Torch Lighter Cleaning

[MacMac]

My torch lighter had been giving me a fit. I knew it was full and that I had let air out before filling, but the thing would not light consistently. Click, Click, Click.....nothing but a quick flame on then off.  So, let all the butane out and tried again....no better.
I decided to try and clean the thing. I got a can of compressed air, a Q-Tip and some rubbing alcohol. I used the Q-Tip to rub the alcohol all around the torch ignition point and the holds where the butane exits the lighter. I used the compressed air to blow out any particles and to dry the alcohol. I refilled the lighter with butane and IGNITION!!  The lighter is working like brand new!

I thought I'd share my experience and also ask if there's a better way to clean a torch lighter.

[millarddj]

I hadn't thought of using compressed air. This is the exact problem I've been having with my triple jet Colibri, so I am now eager to repeat your cleaning process. Thanks for the prompt and tip, and I'm also interested to hear if anyone has further suggestions.

[ninfiction]

Never had to really clean mine. I do a full purge in between each fill though. I've also heard that Xikar butane is much cleaner than your regular butane so I only use Xikar...but I'm no scientist.

[millarddj]

That's something I wasn't even aware of - I'm using a leftover bottle of my brother's butane, and I doubt it's high quality. I wasn't even aware there was cleaner/purer butane out there. Why does it seem like every time I think I'm set for a while, there's something more to buy for the cigar hobby?

[Jackal]

You should really only use 3X or better distilled butane.  Anything else could have residues/ particulates that could jam up the small apertures in your lighter.

[MacMac]

I have a Xikar lighter, but I'm using butane that I picked up from Walmart. That may be some of the problem, but the cleaning sure but the lighter back in great working condition.

[gitfiddl]

The dimestore Zippo/Ronson butane is crap and has caused me fits over the years.  I've had no issues with Xikar or Jetline butane.

[MacMac]

gitfiddl - 12/3/2015  1:22 PM

The dimestore Zippo/Ronson butane is crap and has caused me fits over the years.  I've had no issues with Xikar or Jetline butane.

I'll be sure to try a better butane.

[Cfickter]

Jackal - 12/3/2015  11:47 AM  You should really only use 3X or better distilled butane.  Anything else could have residues/ particulates that could jam up the small apertures in your lighter.

  you can get 5X filtered also

[gitfiddl]

Cfickter - 12/3/2015  1:55 PM

Jackal - 12/3/2015  11:47 AM  You should really only use 3X or better distilled butane.  Anything else could have residues/ particulates that could jam up the small apertures in your lighter.

  you can get 5X filtered also

or 14X...

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HSVZVVW?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00

[Jackal]

Beyond 3X you are really seeing diminishing returns.  Beyond 5X there will be no appreciable gain in cleanliness.  The only people who would be needing 10X and above are those who are using it for performing extractions.

[appollo]

I have the same issues with my lighter.. the tips here I have to try I believe will cure the issues.Thanks

[DonM]

I have been using JetLine butane 5X refined for years with no fuel issues at all.  That is all I have available here @ the local B & M  

I did run out of butane last month in Daytona Beach and bought a can of Ronson in a pinch.  Full can and it will sit on the shelf

Thanks for the tip on cleaning a lighter, will try it when the situation arises

[Ken Kelley]

My lighter never gives me any problems at all using any quality of propane I can find!

[Camshaft83]

I use 5x Power Super Refined Butane for my lighter and have never had a problem. You can get 4 300 ml cans for 16 bucks on amazon.

[nirab]

I use nothing but Xikar butane. I also top off my lighter after a few uses, instead of letting it run out. No problems at all...now watch, it won't work tonight!!      

[Mojo66]

I use Xikar butane as well and clean the lighters once in a while with air from my 30 gallon compressor. They all work like a charm

[C130Driver]

I'm still on my first bottle of cheap walmart s**t I got at Walmart before I realized there were differences in quality. To be honest I've been wondering if the differences are real or negligible but it sounds like you all are pretty convinced huh?

[McBryde]

I guess I need to give this a try, I just thought it was the crappy cheap lighter I had, LOL.

E

[toby2]

i used to use Xikar now i use Vector 14x and still have issues from time to time. a bottle of contact cleaner works well enough. my next lighter will be a Vector. even the brand new Xikar i just bought lights when it wants to.

[MacMac]

I figure its like most things that use fuel...they most be cleaned at least occasionally it. I can't think of anything I have that uses fuel that doesn't need some maintenance from time time...because it burns fuel.

[C130Driver]

MacMac - 12/7/2015  9:44 AM

I figure its like most things that use fuel...they most be cleaned at least occasionally it. I can't think of anything I have that uses fuel that doesn't need some maintenance from time time...because it burns fuel.

While this seems obvious, it's a good point I hadn't previously considered.

[MacMac]

My torch is truly amazing after cleaning it! However, I am definitely going to try a better brand of fuel.

[MacMac]

My torch is truly amazing after cleaning it! However, I am definitely going to try a better brand of fuel.

[plnortham]

I use "Lucienne".  So far it seems like a pretty good butane.  I was told that butane does have impurities in it.  I was also told that what I use is some of the best stuff with almost no impurities.  All butane is not created equally!  Ha!