Some tools always come in handy no matter where you are. One of those things, making our life a whole lot easier for many decades, is lighter.
A lighter is a portable metal or plastic device, carrying a flammable liquid or liquid gas that ignites a small flame. There are several types of lighters that work well for different situations, and it is vital to know about them all.
Here is a list of the most popular types of lighters with their functionalities:
1- Zippo Lighters
These are one of the most recognizable lighters in all categories. With 100 percent metallic body made of brass, they are comparatively heavier and sturdier than other lighters. These lighters are extremely easy to use; you only need to flip the cap and adjust the wick (flint wheel) for the required amount of flame.
The zippo lighters come with highly inflammable cotton balls, so you can use them in times of need for producing a flame. Another great thing about these lighters is that they are weather-resistant, keeping the flame on even in heavy rain as well.
The only drawback to the zippo lighters is that they use naphtha fuel, which evaporates quickly, so you need to refuel the lighter every two weeks.
2- Waterproof Lighters
The waterproof lighters have a very compact body in the shape of a small capsule. The cap of the lighter is tightly sealed, which makes it 100 percent waterproof. Unlike zippo lighters, these are the most lightweight lighters you will ever come across.
Even though these lighters are highly durable, they are not windproof, so you wouldn’t be able to use them in rainy or stormy weather. These waterproof lighters also use naphtha fuel, which needs to be
refueled every couple of weeks.
3- Floating Lighters
These lighters are one in a kind because of their ability to maintain flame while floating on water. You can adjust the intensity of flame with its mechanism, which helps you save fuel and run for a longer time.
The floating lighters are integrated with catalyzer coil technology, enabling these lighters to produce flames in blowing wind. The exterior of the lighter is impact-tolerating and waterproof, which makes it one of the toughest lighters.
However, you have to use refined butane to make it work properly, as other fuels don’t provide a good enough performance.
4- Electric Arc Lighters
This is an expensive lighter because it is equipped with a Lithium-ion battery. As this lighter does not depend on butane or naphtha fuels, it comes with a USB charging port that runs the lighter for at least two weeks.
These lighters use electric arcs to produce a flame, which is much hotter than a regular one. Despite this fact, they produce a flame of lesser intensity than butane and naphtha fueled lighters.
5- Candle Lighters
These candle lighters are also known as utility lighters. The unique thing about these lighters is that they have a long neck like a candle, so you can easily light up your stoves or candles without any risk of burning your fingers.
These lighters are cheap and refillable, so you can buy them for your home without worrying about their lifespan.
6- Plastic Spark Wheel Lighters
The plastic spark wheel lighters are made of serrated steel with flint and spin wheel located on top. When you spin the wheel with some force, it rubs with the flint to create a spark. Then you need to press down the plastic lever located below the spin wheel. Pressing down the lever opens a valve through which the fuel is released. This, in turn, ignites the spark that produces a flame.
The mechanism in these lighters is old-school, but they are cheap and sturdy to keep in casual situations. The lighters are also refillable, which gives you the benefit of using them for a long time.
7- Stormproof Lighters
Designed to tolerate high-speed wind and storms, these lighters are equipped with catalyzer coils like all other windproof lighters. The stormproof lighters are entirely waterproof so they can light up even when you dunk them into water.
One of the significant benefits of using these lighters is that they store the fuel without evaporating it. You can fill these stormproof lighters with butane and use them for an extended period.
What to Look For In a Reliable Lighter?
When searching for the different types of lighters to match your needs, you should look for these features:
Durable
Make sure that the lighter you are planning to buy is sturdy.
Stormproof / Waterproof
If you need a lighter that is reliable in all weathers, you should get one that is stormproof or waterproof.
Lightweight
If you pack lightly on trips, you should check the weight of the lighter beforehand.
Refillable
The refillable lighters are more suitable as they save money as well as space on your trips.
Lighting Options
Many lighters require you to continually press down a valve to maintain a flame. However, on camping trips, it is better to have one that has an alternate mechanism.
