Monday, October 12, 2009

Replacing The Flint Wheel On A Lighter

By Dave Sabot

Your lighter is the key to enjoying that smoke, whether you enjoy cigars, cigarettes or pipes. However, if you do not maintain your lighter (and even if you do), you'll find that you need to occasionally replace parts on it. While rare, some lighters will eventually need the flint wheel replaced. This is an excellent reason to buy Zippo lighters, as they come with a full lifetime warranty. If the wheel needs to be replaced, you can simply mail the lighter in and the company will replace it at no charge to you.

However, if your lighter does not have a warranty, you'll need to know how to go about replacing that flint wheel. The first step is to locate the serial number or other identifying number on your lighter. Common locations for this number include the bottom of the outer case, the inside of the outer case or even on the interior insert. The number is usually stamped into the metal though you will find some lighters that use other methods. Once you have located the serial number, you will have to contact the manufacturer or visit their website to order your replacement part.

If you have access to another, similar lighter, you can often determine if the flint wheel is compatible by looking at the mounting method. Some of the mounting methods used in the industry include rivets, slide bars and plastic mounts. If the flint wheel seems to be compatible, you can remove it from the donor lighter and install it on your lighter.

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.

Rivets are the most commonly used method to mount the flint wheel. To remove the rivet from the donor lighter, you only need a pair of needle-nose pliers. However, to install the new rivet, along with the replacement flint wheel, you'll need a pop rivet tool, as well as a replacement rivet. Do not attempt the installation if you do not have the correct tools, as this can result in damage to your lighter.

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