Fire. We’ve all been fascinated by it since we were kids; the discovery of fire was an incredible evolutionary step in human history. As such, none can deny playing with matches as a kid or thinking that one of the coolest things ever was a Zippo lighter.
But what we didn’t know at that time was that there are many types of lighters, aside from the disposable Bic lighter we all knew, such as variations with electric ignition or different types of fuels. Who knew, right?
We might as well say a few words about fuel types.
Depending on what refillable lighter you decide upon, you need to know what type of fuel it uses – no need to carry around something you don’t need; then again, fuel is fuel and will always come in handy in survival situations. Let’s move on.
It should be considered that the wrong fuel might break your lighter, which is definitely not a good idea. But before going off the grid, it might be useful to learn just a bit more about each of the fuel types you might encounter when using a lighter.
- Butane is affordable and easy to find, at least today, although it’s highly flammable and easy to lose – one tiny crack in the canister, and it’s gone.
- Naphtha is more common in burners, which means a wick is needed before using it. Extremely volatile, this fuel requires attention when handled.
- Charcoal is the type of fuel you usually use when lighting up your grill and preparing for a feast. Made with a petroleum solvent, this is not that common and not easy to find in difficult situations.
You probably realize by now that there are a few types of lighters out there. Which one is your favorite, that is something we will find out by the end of this list. Meanwhile, we should say a few words about each one, thus making sure you make an informed decision. Here we go!
You’ve seen one, even as a kid – in movies, or people using them at Rock concerts. A Zippo lighter is small and easy to use, you simply set them down and let them burn. A bit on the heavy side, with this lighter the fuel tends to evaporate – this means, having it sit there for no reason will mean that the next time you need it won’t be of use.
Zippo lighters have been mesmerizing us for almost a century now; you just spin a spark wheel against a flint inside, and a spark ignites fluid in a wick. The latter will remain lit until you cut off the Oxygen supply by closing the lid.
They will last forever, although you might need to replace the flint from time to time; and windy conditions will not turn these lighters off. Also worth mentioning is that it not be a good idea to use alternative fuels; some may clog it, others can cause your lighter to explode.
Make sure you are careful when you refuel this lighter; accidents may happen – like adding a bit too much fuel, dripping, and trying out the lighter quickly afterward. You may find yourselves with your hand on fire as I did.
Since the fuel evaporates in 3 to 4 days, Zippos are not a good idea if you plan on going camping. However, if you want to make a cool statement: go for it!
Not designed for Stormtroopers, if that’s what you were thinking about, these lighters can handle anything. They were meant to offer security, in the sense that starting a fire will be possible, regardless of what’s going on around you. This means that bad weather conditions won’t ruin the day, and since these lighters are also waterproof, good news seem to keep on coming.
Small in size and light on the pocket, these lighters are just what you needed to be part of your survival kit, but you should also consider that cold temperatures make them difficult to operate and you will require a bit of cash to make use of since fuel is a bit more expensive. It might be worth it, though.
What type of lighter are you looking for?
Yes, you might not even know that – yet. But, before making a decision, you should be aware of the fact that not all lighters are created equal.
You should consider all the different options and might make the difference between a happy end or not – feel free to ignore all this drama and let’s just hope you won’t have to go through such moments, ever.
What are the long Bic lighters called?
FAQ
What are long lighters for?
What are those fancy lighters called?
What is a mega lighter?
What are flip lighters called?
What are the different types of lighters?
If you want to know more about the different types of lighters and the most popular lighter brands, keep on reading. 01. Sparkwheel Lighters 02. Piezo Spark Ignition Lighters 03. Butane Torch Lighters 04. Capsule Lighter 05. Zippo-Style Lighters 06. Plasma Lighters 07. Electric Coil Lighter 08. Candle Lighters 09. Pipe Lighters 10. Permanent Match
What are pipe lighters?
Other than this design eccentricity, pipe lighters are either of the Zippo-type with an open fuel reservoir or of the typical sparkwheel type akin to other disposable lighters. Some even operate using a ring of butane jets like a torch lighter.
Are all lighters the same?
Not all lighters are created equal. Some are built for ease of use, others are made for the outdoors, while some are purpose-built for backyard cookouts. Most lighters use fuel. A refillable lighter is a lighter that can be refilled when the fuel is finished, which makes it reusable.
What type of lighter should I buy?
You may want to check if you fall into any of these categories: Zippo style lighter – portable, easy to use, stylish, and windproof Electric coil lighter – no need to refill with fuel, charging with electricity makes it a convenient lighter at home. You may want to check out the popular lighter brands to make choosing a bit easier for you.