How to Remove a Safety Band from a Bic Lighter

There's also a somewhat simpler solution to the problem that may be just as reliable as the one above (though it can depend on your lighter brand which works best for you):

1. 
   1
   Simply take a fork and insert one of the side prongs into the top of the lighter between the 2 wheels, and simply force it up. (You may have to use a thinner item, such as a small screwdriver, or a thicker paperclip; depends on the brand, again. For a Bic, a fork should work pretty well.) This forces the safety out from the prongs which hold it in -- although it should be mentioned, for the sake of safety, that sometimes it pops out fully and can hit you in the eye. (Use safety glasses, I guess?) ^[5]
2. 
   2
   From there you can simply use needle-nose pliers or fingers as above to remove it fully. This often saves you from having to re-adjust the prongs, which can often nick your thumb, even after they've been flattened. If the prongs actually came undone, just push them back in with a hard flat object, such as the butt end of the screwdriver. You can even just press them against the edge of the table.
Advertisement

The pocket knife method may be the easiest of all. Check this out:

1. 
   1
   Get a pocket knife out, and bring it in from the side, under the band but above the wheel. ^[6]
2. 
   2
   Pry up, and watch out: the band usually flies right off. Pointing the lighter downwards is a very good idea. Usually this method leaves the prongs intact; you won't have to bend them back down if this is done properly. Might take a try or two, but this should keep you honest enough of a cool guy/girl. ^[7]
Advertisement