Lighter-Instructions

Whether you've picked up a jet flame torch lighter, a Zippo-style flip-top, or one of our electric rechargeable lighters, a little basic care goes a long way. This guide covers refilling, flint replacement, flame adjustment, and troubleshooting for every lighter type we sell — so if something isn't working quite right, check here before reaching out.

Jet Flame & Gas Lighters

How to refill a jet flame lighter

Purge the lighter first. Before refilling, release any trapped air or old gas by pressing the small pin inside the refill valve at the base with a screwdriver or pen tip for 2-3 seconds.
Use standard butane gas. Any quality refined butane canister works — look for "3x refined" or "5x refined" on the label, as cheaper unrefined butane can clog the valve over time.
Turn the lighter upside down. Hold it with the base facing up and insert the canister nozzle firmly into the refill valve.
Press and hold for 3-5 seconds. You'll hear gas entering the tank. Repeat once or twice more with short pauses to fully fill it.
Let it rest for a minute. Give the butane time to settle and reach room temperature before testing.
Test the flame away from your face and adjust if needed (see below).

Adjusting the flame size

Most jet flame lighters have a small adjustment wheel or dial near the base, separate from the refill valve — check carefully before turning anything, since this is different from the gas valve itself. Turn it in small increments and test after each adjustment, since a small turn makes a noticeable difference.

Replacing the flint

Not all jet flame lighters use a flint — many use a piezo electric spark instead, which doesn't wear out the same way. If yours does use a flint wheel, locate the small cap below the wheel, unscrew it carefully (there's a spring inside under tension), drop in a replacement flint, then reassemble in reverse order.

Troubleshooting

Flame won't stay lit: the lighter may need purging, or it might be underfilled. Try purging and refilling fully.
No spark at all: if it uses a flint wheel, the flint may be worn out and needs replacing. If it's a fresh purchase and still won't spark, message us and we'll help directly.
Gas leaking when filling: check you're using the correct nozzle and applying firm, steady pressure rather than short taps.
Weak or sputtering flame: let the lighter sit for a minute after refilling — cold butane needs time to reach the right pressure.

Browse our jet flame lighter collection or see the full gas lighter price guide for more on this lighter type.

Zippo & Zippo-Style Lighters

How to refill with lighter fluid

Pull the metal insert out from the outer case.
Lift the felt pad at the base of the insert.
Apply lighter fluid (naphtha-based, the standard type for flip-top lighters) directly onto the cotton wadding, a little at a time, until it starts to saturate. Don't overfill — excess fluid will leak onto your hand when held.
Replace the felt pad and slide the insert back into the case.
Wait about a minute for the fluid to settle into the wick before lighting.

Replacing the flint

The flint sits in a small spring-loaded chamber on the underside of the insert. Unscrew the small cap at the bottom carefully — the spring inside is under tension — tip out any old flint debris, drop in a fresh flint, then replace the spring and cap.

Replacing the wick

If the flame has become small or weak even with sufficient fluid, the wick may need replacing. Remove the cotton padding with tweezers, thread a new wick through from top to bottom leaving a small amount exposed at the top, then repack the cotton around it before refilling with fluid.

Troubleshooting

Won't ignite at all: check there's enough fluid, and that the flint hasn't worn down — if the wheel spins freely without sparking, it likely needs a new flint.
Flame is too small: make sure the lighter is sufficiently filled, and check the wick isn't charred at the tip — trim it back slightly if so.
Fluid smell but no flame: the wick may need to be pulled up slightly to expose more of it above the felt pad.
Lid feels loose over time: this is common with regular use and isn't usually a fault — a firm click should still be present even if the hinge has slightly loosened.

Browse our Zippo lighter collection or read our full Zippo lighter price and buying guide.

Electric & USB Rechargeable Lighters

How to use and charge

Charge fully before first use. Connect the included USB cable to charge the internal battery — most models take under an hour for a full charge.
Activate the ignition. Depending on the model, this is either a slide mechanism that exposes the coil, or a button that triggers the plasma arc.
Light directly against the source. Hold the coil or arc against what you're lighting — there's no flame to position from a distance, so direct contact is needed.

Maintenance

Store it somewhere dry and at room temperature — avoid leaving it in direct sunlight or a hot car, which can affect battery life over time. Charge it regularly rather than letting it sit fully drained for long periods. If carbon builds up on the coil or arc contacts after extended use, gently clean it with a dry cotton swab, or a swab with a small amount of isopropyl alcohol for a deeper clean, then wipe dry before next use.

Troubleshooting

Won't turn on: check it's charged, and that the activation switch or slide mechanism is moving freely.
Not charging: try a different USB cable or power source, and check the charging port for any visible debris.
Weak arc or coil: this is often a sign the battery is low even if it appears to have charge — try a full charge cycle before assuming a fault.
Doesn't light reliably: make sure contact is direct and held steady for a second or two, since electric ignition needs slightly more direct contact time than an open flame.

Browse our electric lighter collection for our full USB rechargeable range.

Still having an issue after trying the steps above? Message us on WhatsApp and we'll help you sort it out directly — and if it turns out to be a manufacturing fault rather than something fixable, we'll take care of it.