There are a few things you can do to fix your butane lighter before you throw it away.
Butane lighters can be seen at just about every gas station or store that you visit. These lighters are normally inexpensive, and as a result are very popular. Most people simply throw butane lighters away if they encounter a problem with them. There are a few things that you can do to try and fix your lighter before you throw it away. There are no guarantees that you can repair your lighter, but it never hurts to try.
Instructions
1. Clean out the inside of the lighter. Hold the lighter at an angle that is slightly tilted away from you face. Shut your eyes and blow into the hole from which the flame is emitted. Insert a cotton tipped applicator (such as a Q-tip) into the hole and wipe out the inside of the lighter. Make sure to clean the tip of the flame pipe, and that it is not covered with grime.
2. Examine the striker wire. Flick the starter wheel to see if the lighter produces a spark. Notice if the direction of the spark is toward the release valve. Find the small wire next to where the spark comes out from the starter wheel. Push the striker wire in slightly toward the middle of the release valve with a small screwdriver. Flick the wheel again to see if the spark now moves toward the release valve.
3. Check the flint. Flick the starter wheel to make sure that the flint sparks. Examine the wheel and see if there is dirt clogging it. Brush the side of the wheel with a small brush or a clean toothbrush. Remove any dirt around the wheel. Remove the starter wheel, if you are able to, and take out the flint and flint spring. Stretch the flint spring out slightly. (The flint will not spark if the spring is not pressing it against the wheel.) Wipe the wheel clean with a rag. Replace the spring, flint and wheel.
