Top
Verified Cigar 101 Menu

How to Fill a Butane Lighter

Are you just starting out with cigars and aren't quite sure how to fill your lighter? Or maybe you had a very kind friend who helped you fill you're lighter for the first time, but now it's empty and you want to learn how to do it for yourself. Well, you are in luck. Refilling your butane lighter is a very simple task that can be completed in just 3 steps, and we're going to guide you through the process. But first, there are a few items you will need before you begin: a lighter, a can of butane, and a small screwdriver or a paper clip. Expert tip: Do not use a pen to purge your lighter as this could cause the pen to explode. Now, let's get started!

Step 1: Purge (or Bleed) the Lighter

A very common mistake when it comes to lighters is not bleeding them before filling them. The reason you need to do this is that after the lighter depletes all the butane in the tank, the gas is replaced with air. The air inside the lighter will prevent more butane from entering the tank. To bleed the lighter:

  • Take a small screwdriver or paper clip and press it directly onto the filler pin of the lighter. You should hear a slight hiss.
  • This process should take 30-60 seconds to complete.

Nica Rustica Adobe Cigars by Drew Estate small banner

Step 2: Fill the Lighter with Butane

Next, we need to refill the butane lighter. We recommend using triple-distilled butane or better. Grab your butane and turn it upside down, then take your lighter and flip it upside down. The reason for this is that your butane can is made up of two parts: propellant and butane. Propellant is lighter than butane and rests on top of it. When the can is flipped upside down, the propellant rises to the top, forcing the butane toward the nozzle.

  • Take the nozzle from the butane and insert it into the filler pin of the lighter.
  • Pressing down on the can will release the butane into the lighter. Once the lighter is full, you should hear a slight gurgling sound and may even see a little butane come out of the filler pin.
Your lighter will be cool to the touch after filling it. Be sure to let it warm up to room temperature before attempting to light it.

Step 3: Make Any Adjustments

Once your lighter has warmed up to room temperature, give it a light and make any adjustments if necessary. Using your flathead screwdriver, turn the adjustment ring to the positive or negative side depending if your flame is too high or too low.

Congratulations, your lighter is now full and you are ready to go light up some enjoyable smokes! Have more questions? Check out our articles on how to cut a cigar, enjoying cigars, and creating a cigar dossier, and you'll be a cigar aficionado in no time!

Nica Rustica Adobe Cigars by Drew Estate main banner
Related Topics:
Cigar Lighters for Beginners Cigar Lighters for Beginners Cigar Accessories for Beginners Cigar Accessories for Beginners View More
Back To Accessories
Are you just starting out with cigars and aren't quite sure how to fill your lighter? Or maybe you had a very kind friend who helped you fill you're lighter for the first time, but now it's empty and you want to learn how to do it for yourself. Well, you are in luck. Refilling your butane lighter is a very simple task that can be completed in just 3 steps, and we're going to guide you through the process. But first, there are a few items you will need before you begin: a lighter, a can of butane, and a small screwdriver or a paper clip. Expert tip: Do not use a pen to purge your lighter as this could cause the pen to explode. Now, let's get started!

Step 1: Purge (or Bleed) the Lighter

A very common mistake when it comes to lighters is not bleeding them before filling them. The reason you need to do this is that after the lighter depletes all the butane in the tank, the gas is replaced with air. The air inside the lighter will prevent more butane from entering the tank. To bleed the lighter:

  • Take a small screwdriver or paper clip and press it directly onto the filler pin of the lighter. You should hear a slight hiss.
  • This process should take 30-60 seconds to complete.

Nica Rustica Adobe Cigars by Drew Estate small banner

Step 2: Fill the Lighter with Butane

Next, we need to refill the butane lighter. We recommend using triple-distilled butane or better. Grab your butane and turn it upside down, then take your lighter and flip it upside down. The reason for this is that your butane can is made up of two parts: propellant and butane. Propellant is lighter than butane and rests on top of it. When the can is flipped upside down, the propellant rises to the top, forcing the butane toward the nozzle.

  • Take the nozzle from the butane and insert it into the filler pin of the lighter.
  • Pressing down on the can will release the butane into the lighter. Once the lighter is full, you should hear a slight gurgling sound and may even see a little butane come out of the filler pin.
Your lighter will be cool to the touch after filling it. Be sure to let it warm up to room temperature before attempting to light it.

Step 3: Make Any Adjustments

Once your lighter has warmed up to room temperature, give it a light and make any adjustments if necessary. Using your flathead screwdriver, turn the adjustment ring to the positive or negative side depending if your flame is too high or too low.

Congratulations, your lighter is now full and you are ready to go light up some enjoyable smokes! Have more questions? Check out our articles on how to cut a cigar, enjoying cigars, and creating a cigar dossier, and you'll be a cigar aficionado in no time!

Nica Rustica Adobe Cigars by Drew Estate main banner
Was this helpful?
Yes 282
No 15