How to Replace Flint in a Torch

Despite the ubiquity of standard BIC-style lighters and the classic Zippo windproof lighters, butane torch lighters are steadily growing in popularity due to their resistance to wind and the extreme temperatures they are capable of producing. These lighters are particularly popular among cigar smokers and outdoorsmen, and due to their typical high quality and longevity, it is occasionally necessary to replace the flint striker in one. You can replace the flint at home in just minutes.

Things You'll Need

  • Butane torch lighter
  • Flat-head screwdriver
  • Replacement flint
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Instructions

  1. How to Replace the Flint in a Butane Torch Lighter

    • 1

      Locate the torch's flame adjuster, which looks like a plastic screw. Most lighters have the adjuster on or near the bottom. There should be a plus symbol (+) and a minus symbol (-) around the outside of the screw, indicating the directions to turn for increasing/decreasing the flame. Turn the flame adjustment all the way to the minimum using the flat-head screwdriver.

    • 2

      Locate the flint chamber. Some torch lighters have a flint plunger that can simply be slid out to reveal the flint. Most butane torches have a small metal screw on the bottom to access the flint, with the screw connected to a spring to hold the flint in place against the striker wheel. Open the flint chamber and carefully tap the lighter on a hard surface to remove any excess flint dust. Check to make sure that the flint chamber is not clogged or blocked by any large particles. One simple way to do this is to probe with a straightened paper clip or metal wire until you can see the end of the wire poke through and touch the wheel.

    • 3

      Hold the lighter upside down (or in the correct orientation to keep the flint in), and put the replacement flint into the flint chamber. You can buy replacement lighter flints at most stores that carry torch lighters or windproof lighters. In a pinch, you can salvage a flint from a BIC lighter by removing the striker wheel and catching the spring-loaded flint as it pops out. Cut the flint in half to fit in most torch lighters, as BIC flints are usually long.

    • 4

      Carefully replace the flint plunger or screw in the flint screw (with the spring attached). Check to make sure that the flint gets pushed through the correct aperture and rests against the striker or the wheel. Turn the flame adjustment up and try to ignite the lighter to test the new flint. If the wheel cannot turn, remove the flint and clean the flint chamber and striker wheel with a stiff brush before trying again.