Lighters for emergency use

[Brommeland]

Hi guys!
Question: I'm new to this forum, so maybe someone out there can help me with an equipment question. I've seen some butane lighters marketed for "survival" applications that feature waterproof gaskets, peizo ignition, etc.
Are they any good? How durable are they? How long do they last under field conditions? Anyone have experience with a particular make/model? I'm a private pilot and if I ever need my emergency gear to function, I'm gonna REALLY need it to work. Thanks for your help! I appreciate ya'll taking the time to read (and possibly answer) this post. Thanks!

 

[barber oregon]

Welcome to the board!

Here's my two cents:

Piezio-electric lighters (the type with blue, almost invisible flame) burn really hot, and usually have water-proof gaskets. I have one and it works well but apparently their performance can be affected by altitude. Also, most that I've seen recommend not keeping the flame lit for more than 20 seconds since this could melt the lighting element -- making it a little more difficult for lighting emergency fires.

Zippos: work great, are water and windproof, BUT not good for keeping in an emergency pack for too long as the fuel tends to dry out quickly on it own(maybe you could keep an extra can around?)

Cheapo Bic lighters: Not waterproof, but if it gets wet it'll work once the flint is dried out. Not windproof, but fuel does not seem to dry out (at least no where near as quick as a Zippo)

The piezo-type lighters seem to be a favourite among campers/hikers for some reason.

Have you ever considered a 'firesteel' or even simple lighter fluid for emergencies?

Sorry to be so long-winded, but I myself was trying to decide what type of lighter to carry a while ago. Please verify what I've said by doing a search in these forums; I'm probably wrong on some points

 

[Brommeland]

barber oregon,
Thanks for the input. Yea, I've got a blast-match, and before they came out I used a magnesium firestarter. I can start a fire pretty well with either, but if I am in a forced landing or other emergency, I may be injured too. Maybe I'm just gettin' lazy, but a lighter just seems easier as I get older.
Thanks for the input. I may take the advice of another board member and just pack a highway flare along for those really tough conditions!

 

[marsupial]

The butane lighters are great for lightin cigars but not so great at lighting camp fires or for grneral use.I carried a $70 butane for a long time and was unimpressed with it.When real cold it would not light well,when held upside down to get under tinder it would go out always.The bic lighter is and always will be the greatest invention since the match.Keeps fuel forever,lights even after long exposures to water(after drying)Great for gettin under tinder.Cant beat em!

 

[Brommeland]

Thanks guys. I'm convinced. I'm gonna stick to my trusty bic, with a blast match and lifeboat matches for backup when it gets wet. Thanks for the feedback.

 

[jacknife]

All the disposable lighters I've used have a plastic thumb piece to release the gas. If you get an old one and take it apart you'll see what I mean. It's vital not to get this too hot or it will bend in the middle where it pivots and no longer release the gas, so use it in short bursts, then it should be OK.

If you're serious about getting the best lighter for the job, buy a couple of easily available models, like the Bic and strip them down to see how they are put together, no need to go past taking the wind-shield off, unless they are empty, then go further with the stripping. If you can't easily pry the wind-shield off I'd look for another make because it is possible in an emergency to lift the gas nozzle with a knife blade and get an otherwise useless lighter to work. To put the wind-guard back on just squeeze it back into shape, a bit smaller than needed, then it should snap back into place.

You will probably want a big flame to light tinder, if when the flame is set to maximum height it's still not enough you can adjust it by removing the wind-guard and lifting the flame adjuster just above the gas nozzle and placing it back toward the low setting.

I find Ronson disposable lighters are pretty good if you can get them, but I'm sure there are many others....just check them out before you rely on them.