There is more to the cigar than smoking one – any self-respecting cigar enthusiast knows that. And one thing that you have to pay careful attention to when lighting your cigar is your lighter. There are lighters and there are lighters. With cigars, it is best to use butane lighters. They are not that expensive anyway but provide a good burn. But sometimes, they break down. You might think that it’s easy enough to buy one but why not make the life your butane lighter longer? In the long run, it will save you money and we can all use that these days. So how can you take care of your butane lighter?
Cigar Advisor has these very useful tips:
• When the lighter is empty, “bleed” it by pressing the tip of a ball point pen against the fuel filling valve to release all the excess gas. If you can, also do this by gently depressing the lighter switch and releasing as much gas as you can from that end, too.
• Using a can of compressed air, blow into the burner chamber (where the flame ignites) to clean out any sediment deposits.
• Check the flame height adjustment. Try to set it where it will light even when fuel is low.
• Never mix fuels and avoid using bargain brand butane. Use only premium butane made by a reputable manufacturer. The cheap stuff can actually clog the system.
The good thing about doing these things is that even if your butane lighter is not totally busted, employing these practices just might make it work like new.
Originally posted on November 16, 2008 @ 6:13 am