Warning - Mini Bic lighters

[610Alpha]

I had bought some mini bic lighters a couple of years ago and went to use one about a month ago and the lighter wouldn't even spark!!

If you have any of these you should check them and make sure you know how to use your backup fire starting method and can do it when you are cold and wet or one handed or standing on your head or _______.

[bountyhunter69]

ts for the heads up 610..just proves that we should try our equiptmet before time comes to have to use it,,good point!!!

[thedreamers]

you can get the zippo knock offs at ebay and store the parts, cheap and last long term for the use of a lighter. we have like 15 of them plus 6 bottles of fluid and hand fulls of flints.

[Freebirde]

I keep a lighter in my pocket but don't use it often. If it won't spark or light, I check for pocket lint in the spark chamber.

[Matt In Oklahoma]

Brother any equipment worth having is worth looking at at least yearly.

[flatlander]

I wrap a mini zip-tie around the top but under the fuel lever, seal in a small ziplock bag, then put a few of them scattered in my gear. This keeps the lever from being pushed down, thus leaking out fuel and also keeps moisture away from the strike wheel. They are pretty cheap so I've got them a lot of places along with the rest of my fire kit.

Bob

[Dennis W]

I had the same thing happen, the flints (which appearantly arn't real) just melted away. They were still sealed in the origianal package. It seems that moisture just desolves the flints. I am not sure what brand they where, so maybe real Bics would be ok. Also would be a good idea to seal them in air tight package.