How to Bleed a Torch Lighter and Keep It Burning Right
If you smoke cigars, sooner or later you're going to have a torch lighter that suddenly decides it doesn't want to cooperate.
You refill it. You try it again. Maybe you get a weak flame, a sputter, or nothing at all.
Before you throw it in the drawer and reach for another lighter, there is a good chance the problem isn't the lighter.
It may simply need to be bled — or purged.
I've learned that keeping a good torch lighter running properly is a lot like taking care of a good cigar. A little maintenance goes a long way.
Here's The Steps to Bleed a Torch Lighter
Safety alert! Make sure the lighter is completely extinguished and of course, away from any flame or ignition source. - Best to do this outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
Turn the lighter upside down and locate the small fuel-fill valve on the bottom.
Using a small screwdriver or a tool designed for releasing the valve, gently press the valve inward.
You'll hear a hissing sound as the pressure escapes.
I usually hold the valve down for several seconds and then release it. If the lighter still has pressure, repeat the process.
The goal is to empty the fuel reservoir so you're starting with a clean slate.
Here is a lesson I've learned
You may see people recommending a paper clip or even a ballpoint pen to push the valve.
Tried it - I wouldn't.
Use a micro (small) screwdriver or buy a proper lighter-purging tool - of course Amazon has one, check out the one I bought - I added a link to the end of this post so you can check it out.
Let's Refill It
Now that the lighter has been completely purged, let's refill it.
Turn the lighter upside down and insert the nozzle of your butane can firmly into the refill valve.
Press down gently and allow the butane to flow into the lighter.
When the lighter is full, give the lighter a few minutes before trying to ignite it.
Give your lighter Time to Warm Up
Liquid butane is very cold as it enters the lighter so I like to let mine sit for five to ten minutes to return to room temperature before lighting it.
Don't forget to adjust the flame, now give it a test. You should get a flame like a jet engine.
Use Good Butane
I made the mistake early in my cigar journey by buying cheap fluid at a 7-11 or some other convenience store. I learned torch lighters have tiny jets. Lower quality butane contain impurities and will eventually clog those jets or affect the consistency of the flame. I've thrown out $30 - $60 lighters becasue I didn't know the difference.
For my good cigar lighters, I prefer Triple-refined butane 99.99%. The best results have been XIKAR and Colibri. You’ll find these brands at your cigar humidor, on- line or at major liquor stores like Bevmo.
Look, purging isn't something you need to do every time you refill. If your lighter is working properly, leave it alone. But if you've refilled it several times and suddenly it won't hold a flame or seems to run out almost immediately, purging the reservoir is one of the first things I'd try.
The Oregon Man's Take
I've come to appreciate the little rituals that go along with enjoying a cigar.
Cut the cigar properly.
Give the cigar time.
And keep your lighter working properly.
A good torch lighter is one of those cigar accessories you don't think much about — until it doesn't work!
There's nothing worse than sitting down with a cigar you've been looking forward to, pouring yourself a good whiskey, putting on some jazz and discovering your lighter has decided to take the night off. A five-minute purge and a little maintenance can usually prevent that.
Good cigar. Good whiskey. Good music.
The lighter should be the easy part!
Click on the video produced by XIKAR, makers of premium butane, lighters and cigar tools for a video on how to purge your lighter - https://youtu.be/780JfSc0g4M?si=AaQIh3MMlnvkr5Tv
Purging Tool - https://a.co/d/078Lv1vK
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