Brothers (and Sisters) of the Leaf are also Keepers of the Flame.

Butane torch lighters have got to be the handiest yet most frustrating cigar accessory you can own. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a $5.00 off-brand or a $500.00 Dupont, torch lighters are very temperamental and all are plagued by the same problems. From moisture to altitude, air pockets to dirt and the butane you use, there is no shortage of factors working against you when you reach for your torch. While many aficionados simply replace their lighters as frequently as possible, there are several easy steps that you can take to ensure a long life for your lighter.

There are a couple I’ve grown very attached to over time and I’d like to keep them around for awhile….so heed the words and learn the lesson, my brethren:

Step 1: Drain your lighter completely of its fuel prior to each refill. It takes a couple of extra minutes, but it makes a big difference. Do not simply rely on the ignition for this, instead, take a small screw driver or ball point pen and use it to depress the fill nozzle on the lighter. Be sure the nozzle is pointed in a safe direction before doing this, as the fuel will spray from the lighter with some intensity. Continue this step until the lighter is no longer releasing fuel or air.

This step is critical as most often, air pockets in the fuel tank inhibit the flow of gas.

Step 2: With your lighter empty, refill it using fuel that has been refined a minimum of three times. Try to avoid butane purchased outside of a tobacconist. Fuel available at drug stores or hardware stores is often dirty and will only create more problems.

Step 3: With your lighter now full, adjust the output all the way to the “+” indicator for maximum output. With the gas on high, press the ignition several times to ensure gas is flowing from the lighter. After you’ve verified the lighter is releasing gas, turn the output to the middle range and test it again.

Step 4: The final step is to clean the jets. With the lid of the lighter open, use a compressed air canister (a can of keyboard cleaner works well) and spray air into the top portion of the lighter. This will ensure any dust on the jets is clear so your lighter will work at full capacity.

A lighter can be one of your most reliable accessories if it is cared for correctly. If you use yours every day, I’d recommend you do this on a monthly basis.

Till next time…keep herfin!