Beatrice Lang
There are several reasons why your Clipper electric lighter may not be working, and luckily, most of them are simple to fix. The first thing to do is to check if the fuel tank is empty or the flint is gone. If the flint is the issue, you can simply replace it with a new one. If your lighter's wheel isn't spinning, clean out any rust or dirt blocking it with a cotton swab or toothpick. If your lighter's flame is small or non-existent, you can try refuelling it with butane and loosening the nozzle to allow more fuel to pass through. If your lighter has gotten wet, wipe it off and blow air into the fuel hole and onto the spark wheel to dry it. If the spark still isn't right, you can try increasing the force pushing the flint stone into the wheel or changing the wheel altogether.
How to Fix a Clipper Electric Lighter
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Problem | Lighter's wheel isn't spinning |
| Solution | Use a cotton swab or toothpick to clean out any rust or dirt blocking it |
| Problem | Lighter's flame is small or non-existent |
| Solution | Refuel with butane and/or loosen the nozzle that releases fuel |
| Problem | Lighter is wet |
| Solution | Wipe it off, blow air into the fuel hole and onto the spark wheel to dry them, and rub the spark wheel against a hard surface |
| Problem | No spark |
| Solution | Replace the flint with a new one |
| Problem | Wheel spins too freely |
| Solution | Increase the force pushing the flint stone into the wheel or change the wheel |
| Problem | Old flint |
| Solution | Pull out the spark wheel, twist the lighter's cap loose, pull out the cap and spring, and replace the flint |
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What You'll Learn
Replacing the flint
To replace the flint in a Clipper electric lighter, you will need a replacement flint, which should be small and cylindrical in shape, and a flathead screwdriver. Optionally, you may want to use pliers if you have weak or clumsy fingers.
First, grab the flint wheel and pull it up. You will notice that Clipper lighters have a separate flint assembly that simply pulls out. Next, flip the mechanism upside down so that the groove is facing up. Then, use the top of the lighter housing to twist the cap loose. Set aside the lighter once it becomes loose enough to do it by hand.
After that, pull on the cap, and the spring will come out with it. Now, flip the mechanism and tap on the bottom so that the old flint falls out. Finally, insert the new flint and reassemble the lighter in the reverse order.
If you feel that the spark is not right after replacing the flint, you have two options: either increase the force pushing the flint stone into the wheel or change the wheel altogether. One user suggested adding a spacer between the spring and the flint, such as a small screw or a second flint.
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Cleaning the spark pads
Firstly, disassemble the lighter by pulling out the flint wheel and removing the metal surrounding the flame. This will expose the spark pads and flint tube. It is recommended to use a flathead screwdriver for this step, and pliers can also be useful if you have clumsy or weak fingers.
Once the lighter is disassembled, use a cotton swab or toothpick to clean the spark pads. Soak the swab or toothpick in rubbing alcohol or lighter fluid to effectively remove any built-up residue or dirt. Be careful not to use water as this could cause the lighter to malfunction. Gently wipe down the spark pads and surrounding areas to ensure they are clean and free of debris.
If the spark pads are particularly dirty or clogged, you may need to use a needle to carefully dislodge any stubborn buildup. Gently poke the needle into the nozzle and spark wheel areas to increase gas flow and improve sparking. Be cautious not to scratch or damage the spark pads during this process.
After cleaning, ensure that the spark pads are dry before reassembling the lighter. You can use a soft, dry cloth to wipe down the spark pads and absorb any remaining moisture. Once the spark pads are completely dry, carefully replace the flint tube and wheel, following the reverse steps of the disassembly process.
Finally, test the lighter to ensure it is functioning properly. Hold down the button with your thumb and spin the wheel with your index finger to create a spark. If the lighter does not spark, you may need to adjust the flint tube or consider replacing the flint stone or wheel entirely.
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Refuelling with butane
Refilling a Clipper lighter is a simple process, but there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure safety and success. Firstly, it is important to use high-quality butane gas, which is readily available online or at local stores. Before beginning the refuelling process, ensure that the butane container is stored safely and still contains gas.
To start, hold the Clipper lighter downwards to avoid air entering the lighter during the refill. This is an important step as air bubbles can affect the performance of the lighter. Using the butane container, squeeze the gas into the refill spot on the lighter for around three seconds. Check whether the lighter is filled by observing if the gas level has reached the maximum line or by testing the weight of the lighter. If necessary, repeat the process until the lighter is full.
It is also recommended to check the flint of the lighter during refuelling. The flint is a crucial component that can wear out over time, affecting the lighter's performance. To check the flint, remove the little metal wheel at the bottom of the lighter, where a tube containing the flint is located. If the flint appears worn or damaged, consider replacing it.
Additionally, some users suggest ""bleeding" the lighter before refuelling. This involves using a small tool, such as a screwdriver, to carefully press on the valve in the middle of the refill spot while holding the lighter upside down. This releases any remaining gas and prevents overfilling. However, be cautious as the released gas can spray out in liquid form if the lighter is overfilled or not held upside down.
By following these steps, refuelling a Clipper lighter with butane gas can be a safe and straightforward task, ensuring the lighter's performance and longevity. Remember always to handle butane with caution and follow safety guidelines to prevent any accidents.
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Adjusting the flint wheel
Removing the Flint Wheel:
Start by pulling upwards on the flint wheel, also known as the spark wheel, to remove it from the lighter. You may use a pen or a flathead screwdriver to help pry it up if needed. Once the flint wheel is removed, set it aside safely.
Inspecting the Flint:
After removing the flint wheel, you will have access to the flint assembly. Inspect the flint for any signs of wear or damage. If the flint is significantly worn down or damaged, it is recommended to replace it with a new one. Small, cylindrical flints designed for lighters can be purchased from various retailers.
Adjusting the Flint Position:
If the flint is still in good condition but needs adjustment, you can try repositioning it. One side of the flint may appear shiny and worn, while the other side should be relatively untouched. Simply turn the flint around so that the unworn end is facing the striker wheel. This will ensure a better spark and prolong the life of the flint.
Adding a Spacer:
If you find that the flint wheel spins too freely, you can add a spacer between the spring and the flint to increase the force pushing the flint against the wheel. A small piece of a screw or an additional flint can be used as a spacer. This will help improve the spark and reduce any loose or limp spinning of the striker wheel.
Reassembling the Lighter:
Once you have adjusted or replaced the flint, reassemble the lighter by placing the spring back into position. If your lighter has a plastic base, screw it back in securely. Finally, push the flint wheel assembly back into the lighter, ensuring it is securely in place. Test the lighter to ensure it sparks correctly, and make any necessary adjustments.
Remember to handle the lighter components carefully and follow the steps in reverse if you need to disassemble the flint wheel again for further adjustments.
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Drying the lighter
If your Clipper electric lighter has gotten wet, there are several ways to dry it out and get it working again.
Firstly, wipe the lighter off as best you can. Then, blow air into the fuel hole and onto the spark wheel to dry them. You can also rub the spark wheel against a hard surface until you see sparks. The friction will help to dry it out.
If you are out camping and don't have access to a hard surface, you can use the bottom of your shoe to rub the lighter and dry it out. Alternatively, turn the lighter upside down and rub it quickly on a solid surface.
It is important to note that you should never use water to clean your lighter, as this could cause it to malfunction. Always store your lighters in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources to prevent fuel evaporation and reduce fire risk.
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Frequently asked questions
There could be several reasons for your lighter not working. Firstly, check if the fuel tank is empty or the flint is gone. If the flint is worn out, it could be due to the newer hexagonal flint wheel design, which causes the flint to be used up unevenly. Other reasons could be a blocked wheel, a wet lighter, or a clogged nozzle.
To fix the flint issue, you can either increase the force pushing the flint stone into the wheel or change the wheel. You can also add a spacer between the spring and the flint, such as a small screw or a second flint. Remember to purchase a replacement flint that is small and cylindrical.
Use a cotton swab or toothpick to clean out any rust or dirt that might be blocking the wheel.
If your lighter's flame is small or non-existent, try loosening the nozzle that releases fuel so more comes out. If this does not work, refuel your lighter with butane. Remember to bleed all the remaining fuel out of your lighter first and keep the lighter away from your face and flammable objects during the refuelling process.
