Most aficionados will tell you that when they’re lighting up a premium, hand-rolled cigar, they reach for a torch lighter. Not only do these lighters resist the wind while you get a nice even burn going, but they also don’t impact the taste of the cigar as much as the more common “soft flame” lighters do. Of course, unlike cheaper alternatives, torch lighters require a bit of upkeep. In this article we’ll outline how to keep your torch lighter filled and running optimally.

Refilling Your Torch Lighter

Here’s what you’ll need to effectively refill your torch lighter:
The Lighter
High-Quality Butane (as Close to 100% Pure as Possible)
A Screwdriver (If Lighter Model Requires It)

Before you even touch the can of butane, you’ll want to find the dial on your lighter that controls the flame height. Turn it all the way down (usually towards a minus sign) in order to fill the lighter as thoroughly as possible.

Note: some lighters require a screwdriver to adjust flame height.

Next, hold the butane can upside down, pressing the tip of the nozzle to the filling valve. Keep constant firm pressure as your lighter fills, to avoid air pockets. Once the butane can starts sputtering, you’ll know the lighter is full.

Cleaning Your Torch Lighter’s Jets

If you have a full torch lighter that isn’t lighting, you may want to clean the jets. Before you get started with this, you’ll need the following:
The Lighter
Canned Air
Isopropyl Alcohol
A Small Cotton Swab (Q-Tip)

To begin, blast the jets with some compressed air. This will clear away any larger debris that may be on the jets. Next, dip the cotton swab into the alcohol and carefully wipe the jets with it. Now your jets should be clear of any debris or buildup. If your lighter still isn’t producing a flame, there’s one more thing you can try: bleeding the lighter.

Bleeding Your Torch Lighter

When a torch lighter’s fuel tank has pockets of air in it, the flow of butane can be hindered. If that’s the case, you’ll have to “bleed” the lighter. This can be done by holding the ignition button down until you no longer hear the hissing sound. This means the lighter is empty.

Next, find something with a fine tip (a pen will usually do the trick). Use it to press the filling valve where the butane is injected. This will expel any remaining fluid. Once again, you’ll know it’s done draining when the hissing stops. Now just refill the lighter using the method outlined above. You should be good to go!