Butane torch lighters are one of the most commonly used lighters in our day-to-day life. They are simple, affordable, and does not need that much preparation to light them up. We use them in various applications that start from simply lighting a candle to making a bonfire.
However, just like any other torch lighter, your butane torch lighter also runs out of fuel after being used several times. That is when you need to refill it properly. The purpose of this article is to help you in doing that. So, stay to the end to have all the knowledge that you should have regarding it.
Butane Torch Lighter Working Process
A butane torch lighter lights up as you ignite the gas. But does it stay as gas in the tank? Not really. Butane is a gas that can get liquified with just a small amount of pressure. Release that, and it gets back to gas.
When you open the gas valve of your butane torch, the pressure decreases. It turns the liquid butane into gas. They then come out and get ignited after you pull a trigger or strike a flint. The diagram shows the parts of a simple butane torch lighter-
Perks of Using a Butane Lighter
In case you are using a butane torch lighter but do not understand how it is benefiting you, then look at these points below-
- A butane torch lighter is highly eco-friendly. It is because of how butane lighter does not waste any unnecessary amount of gas.
- They are cost-efficient. A butane lighter works like a candle. When lit, a candle drains just enough amount of wax to burn. Like that, butane torch lighters burn just the right amount of gas. So, you can refill it less often than other fueled torch lighters.
- They are versatile. You can use them in most places, including your kitchen and fireplace.
- They are much safer and reliable than other fuels.
Preparation
As you are working with flammable gas, you need to prepare the environment properly. Not to mention, you should also collect some instruments to perform the refilling process. Follow these steps-
- Go to a place with proper ventilation. Since you will be opening the lighter, the remaining butane can harm your eyes. So, make sure that there is enough air going in and out of the room.
- Take out all the flammable objects from the area. Even though you are not going to ignite the fire in the main part of the project, it is still advised to remove all those stuff. If you do ignite for testing and any butane gas remains in the air, anything can catch fire.
- Remember that there can be oil-spill. So, lay down something on the surface of the table you will work on.
- Since your lighter can be hot after usage, be sure that it is cooled down.
- Collect a screw.
Removing Any Pre-existing Butane
Before refilling the lighter, you must purge it. Otherwise, the remaining butane will act as an obstacle for the new butane that you will inject. Not to mention, if the new butane is not the same as the old one, mixing them will not be good. The process of draining the pre-existing butane is below-
- Start by setting the flame height to the exact minimum. It depends on the system that your lighter has. If it has a wheel or button to set the flame height, then use that. If it does not, then there should be an adjusting screw. Turn it using a screwdriver until the screw is tight.
- Now move the face of the lighter away from you. Press on the refilling-valve. This will remove the gas from the lighter. During this time, you will hear a hissing sound. If it stops, that means the lighter is completely empty.
Filling the Butane Torch Lighter
Once the lighter is empty, it is time to inject the butane. Here is the step-by-step guide to that-
- Remember that if any air goes into the lighter, it will be an obstacle for the butane. It may end up damaging the lighter. So, you must hold it upside down while inserting the butane inside.
- Get some triple refined butane for the refilling process. Do not go for any random butane refiller as there are many on the market. Some may be of pretty low quality. So, choose it carefully.
- Now it is time to prepare the refiller butane can. Remember that there will be some heavy butane that stays at the bottom of the can. To perfectly dilute the butane inside the refiller butane can, shake it 5-6 times.
- Remember to keep the lighter upside down. With that position, inject the nozzle of the refiller can into the valve of the lighter. That will make the butane gas flow to the lighter. Do not bend the lighter during the refilling.
- If the nozzle does not fit the valve tightly, then use an adaptor.
- If the set-up is complete, pump the butane into the lighter. Use 2-3 bursts of three-seconds. If your lighter has a gauge, track the fuel level to understand how much it is filled.
- Once the lighter is full, the butane will start to leak out. That is when you should stop. Be sure not to overload the lighter with butane.
- Afterward, remove the refiller can and use your screwdriver to increase the flame height. This time, use anti-clockwise rotation. You can just increase it a bit.
- Wait for 5-10 minutes for any butane in the air of the room to go away. Keep the ventilation on. During this time, the butane inside the lighter will also reach room temp.
- Now keeping the lighter a bit away from you, light it. Make sure that it is flaming properly and the flame height is not lower than how you have set it. If that is the case, then you got to add a bit more butane.
- Store the butane torch lighter safely and securely.
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Final Note
A butane torch lighter is an amazing tool and can ease up any task that requires fire. But while using and handling it, you got to be extremely careful. Never let children go near the lighter. We also recommend putting on a mask and goggles while filling the lighter.
