My Cigar Lighter Has Gas But Will Not Light

Oftentimes, in the case of butane torches, the problems stem from incorrect handling, attempts to fix the lighter on the part of the user or to simple wear and tear. Sometimes, problems with these devices will manifest as a hissing noise; the sound of butane escaping from the reservoir of the torch. There are ways to remedy this.

Butane cigar lighters of the high-end variety oftentimes have powerful jets which are designed to be both windproof and to provide a hot flame and an even light. These butane lighters use gas under pressure as their fuel and a complex system of valves to provide the fuel. These valves can go bad if treated incorrectly or if contaminated with impurities. Oftentimes, the first symptom of a valve problem will be a hissing noise emitting from the lighter.

In some cases, the valve may become stuck to the point that it requires someone with the proper tools and experience to fix. As many of these lighters have warrantees, it's best to allow an approved tech to perform any repairs. In the vast majority of cases, attempting to fix such an issue one's self will void the warranty and make it impossible for one to get a replacement if it turns out there was a manufacturer issue with the device.

If a lighter spontaneously starts making a loud hissing sound, this can mean that the fuel is escaping very rapidly. Do not attempt to light such a device. The gas may form a cloud around the user's hand and result in a small flash fire. It's best to let the pressure in the reservoir dissipate on its own and to take the lighter in for professional servicing. One should never put such a device in their pocket when the hissing noise is audible.

If the hissing occurs after the lighter has been dropped, the case may be cracked. This can result in a very fast discharge of gas, oftentimes producing more of a "puffing" noise as all of the gas is discharged as once rather than as a hiss as is characteristic of a slow leak. This may or may not be a fixable problem and replacement may be the only option.