How to refill a Clipper and replace the flint
You refill a Clipper through the valve in its base. Turn it over, place the nozzle of the gas can straight into the centre of the valve and press firmly. If it no longer sparks, replace the flint: pull out the stick with the wheel, unscrew the bottom of the stick and fit a new flint. That way you keep using the same Clipper instead of buying a new one.
What you need
- A can of butane lighter gas. Clipper itself recommends Clipper gas. You will find butane in lighter gas and lighter fluid.
- A new flint or a new flint stick for Clipper, if the spark has gone.
- A spot with fresh air and no naked flame nearby.
This applies to the classic Clipper with a flint wheel. A Clipper with electric ignition (a push button instead of a wheel), like many Jet Flame models, has no flint. You refill it with gas in the same way.
Refill a Clipper in 5 steps
- Choose a safe place. Go outside or open a window. Keep candles, cigarettes and the gas hob away.
- Turn the Clipper over. The refill valve sits in the centre of the base. Hold the Clipper with the valve facing up.
- Place the gas can straight on the valve. Hold the can upside down and press the nozzle vertically down into the centre of the valve. At an angle, gas escapes around the opening.
- Press firmly, in short bursts. Press for a few seconds, release and repeat if needed.
- Wait a few minutes. The gas leaves the can cold. Let the Clipper reach room temperature before lighting it, and light it away from your face and clothing.
Will it not light after refilling? Usually the gas is still cold or there is air in the tank. How to fix that is in How to refill a gas lighter.
Replace the flint in your Clipper
You turn the wheel and see no spark, or only a weak one? Then the flint is used up. In a Clipper the flint sits in a stick that you can take out in one piece.
- Pull out the stick. Hold the stick by the wheel and pull it out of the Clipper.
- Unscrew the bottom. Unscrew the bottom part of the stick.
- Replace the flint. Take out the old flint and put in a new one.
- Put everything back. Screw the bottom back on and slide the stick back into the Clipper. Turn the wheel: you will see a spark again.
Is the wheel itself worn? Then replace the whole stick. Clipper sells the flint, the wheel and the gas as separate parts, precisely so you can keep using the lighter.
How often can you refill a Clipper?
Many times. According to Clipper, the refill valve was tested for more than 1,000 refills, after which the test was stopped. The valve is the only part you cannot replace yourself. Gas, flint and wheel you can.
Store it safely
A Clipper contains gas under pressure. Do not leave it in direct sun, for example behind your car windscreen, and keep it below 50 °C. Keep it out of reach of children.
Frequently asked questions
What gas goes in a Clipper?
Butane lighter gas. Clipper itself recommends Clipper gas. Check the can to make sure the gas is meant for lighters.
Does every Clipper have a flint?
No. A Clipper with a wheel has a flint. A Clipper with a push button has electric ignition and no flint. You refill both with gas.
My Clipper is full but will not light. What now?
First wait a few minutes, because cold gas ignites poorly. No spark when you turn the wheel means the flint is used up. A spark but no flame? Read How to refill a gas lighter.
Can you take a Clipper on a plane?
One small lighter per person, carried on you, not in your hand luggage or checked bag. A Jet Flame is not allowed. All the rules are in Lighter on a plane.
Still choosing between a Clipper and a Zippo? Read Clipper or Zippo. Or browse all Clipper designs.
