There’s nothing worse for a cigar lover than their cigar lighter failing to ignite. If your torch lighter isn’t working, you have two choices — replace it or have a go at fixing the problem.

For the thrifty and environmentally-minded, we’ve come up with this guide that highlights eight common torch lighter problems and what you can do to bring your lighter back to life again.

From the piezo ignition to the fuel tank and adjustable nozzle, torch lighters rely on a handful of components working to deliver a forceful flame. It’s then up to you to take good care of it through regular cleaning and maintenance. Refilling your lighter correctly and using the cleanest possible butane is also critical.

That’s why a misfiring lighter isn’t a “one-size-fits-all” diagnosis. It helps to familiarize yourself with the different lighter parts so you know their purpose and how to work with them so they last longer.

If you are having issues with your cigar lighter, it could be attributed to one of the reasons we’ve listed below. Let’s learn how to identify each common lighter cigar problem and what you can do to get that spark back.

If you get a spark but are still frustrated by a lack of flame, the lead wire (electrode) might need adjusting. If the wire has lost its proper gap and is not sparking towards the butane release valve, it won’t ignite the butane.

First, completely close the valve. Grab a small screwdriver and carefully apply minor adjustments so the wire is towards the middle where the butane release valve is located. After each adjustment, open the valve, press the nozzle, and see if it lights.

Most torch lighters have an adjustable dial that controls the flame height up and down, so first play with that to see how the flame responds. If this is all in order but still spitting out a weak flame, it may be because of low fuel levels or a clogged nozzle.

Butane lighters low on fuel typically produce a feebler flame. If this is the case, you will need to bleed out the air before refueling. On the other hand, a clogged nozzle restricts the flow of butane. Use a can of compressed hair to blow out debris from the nozzle.

Leaking butane is dangerous as it could ignite, so it’s important to act quickly. But what do you do with a leaking lighter? Torch lighters have two valves (the burner valve and the filler valve) — it can leak from either or both of these.

You can use a set of tweezers to tighten the refill valve located at the base of your torch lighter. Turn clockwise and be careful not to overtighten, as this may damage your torch. Refill it with butane to ensure the leak has been fixed.

If this is unsuccessful, try removing the valve (the same goes for the burner valve) and replacing the seals.

Residue from unfiltered butane is usually the cause of an unclean lighter. This residue build-up can clog your jets and corrode any internal components in your lighter over time, eventually compromising performance. Regularly cleaning out the burners will help maximize your lighter’s operation.

To clean the jets, you start by bleeding the lighter. First, turn down the flame control to its lowest setting and depress the nozzle with a small screwdriver or similar tool. You should hear the hiss of escaping air and gas. Hold the tool in place until the hissing stops. Shake and turnover your lighter, then repeat to ensure the chamber is void.

It’s now time to get cleaning. Spray the jets with compressed air to blow out any dust, lint, or residue that might be stuck. Wipe down the entire lighter with a cloth and towards the end, add a quick blast of compressed air to stop the cloth’s cotton from leaving behind any particles.

A temporary hissing noise is common during refilling as air and fuel escape. However, if this persists, it could indicate a broken fuel gasket or clogged nozzle. You can temporarily stop the hissing sound by closing the gas valve, but you’ll still need to investigate the problem.

Excess pressure can cause a lighter to hiss. Release the pressure inside the lighter’s tank by gently pressing the ignition button (without activating the flame). If you think there is trapped air inside the fuel chamber, bleed the lighter by following the steps we outlined earlier.

Inspect and replace any damaged seals to see if they’re the catalyst behind the hissing. If the hissing still lingers, consider contacting the manufacturer’s customer support for guidance.

Unlike your beloved stogies, torch lighters aren’t a fan of moisture. If condensation drips down the lighter’s nozzle, it can misfire. Moisture can’t permanently ruin a lighter, but you still need to dry it out for a short period to rekindle the flame. Finally, remember that butane performs best at room temperature.

Cigar lighters can be extremely dangerous if they end up in the wrong hands. That’s why they have numerous safety features to ensure you and others don’t get burned.

Torch lighters have a protective lid, which slides into position as soon as the flame extinguishes. This helps protect the user, as well as the torch head, from accidental wear and tear.

Avoid cheap, plastic options and look for well-constructed lighters made from high-quality anti-leak materials such as heavy-duty zinc alloy. Some torch lighters also come equipped with child-proof locks, making it difficult for anyone (especially young ones) to accidentally ignite it.

Maintaining your lighter and protecting it from the elements is essential for optimum performance. Still, strong lighter performance always starts with high-quality butane and refueling it correctly whenever required. Your torch lighter will last much longer if you fill it with triple-refined, premium butane.

With a bit of attention, care, and time, you can keep the flame alive. Follow our tips and you can rely on your butane cigar lighter lighting up your favorite cigars for years to come.