Even the most expensive lighters will occasionally have problems. In many cases, these problems stem from incorrect handling. In rare cases, there may be a manufacturer-related problem with the device. How these issues are addressed will depend largely upon the origins of the problem. Expensive lighters generally have a warantee and can be replaced if found defective. If not, high-end lighters are oftentimes still repairable and this may prove the best option for resolving the issue.

Butane cigar lighters of the high-end variety oftentimes have powerful jets which are designed to be both windproof and to provide a hot flame and an even light. These butane lighters use gas under pressure as their fuel and a complex system of valves to provide the fuel. These valves can go bad if treated incorrectly or if contaminated with impurities. Oftentimes, the first symptom of a valve problem will be a hissing noise emitting from the lighter.

If the hissing noise is always audible, it generally means that there is a severe leak somewhere in the lighter and that there is a hazard of having the lighter explode. Lighters found in this condition should not be filled. For obvious reasons, they will lose all their fuel in short order and may prove impossible to fill from the start. Do not keep such lighters filled and in one’s pocket! It’s best to let them run out of fuel on their own.

If the torch has a slow hiss and can still be lit-again, one should not attempt this-the leak may be simply the result of a leak on the refill valve or another part of the device but the leak may not have become a catastrophic issue as of yet. Any leak of pressurized gas, however, will likely be a problem that will get worse with time. A leaking torch is not a safe device and should not be used until it is properly fixed by a qualified individual.

If a lighter starts hissing, one can drain out all the butane by depressing the release valve enough to allow the free flow of the gas without triggering the ignition mechanism. This is usually the best first measure. Check the burn area to see if there is an obvious obstruction or damage to the device. If so, bring it to a qualified repair tech. If the lighter continually runs out of fuel, hold it to one’s ear to check for the hissing sound.

Dave Sabot is the owner of specialty cigar lighters store. With expert knowledge of cigar accessories, including lotus lighters, Dave also authors a highly rated blog featuring information on how to lighter repair.

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