Your lighter is the key to enjoying that smoke, whether you enjoy cigars, cigarettes or pipes. However, if you do not maintain your lighter (and even if you do), you'll find that you need to occasionally replace parts on it. While rare, some lighters will eventually need the flint wheel replaced. This is an excellent reason to buy Zippo lighters, as they come with a full lifetime warranty. If the wheel needs to be replaced, you can simply mail the lighter in and the company will replace it at no charge to you.
Other manufacturers offer warranties as well, but not all of them do. If your lighter does not have a warranty, you need to know how to proceed with repairs and replacement. First, you should locate the lighter's serial number. Usually, this is found stamped on the bottom of the outer case. However, you might find it located on the inside of the outer case, or even on the insert somewhere. Once you have the serial number, you will need to order replacement parts from the manufacturer. This can usually be done online, though not always.
If you have access to another, similar lighter, you can often determine if the flint wheel is compatible by looking at the mounting method. Some of the mounting methods used in the industry include rivets, slide bars and plastic mounts. If the flint wheel seems to be compatible, you can remove it from the donor lighter and install it on your lighter.
However, you will find that the process of flint wheel removal and installation vary considerably throughout the industry. Some common types of mounting include plastic bars, metal bars and rivets, though other methods do exist, as well. You will need to find out if you have the required tools to remove and mount the flint wheel before beginning the job.
Rivets are the most commonly used method to mount the flint wheel. To remove the rivet from the donor lighter, you only need a pair of needle-nose pliers. However, to install the new rivet, along with the replacement flint wheel, you'll need a pop rivet tool, as well as a replacement rivet. Do not attempt the installation if you do not have the correct tools, as this can result in damage to your lighter.
Other manufacturers offer warranties as well, but not all of them do. If your lighter does not have a warranty, you need to know how to proceed with repairs and replacement. First, you should locate the lighter's serial number. Usually, this is found stamped on the bottom of the outer case. However, you might find it located on the inside of the outer case, or even on the insert somewhere. Once you have the serial number, you will need to order replacement parts from the manufacturer. This can usually be done online, though not always.
If you have access to another, similar lighter, you can often determine if the flint wheel is compatible by looking at the mounting method. Some of the mounting methods used in the industry include rivets, slide bars and plastic mounts. If the flint wheel seems to be compatible, you can remove it from the donor lighter and install it on your lighter.
However, you will find that the process of flint wheel removal and installation vary considerably throughout the industry. Some common types of mounting include plastic bars, metal bars and rivets, though other methods do exist, as well. You will need to find out if you have the required tools to remove and mount the flint wheel before beginning the job.
Rivets are the most commonly used method to mount the flint wheel. To remove the rivet from the donor lighter, you only need a pair of needle-nose pliers. However, to install the new rivet, along with the replacement flint wheel, you'll need a pop rivet tool, as well as a replacement rivet. Do not attempt the installation if you do not have the correct tools, as this can result in damage to your lighter.
About the Author:
Dave Sabot is the owner of specialty lighters store. With expert knowledge of cigar accessories, including lotus lighters, Dave also authors a highly rated blog featuring lighter repair.
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