Lighters are a requirement for smokers; unless you choose to use matches, of course. However, lighters are far more convenient than matches and also more economical. That said, butane lighters and even jet lighters can have problems with operation. One of the most common problems associated with any type of lighter is a failure to ignite, accompanied by a hissing sound.
One of the most common problems with lighters is a hissing sound when attempting to light it. When you depress the igniter, no flame appears. Instead, your lighter makes a strange hissing sound. What are you to do about this? What could the problem be? Youll find that this problem is largely associated with jet lighters, but even disposable butane lighters can be beset with this problem. Here, youll find the steps you need to follow to rectify the situation.
First, check the top of the lighter to ensure that there is no debris blocking the fuel emission area. Be careful not to depress the igniter switch when doing this. Usually, a simple visual inspection is all that is required to ensure that nothing is blocking the fuel from escaping or the lighter from lighting. Once you have ensured that there is nothing obstructing the lighter from operating, youll need to move on to the next step.
The most common problem that causes a hissing sound with a failure to ignite, is the flame height selector being set too high. Check your flame adjuster to determine just how high you have that flame set. On disposable lighters, this will be a simple plastic slide set on the back of the lighter, just below the base of the metal lighter cap. On more expensive jet lighters, the flame adjuster will most likely be located on the bottom of the lighter, usually near (or surrounding) the refill port.
On a jet lighter, you will need to use a small flathead screwdriver or a similar tool. The adjustment is made toward the minus symbol. However, do not turn the adjuster fully toward the minus sign; rather, turn it a small amount and then check to see if the lighter will ignite. If it will not, then continue to adjust the height of the flame downward until it does. It may take some fine-tuning to achieve the best flame height possible, so be patient. However, if you adjust the flame height to the very minimum and your lighter still does not ignite, you should contact the manufacturer to determine your course of action.
Dave Sabot is the owner of an online cigar lighters store. With expert knowledge of cigar accessories, including zippo lighters, Dave also authors a highly rated blog featuring lighter repair.
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