07-09-2008, 08:33 AM
I dont suggest anyone try this but perhaps there is something here to be learned?
The other day a helpful soul came over to me and said: "I have bad news" and handed me one of my lighters. It turns out this lighter had been in my pants pocket and gone through a full wash and dry.
I took it and just before tossing it decided to give it a quick try. It worked. Flawlessly! In fact, better than I remember it working.
Now, the ignition system on these things are electronic and delicate, but it turns out the jets are immune to water (as long as properly dried before anything can rust).
Many years ago my first jet lighter gave up the ghost first sputtering then nothing. In desperation I set out to clean it using a cotton swab and some rubbing alcohol. I eventually immersed it upside down then pounded out the alcohol (& debris) and this lighter worked for many many years before I lost it.
Maybe once you determine a lighter is beyond hope, try desperate measures before you toss it.
The other day a helpful soul came over to me and said: "I have bad news" and handed me one of my lighters. It turns out this lighter had been in my pants pocket and gone through a full wash and dry.
I took it and just before tossing it decided to give it a quick try. It worked. Flawlessly! In fact, better than I remember it working.
Now, the ignition system on these things are electronic and delicate, but it turns out the jets are immune to water (as long as properly dried before anything can rust).
Many years ago my first jet lighter gave up the ghost first sputtering then nothing. In desperation I set out to clean it using a cotton swab and some rubbing alcohol. I eventually immersed it upside down then pounded out the alcohol (& debris) and this lighter worked for many many years before I lost it.
Maybe once you determine a lighter is beyond hope, try desperate measures before you toss it.
