Download Article
A guide to empty and refill your disposable lighter
Download Article
If your lighter is running low on fluid, you might think it’s time to toss it and pick up a new one…but not so fast. It’s super easy to refill your lighter, even if it’s marked as “disposable.” Keep reading to learn how to refill a Bic, Zippo, or wand lighter in just a few easy steps!
Best Way to Refill a Butane Lighter
- Insert a pushpin into the valve at the bottom of the lighter to release any remaining butane.
- Shake the butane can and place the nozzle over the valve at the bottom of the lighter. Press down to refill the lighter.
- Remove the butane can and immediately cover the valve with your thumb. Stick the pushpin back into the valve at the bottom to seal it.
Steps
-
Insert a pushpin into the valve at the bottom of the lighter. Turn the lighter upside down to reveal a valve with a small metal ball inside of it. This is the lighter valve, which needs to be open to refill the lighter. To do so, push the tip of a pushpin over the metal ball to push it into the lighter, then remove the pin. [1] X Research source- When you push the metal ball into the lighter, you’ll be able to hear it moving inside.
-
Make sure the lighter is completely empty. Some fluid may spray out when you remove the pushpin. You want to make sure you empty any excess fluid before refilling the lighter with fresh butane. [2] X Research source
- When the lighter fluid is completely empty, there won’t be any hissing sound coming from the valve. You can check if there’s fluid by flicking the lighter to see if there’s a flame.
-
Place 3 rubber grommets over the nozzle of the butane. Remove the lid of the butane can to reveal a small nozzle on top. Slide 3 rubber grommets over the nozzle so they come just past the tip of the nozzle. This keeps excess butane from spilling out when you refill your lighter. [3] X Research source
- Rubber grommets are small circular rubber devices with a hole in the middle, shaped sort of like a donut.
-
Shake the butane can and then refill the lighter. Hold the lighter upside down (so the valve faces up), then place the nozzle of the butane can into the hole at the bottom of the lighter. Gently push down on the butane container to refill the lighter. [4] X Research source
- Wait about 5 seconds. That's about how long it takes the lighter to fill.
- The rubber will muffle the sound so you may not be able to tell that the lighter is being filled, but it is.
-
Remove the butane can and immediately cover the valve with your thumb. Once you've filled the lighter, remove the butane can to keep it from overflowing. The fluid will spray out if you don't cover the hole, so place your thumb over the hole as soon as you remove the nozzle. [5] X Research source
-
Insert the pushpin back into the hole in the valve. Do this as fast as you can to prevent butane from spilling out. This will remain in the valve to seal it. You will be unable to reuse the factory valve, so you'll have to use a pushpin to seal it. [6] X Research source -
Cut off the top of the pushpin with a metal snipper (optional). Since it looks a little strange to have a pushpin sticking out of the bottom of your lighter, you can use metal snippers to remove the top of the pushpin. Just wrap the snippers over the base of the pushpin and cut. Finish by smoothing the edges of the cut area with a metal file. [7] X Research source
-
Pull the lighter out of the metal case. Open the case of your zippo lighter, and grab both sides of the flint wheel (the grooved circle that you turn with your thumb to create a flame) with your thumb and index finger. Hold the bottom of the lighter with your other hand and pull the metal part up to remove the lighter from its case. [8] X Research source- It should come out easily, but if it’s a newer lighter, you may have to pull a bit harder to get it out.
-
Turn the lighter over and lift the felt pad that reads, “Lift to Fill.” There is a small felt pad on the bottom of a zippo lighter that has "Lift to Fill" written across it. Use your fingers to lift this pad and expose the inside of the lighter. If you can't lift it with your fingers, try using a pushpin or flathead for help. [9] X Research source -
Squirt Zippo Premium fluid into the lighter. Insert the nozzle of the lighter fluid into the compartment just under the lever. Squirt some fluid into the lighter until the padding on the inside is dark and damp. You may want to squeeze the fluid for 3 to 5 second increments and wait 10 seconds for it to soak in. [10] X Research source- If you don’t have Zippo Premium lighter fluid, you can use any lighter fluid you like. Just make sure to transfer it to a smaller squirt bottle so you control how much fluid you add to the lighter.
-
Close the felt pad and reinsert the lighter into the case. Once you're done refilling the lighter, put the felt “Lift to Fill” pad back in its place and reinsert the lighter into its case. It should now be ready for use. [11] X Research source- Warning: Never light your Zippo lighter when it's out of its case—lighter fluid may have leaked during the refilling process and you could end up burning your hand or causing an explosion.
-
Press a screwdriver over the valve at the bottom of the lighter. Flip the lighter upside down to reveal a small hole at the bottom. Push the tip of a screwdriver (or pushpin) into the hole and press down until you don’t hear any noise. This means all the butane has escaped and you can begin refilling the lighter. [12] X Research source -
Insert the nozzle of the butane into the valve of the lighter to refill it. Lower the flame adjustment on the lighter, then hold the lighter and the can of butane vertically so the gas doesn’t get in your face. Shake the butane can, then press the nozzle over the hole at the bottom of the lighter. Fill the lighter with butane for about 3-4 seconds, then check the butane level window to see if it’s filled with liquid. [13] X Research source -
Wait a few minutes to let the butane settle before lighting it. Reset the flame adjustment to its starting position, then give your lighter a minute or so to absorb the butane. As you wait, check the lighter for leaks and wipe up leaked fuel with a paper towel. [14] X Research source- If there are any spills or if you smell even a hint of fumes, wait a few more minutes for these to dissipate.
Expert Q&A
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
Video
Reader Videos
Tips
- Wash your hands after refilling the lighter to make sure you don't have any lighter fluid on them.Thanks
- Use premium butane when filling up your lighters. Over time, the impurities in lower quality fuel will build up and clog your lighter.Thanks
- All gasses are extremely flammable, so refill your lighter in a well-ventilated area.Thanks
Submit a Tip
All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
Name
Please provide your name and last initial
Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
References
- ↑ https://youtu.be/kQb1NTi0Xg8?t=58
- ↑ https://youtu.be/kQb1NTi0Xg8?t=70
- ↑ https://youtu.be/kQb1NTi0Xg8?t=100
- ↑ https://youtu.be/kQb1NTi0Xg8?t=120
- ↑ https://youtu.be/kQb1NTi0Xg8?t=146
- ↑ https://youtu.be/kQb1NTi0Xg8?t=156
- ↑ https://youtu.be/kQb1NTi0Xg8?t=192
- ↑ https://youtu.be/pK1BZshpVQ0?t=30
- ↑ https://youtu.be/pK1BZshpVQ0?t=42
About This Article
Article Summary
X
To put lighter fluid in a Zippo lighter, start by pulling the lighter out of the metal case. Look for a small lever on the bottom of your Zippo that reads “lift to refill,” and use your fingers to lift it. Once the lever is lifted, insert the nozzle of your Zippo premium fluid into the compartment just under the lever. Squirt some fluid into the lighter. When you’re done, close the lever and reinsert the lighter into the case. To learn how to refill an extended-reach or wand lighter, keep reading!
Did this summary help you?
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 796,915 times.
