Monday, October 12, 2009

Replacing The Flint Wheel On A Lighter

By Dave Sabot

While your lighter is likely of high quality, use and wear can reduce its functionality to a considerable degree. Some smokers find that they need to replace the flint wheel on their lighters. If you have a Zippo lighter, then you do not have to worry about this. Zippos come with lifetime warranties, so you'll simply need to ship the lighter off to the manufacturer, where the wheel will be replaced before being sent back to you. However, if you do not have a Zippo, you will need to know how to go about replacing the flint wheel.

Other manufacturers offer warranties as well, but not all of them do. If your lighter does not have a warranty, you need to know how to proceed with repairs and replacement. First, you should locate the lighter's serial number. Usually, this is found stamped on the bottom of the outer case. However, you might find it located on the inside of the outer case, or even on the insert somewhere. Once you have the serial number, you will need to order replacement parts from the manufacturer. This can usually be done online, though not always.

You also have the option of finding a donor lighter. Quite a few lighters make use of the same size flint wheel and the same mounting method. Inspect the donor lighter to ensure that the flint wheel is the same diameter and thickness, as well as checking the mounting method used. If they are the same, then you can simply transfer the wheel from the donor lighter to your own.

Removal and installation of a flint wheel will vary considerably, depending on the brand of lighter in question. For disposable lighters, the trouble with replacing a flint wheel is more than the cost of just buying a new one. In the case of a reusable lighter in need of a replacement wheel, you'll need to determine whether you have the tools needed to remove and install the wheel.

The most common means of affixing flint wheels is a rivet. If you have a pair of needle-nose pliers and a pop rivet gun, as well as a replacement rivet, you can take the flint wheel from your donor lighter and put it on yours without much trouble. If you do not have these tools or the replacement rivet, don't attempt the installation. Instead, find or borrow the required tools to ensure that the replacement is done correctly. Incorrect installation can result in damage.

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