How to refill a lighter with gas: step by step
Refilling a gas lighter is not difficult, but the order matters. First release the air and remaining gas through the valve. Then refill it upside down in short bursts. Does it not work straight away? Give the gas a few minutes to reach room temperature and check whether there is still air in the reservoir.
Can your lighter be refilled?
Look at the bottom. If you see a refill valve, the lighter is refillable. This applies to Clipper lighters, for example, and many windproof and jet flame lighters. A disposable lighter has no valve and cannot be refilled. If you are unsure, check the product page or packaging.
This article only covers gas lighters. A classic Zippo uses lighter fuel and is filled differently. See How to maintain a Zippo: step by step for instructions.
Get these items ready first
You need a can of butane lighter gas, plus a pen or small screwdriver to press the valve. Work somewhere with fresh air and keep away from naked flames. Before you begin, read the instructions and warnings on the gas can too.
You can find gas and flints in our lighter gas and flints collection.
How to refill a gas lighter in 7 steps
- Choose a safe place. Go outside or open a window. Stay away from flames, candles and the gas hob.
- Release the air and remaining gas. Point the lighter away from your face and press the refill valve with a pen. You will hear a hissing sound. Keep pressing until it stops. This makes room in the reservoir for fresh gas.
- Turn the lighter upside down. Hold the lighter with the valve facing upwards.
- Place the gas can straight onto the valve. Hold the can upside down. Position the nozzle straight on the valve, as gas will escape around the opening if you hold it at an angle.
- Refill in short bursts. Press the can down for a few seconds, release it and repeat if necessary. One long press is less effective.
- Wait a few minutes. The gas comes out of the can cold. Let the lighter reach room temperature first.
- Start with a low flame. Set the flame adjuster low, test the lighter and then turn it up until the flame is right.
It does not work after refilling. What now?
Customers often ask us this at the counter. Usually, the cause is the temperature, trapped air, the flame setting or the spark.
The gas is cold
Gas straight from the can is cold, which makes it harder to ignite. Wait a few minutes and try again.
There is still air in the reservoir
If you did not vent the lighter, or did not vent it for long enough, air remains in the tank. It takes up space needed for the new gas. Press the valve again until the hissing stops, then refill the lighter once more.
The flame is set too high
At the highest setting, the gas can escape so quickly that it does not ignite. Turn down the flame adjuster and test it again.
There is no spark
Can you hear a click but see no spark? Then the problem is not the gas. On a lighter with a wheel, the flint may have run out. Replacement flints are in the same collection as the gas.
Refilling a Clipper
A Clipper has its valve on the bottom. The remaining steps are the same. Want to know how they differ in use and refilling? Read Clipper vs Zippo.
Frequently asked questions
What gas should I use in a lighter?
Use butane lighter gas. Check the can to make sure the gas is suitable for lighters.
How long should I wait after refilling?
A few minutes is enough. The cold gas needs to reach room temperature first, otherwise the lighter may not ignite properly.
Can I refill a disposable lighter anyway?
No. A disposable lighter has no refill valve.
What about a Zippo with a gas insert?
A butane Zippo insert has its own refill valve and is also filled with lighter gas. Follow the same steps. A petrol Zippo is filled differently, as explained in the article about Zippo maintenance.
Need new gas or flints? Browse our lighter gas and flints. We offer free delivery in the Netherlands on orders from €80.