500,000 years ago, humans first learned to harness the power of fire and now they have been able to create and control it at the same time. A good lighter is ideal for starting a campfire or lighting candles for a romantic date, which just means that while this tool is not for everyday use, it’s something that you should have at your disposal.
We first learned that the glowing embers caused by a lightning strike can light up an area. Later on, we found that it could be a means of warmth and deterrent to predators. You can simply harness this power by simply lighting up a cheap yet dependable plastic butane lighter that you can buy from a convenience store.
History of lighters
The very first lighter originated in Germany in 1823. It was invented by renowned chemist Johan Wolfgang Dobereiner and called it the “Dobereiner Lamp”, which has successfully laid the foundation for today’s lighters, despite its bulkiness and perilous mechanism. Different inventors at that time were quite interested in this concept that involves a flammable hydrogen (created through chemical hydrogen) that must be sparked to ignite.
The substance “alloy ferrocerium” was later discovered and produced so the fuel can ignite through a spark. This alloy is typically confused with the flint but it is actually more advantageous in creating sparks consistently because it can create instant high temperatures to do its purpose. The reliability of lighters primarily rely on this material.
Information about batteries, lighter fluid, and butane
Modern lighters are categorized based on their fuel. Zippos are preferred by many people, but some just don’t like the aroma the lighter fluid emitted that is why they prefer cleaner and odorless alternatives such as butane powered lighters or electric lighters that provides heat in a form of a small electric arc. Let’s talk about the various characteristics of each as well as the pros and cons.
Lighter Fluid: Also known as Naphtha, this highly flammable mixture are utilized in the production of lighters since the early 1900’s. The term is actually Latin and was used to describe any kind of petroleum. Though still popular, several refinements have been made to this in order to produce a cleaner burning flame with less of the distinctive smell. While these have proven to be a favorite among some consumers who enjoy the nostalgic appeal of these lighters, others have found the upkeep and having to refill it is a major drawback.
Butane Gas: This organic compound was discovered by English chemist Edward Frankland in 1849. When it comes to flammability and ease of production, Butane is a perfect gas or fuel for both refillable and disposable lighters. Common lighters such as BICs and Crickets use Butane as fuel. It is also used by high heat torch lighters that can cut rope with several thousand degrees temperature. There are inexpensive disposable Butane lighters such as BIC , and there are also Dunhill and Colibri lighter brands that have top quality refillable butane lighters portraying elegance and class.
Electricity: Instead of flame, these lighters produce a small blue electric arc. When applied to a cigar or kindling for a fire, it produces enough heat to cause a fire. One can also recharge them through a standard USB port and they produce and odorless smell.
The standard components
Other than modern electric lighters, most still use the basic concept of a fuel that is released in the presence of a spark to create a controlled ignition. Manufacturers use this simple concept to create their design but each of them wants to sell out more than the other so they also add unique elements to their design, such as the popular “Zippo “Click” when the top is opened. While lighters range in price from less than a dollar to several thousands of the dollars, the basic structure of how they work is more or less the same.
The Body: Typically the body is made from metal, often brass or chrome plated steel, or plastic. The body holds the various components of the lighter together as well as acting as a reservoir for the fuel. Higher priced models such Colibri and Zippo are designed to allow the user to refill the lighter or change the flint with easy while most disposable lighters such as Scriptos and BIC’s are sealed for safety. There are lighters like older Ronson’s that have a bigger body and weigh more than a pound. They are usually placed on the desk rather than hand-carried.
The Flint: One of the major breakthroughs since the discovery of lighters is the artificial alloy called ferrocerium, which is more know as the flint. When this material is struck, it is capable of producing sparks that cause fuel ignition. Though small in size, a normal flint can produce 3,000-5,000 lights before it wears out. Typically, there is a spare flint stashed in Zippo lighters, which can be convenient for the users when the existing flint stops working.
The Flint spring: It firmly presses the flint against the lighter’s wheel so when the flint Manufacturers such as Zippo made them removable so that the flint can be easily replaced.
The Wheel: Used on both butane and fluid lighters, the wheel is the part of the lighter that is rotated down across the flint in order to create a spark. While it expected for disposable models to use cheaper materials to keep up with the short lifespan of the product, Zippo lighters have wheels that are made of a harder metal that is extremely durable. There are lighters produced by such manufacturer in the 1940’s, that still functions well after almost 80 years.
The Wick: With liquid fuel lighters, this draws the fuel to the point of contact with the flint. Butane lighters’ wick has a different function however; it appears as a small gas jet valve that is responsible for releasing butane and controlling it to maintain a steady flame.
The Stuffing: While both butane and electric lack this, it’s a critical part of the operation of liquid fuels lighters as it’s what stores the fuel. It’s currently cotton made, but there are other materials developed to improve the lighter’s efficiency. The wick runs through the stuffing which is refilled by squirting lighter fluid into it until the cotton becomes saturated. Older users will advise you to make the stuffing “seasoned” so it will be able to hold sufficient fluid to last longer. This is possible by using the lighter for a couple of months.
The Wind Guard: Around the wick or gas jet is this small piece of perforated metal that provides sufficient air to the flame for safe combustion. Zippos have this particular feature, that is why this brand is considered the first “Windproof”. This is what many sailors love about this brand.
Check this site to clarify the knowledge about printed Bic lighters.
Mass production
Thanks to modern innovation, lighters can now be mass produced with BIC making 6 million per day and even Zippo producing 50,000 each day. The means of productions differ from one manufacturer to another but they still follow the same basic steps.
- The raw materials such as brass and plastic are delivered to the factory and inspected for quality before being processed.
- The workers will start processing the outer case once the loading of the materials is finished. In the case of Zippos, the metal is punched out and the formatted and the basic shape starts to form. BIC’s have a lightweight, impact/rupture resistant body because it is made of polymer resin Delrin.
- The next part is shaping the lighter’s body, which involves trimming and folding of the case to form a box like shape. The final form will then be welded together.
- The factory also have a section for producing other components such as top hinges and flint springs. Due to the volume of lighters produced daily, BIC uses state of the art injection molding for parts such as the wheel and wind guard to ensure a standardized product free from any chips or blemishes that might otherwise cause the lighter to malfunction during use.
- After making the body and components, the assembly process will start, wherein workers assemble every lighter body, the wheel, wind guard and other parts altogether.
- From here, BICs will be embellished with different designs and themes whereas Zippos are polished to perfection.
- The manufacturing process ends with thorough safety and quality control assessments. At the BIC company, over 50 various inspections for every lighter are carried out using a very advanced technology. They also pride themselves on being able to exceed the standard guidelines for product safety in numerous areas such as impact and heat resistance.
- When the lighters pass inspection they are then packaged either in individual cases or in packs ranging in size from two to twenty-five.
- Afterwards, they will be shipped to numerous wholesale stores or sold online via the company’s website.
Brands that are Leading the Market
Since lighters were invented more than a century ago, many manufacturers have made several additions to a basic concept. Regardless of budget, you can always find a lighter that will get the job done.
Zippo: This company was started in 1923 and has since grown to be one of the most popular lighters on the market. Sailors and soldiers prefer these lighters because they have a distinctive opening “Click” and extreme resilience.
BIC: These butane fueled disposable lighters have been consumer favorite since coming onto the market in the early 70’s. There are different colors and designs of these simplistic yet convenient lighters. They are easily customizable with a logo or business information and make great promotional items.
Ronson: Although this is the first major manufacturer of high-end lighters and men’s accessories, they aren’t as popular as Zippos or BICS. The ownership of the company was transferred to Zippo in 2012.
Colibri: Colibri began its operation in 1928 in New York and made the first semi-automatic lighter and the first electric lighter. They continue to make a range of high-quality lighters and other smoking accessories.
Alfred Dunhill: Based in England, this company started as a saddlery company in the late 1800’s and soon grew into a brand synonymous with distinction and class. Commended actor Sean Connery is simply an epitome of cool when he used a Dunhill lighter in the opening scene of the James Bond film “Dr. No”.
While often associated with smoking, a lighter has far more uses than that and is one of the most useful, yet underrated and overlooked, inventions of modern times. From the cheap gas station lighters to antique Zippos that have been passed down from father to son, a lighter is a small yet powerful symbol of man’s ability to control the power of fire. From birthday candles to the slow song at a rock concert, there’s still something magical about the flicker of the flame.
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