’s protected from scratches and dents. Most lighters are very durable and, given the price of some of them, the buyer has every right to expect quality. Learning to maintain one’s lighter can actually be quite enjoyable.

Liquid fuel lighters require more maintenance and cleaning that other types of refillables. While liquid fuel is reliable, will ignite in very high winds and is very inexpensive, even for the highest-end fuels, it does not burn as efficiently as butane. Therefore, it tends to leave behind traces of carbon and other impurities left behind when the lighter is lit. Cleaning this, conveniently enough, is best done with lighter fluid which is an excellent solvent. Lighter fluid may be added to the tip of a cotton swap and used to remove the black patches that tend to develop around the windscreen. Also pass the swab near the areas where the flint wheel and flint are set to ensure that these function correctly.

A butane lighter requires little cleaning. Butane burns very efficiently and leaves hardly any traces behind. Particularly where the torch lighters are concerned, there is almost never an occasion where one will find a black spot on their lighter. If there is, it can usually be removed by simply wiping it away with dry cotton or a cloth. If the jet area becomes obstructed, simply tap the lighter gently on a hard surface to dislodge the debris.

On any lighter, the flint or electric lighting mechanism should never be forced. If there is resistance, check to see if an obstruction is present before adding pressure. Most often, a piece of dust or lint will have become lodged in the wheel. It can be removed from a flint style lighter by simply removing the flints and spinning the wheel to clear the obstruction.

On an electric lighter, the obstruction can usually be removed by tapping or by pulling the obstruction out with a pair of tweezers or a straightened-out paperclip or other pick type device.

Brian is a business consultant of an online specialty lighters store and has expert knowledge of cigar accessories, including Colibri lighters.