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How to Refill a BIC Lighter | For Pros for New Pros

Last Updated: July 12, 2023
BIC Lighters

Greetings, fellow survivalists! Today, we’re going to talk about the trusty BIC lighter and how to refill it. BIC lighters have been a staple in survival kits for decades, and for a good reason. They are reliable, easy to use, and have a long shelf life. In this article, we’ll take a brief look at the history of BIC lighters and teach you how to refill them.

History of BIC Lighters

The BIC lighter was first introduced in 1973 and quickly became popular due to its reliability and ease of use. The design of the BIC lighter has remained relatively unchanged since its inception, and it is now a household name in many countries worldwide. BIC lighters are known for their dependability, which is a vital characteristic in any survival situation. Whether you’re starting a fire to stay warm or cooking food, a BIC lighter is a tool that you can count on.

How to Refill a BIC Lighter

Now that you know the history of BIC lighters let’s talk about how to refill them.

Here’s a step-by-step guide:

StepSurvivalist Skill Learned
Step 1: Hold the lighter upright and remove the metal casingDexterity
Step 2: Using a flathead screwdriver, remove the metal guardTool Use
Step 3: Point the nozzle of the butane fuel canister at the refill valveHand-eye coordination
Step 4: Press the canister into the valve and hold it in placePatience
Step 5: Allow the fuel to flow into the lighter for about 10 secondsTime Management
Step 6: Release the fuel canister and replace the metal guard and casingAttention to Detail

And voila! Your BIC lighter is now refilled and ready to use. It’s that simple! Refilling your BIC lighter can save you money and ensure that you always have a reliable tool in your survival kit.

In conclusion, the BIC lighter is a dependable tool that has stood the test of time. Its design has remained relatively unchanged for nearly 50 years, which is a testament to its effectiveness. Knowing how to refill your BIC lighter is a valuable skill that can save you money and provide you with a reliable tool in any survival situation. So go ahead and give it a try, and as always, stay safe and prepared.

Expert’s Note:

While the above comment provides a helpful guide for modifying BIC lighters to make them easier to refill, it is important to note that any modification to the lighter can be dangerous and should be done with extreme caution. Always use proper safety equipment and follow all instructions carefully to avoid injury or damage to the lighter. Additionally, modifying the lighter in any way will likely void its warranty, so proceed at your own risk. It is also worth noting that tampering with a BIC lighter in any way may make it unsafe for use and could potentially cause harm, so use your best judgment when deciding whether or not to make any modifications.

Method One: Push Pin Plug Method

Here is a step-by-step guide to refilling a Bic lighter using the Push Pin Plug method:

Supplies Needed:

  • Push pin/thumbtack
  • Rubber grommets, rubber gasket, or wide rubber band
  • Snips or pliers and a file (optional)

Method: Step 1: Open the Valve at the Bottom of the Lighter Insert the push pin into the small hole at the bottom of the Bic lighter to push the ball inside the lighter that seals the gas in the reservoir. If the lighter is not empty, be prepared for a spray of butane.

Step 2: Place Grommets Over Butane Canister Valve To prevent the butane from spraying all over the place, put a rubber grommet or gasket over the valve. If neither is available, a wide rubber band can work as a substitute. Use the push pin to make a small hole in the rubber band and put the valve through it.

Step 3: Fill the Lighter Hold the lighter upside down and fill it with butane. It should take approximately 30 seconds to fill a classic-size Bic lighter.

Step 4: Cover the Hole with Thumb As you remove the butane canister, quickly cover the hole in the Bic lighter with your thumb to prevent the butane from spilling out.

Step 5: Seal the Hole with Push Pin Remove your thumb and quickly insert the push pin into the hole to plug it and prevent the butane from escaping. If the push pin looks unsightly, you can use snips or pliers to shorten it and a file to smooth it down. Alternatively, you can use a flathead push pin. Keep in mind that this method may not provide a perfect seal and could result in butane leaking from the lighter, particularly if you attempt to refill the same Bic lighter multiple times.

Method Two: Butane Refill Kit

Using a butane refill kit is a more reliable way to refill your Bic lighter, and it’s also less messy than the push pin method. You can purchase a butane refill kit at any local hardware store or online.

Supplies Needed:

Butane refill kit Bic lighter

Step 1: Locate Valve at the Bottom of the Lighter Turn the lighter upside down and locate the valve at the bottom of the lighter. The valve is a small hole with a tiny ball inside it.

Step 2: Insert Refill Nozzle Insert the refill nozzle of the butane refill kit into the valve at the bottom of the lighter.

Step 3: Press the Nozzle and Fill the Lighter Press the nozzle of the refill kit and fill the lighter with butane. Fill the lighter for about 5 seconds, or until it is full.

Step 4: Release Pressure and Remove Nozzle Release the pressure on the refill kit and remove the nozzle from the valve.

Step 5: Wait for 2 Minutes and Test the Lighter Wait for about 2 minutes to let the butane settle in the lighter, and then test the lighter. If it doesn’t light, repeat the filling process.

Method 3: Freezing Method

The freezing method involves freezing the Bic lighter, which causes the butane to contract, allowing more butane to be added to the lighter.

Supplies Needed:

Bic lighter Butane canister Freezer

Step 1: Empty the Lighter Empty the lighter completely of any remaining butane by depressing the valve until no more butane comes out.

Step 2: Place the Lighter in the Freezer Place the lighter in the freezer for about 10 minutes.

Step 3: Remove the Lighter from the Freezer Remove the lighter from the freezer and quickly fill the lighter with butane. Hold the butane canister upside down and push the nozzle into the valve at the bottom of the lighter. Press down for about 5 seconds.

Step 4: Wait and Test the Lighter Wait for a few minutes for the butane to warm up to room temperature, and then test the lighter. If it doesn’t light, repeat the filling process.

References:

  • “BIC Lighter.” Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, n.d. Web.
  • “The History of BIC.” BIC. Société BIC, n.d. Web.
Image result for list of people who have survived because of a bic lighter

Every BIC® Lighter is tested and meets or exceeds the lighter safety standards established by ISO (the International Organization for Standardization), the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), and all other government agencies.

The Bic White Lighter Curse

he urban legend of the white lighter curse is based on the belief that possession of a white disposable cigarette lighter is associated with bad luck, particularly for musicians and artists who are said to have died while owning one. The myth gained traction due to the deaths of notable musicians such as Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison, and Kurt Cobain, who were all part of the 27 Club. This idea has become intertwined with cannabis culture.

However, a 2017 article from Snopes.com debunked the theory, pointing out that Bic did not start producing white disposable lighters until after the deaths of the 27 Club members, including Hendrix, Joplin, and Morrison. Additionally, disposable lighters from other companies were not widely available at that time, further discrediting the myth.

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