spark lite problems ??

M

martin j

Joined
May 16, 2001
Messages
692
Recently I checked my kits in my car , I keep Spark-lites in them like here - http://www.1sks.com/store/spark-lite-survival-fire-starter.html
Both the my Spark lites, they have been used to spark few times only to test they work, maybe they are 3-4 years old at longest. But now when I checked they both are not working , the top sparking wheell does not move and only sooty dust comes out from where the small fero rod is supposed to be ( in the middle).
Is this due to corrossion and anyone else here has similare problem? I did search, 2 threads say they are foolproof but this makes me unsure. Maybe old fashion rod with striker is still most trustworhty ??
Thank you
Martin
 
I've had them for about the same amount of time and they work good.

After having a couple of gear failures, I started doing routine maintenance on all of my gear every spring and fall to make sure that perishable items are updated, ferro rods aren't tarnishing, etc. Everything gets unpacked, touched and stuff like lighters and spark-lites get sparked. I don't want any surprises.

Have you contacted spark-lite?
 
Take it apart and see. The first thing I did with mine was take it apart figure to it out. Use a very sharp knife to split the seam, and be careful, on the bottom is a small plastic plug that will shoot out. On top of the plug is a spring and a flint that looks a whole lot like a zippo flint.

Replace the flint if it's corroded, put in the spring and plug, duct tape it, and you're back in business. You could super glue it, but then you'd most likely have to throw it away after the 2nd flint. With duct tape, you can keep going and going.
 
Thank you for feedback, i didnt know they had a website but just found it, it says they have a lifetime guaranty so I will email them.
Sodak, you have replaced your own in this way???? Where do you find flint this size, I am curious?
Thank you
Martin
 
You can get generic flints at Walmart or any tobacco shop. You can get Zippo flints at zippo.com. I didn't substitute one, but I'm pretty sure that they are the same.
 
I've dismantled a sparklite and the flint is thicker and longer than a standard lighter flint... also, ferro rods corrode very easily... leave one out in your shower for a few weeks or in a glass of water and see it turn into this mass of wierd azz corrosion. This is why many military ferro rods come sealed in plastic. If you must store a ferro rod for a long time, be sure it's in an airtight case with some dessicant in it.
 
MelancholyMutt said:
I've dismantled a sparklite and the flint is thicker and longer than a standard lighter flint... also, ferro rods corrode very easily... leave one out in your shower for a few weeks or in a glass of water and see it turn into this mass of wierd azz corrosion. This is why many military ferro rods come sealed in plastic. If you must store a ferro rod for a long time, be sure it's in an airtight case with some dessicant in it.
Click to expand...

Some people reccommend coating with nail polish remover, are there other ways to coat to protect the ferro rods? Interesting, my Spark lites corroded but my " regular" ferro rods are all fine..........
Martin
 
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