Vintage lighter collecting is a very popular hobby. It is a big thrill to hunt down and find those rare and unique ones. Lighters come in many different shapes, figures, designs and styles. Find what you like and start collecting.When finding your favorite types of lighters , keep in mind that you want to find the ones in best shape and working condition for your personal collection. If you are buying  vintage lighters online ,always ask about conditions if not stated in the listings.When buying butane type lighters, be aware that most of the time the seals have gone bad over time or just assume they are ( IF NOT STATED WORKING!) .Buying lighters in lots is also a good thing because you may get a rare find in a lot. If you do get lighters that do not work or are having trouble  (DONT THROW AWAY!!!). These lighters can be used for parts. Many times you will find a perfect looking lighter, but it is missing a part. The most common parts i have found to be missing is the flint springs and bottom screws. When trying to repair your vintage lighters, keep a small bowl to put the parts in . The parts removed can be very tiny and get lost easily in carpet, so take precautions when removing tiny screws and parts . In doing minor repairs on lighters you will need a precision screw driver set (LIKE JEWELERS USE). You will also need a flashight or a table lamp (For inspecting dark areas of your lighter). You will also need a pair of small pliers and a dremel tool with a small drill bit. You ask why a dremel and drill bit? Well...... One of the most common problems on Vintage lighters is FUSED FLINTS. A dremel will only work if the tube is a straight type and NOT CURVED. Some lighter companys make lighters with curved flint tubes and drilling will ruin the lighter. In the case of a curved tube style lighter with a fused flint , you have a couple options for removing fused flints. If you are able to (REMOVE SCREW/S) from the top part of the lighter and access the flint that way. (REMEMBER HOW PARTS CAME OFF THE LIGHTER!!!!!!). The second is unfolding a paperclip and slowly inserting it into the tube through the bottom of the lighter. When you feel the fused flint with the paperclip, try working the paperclip back and forth, also up and down.. The object is to break apart the fused flint (SMALL PIECES AT A TIME). You might have to tap the bottom of the lighter in your hand to remove flint powder from time to time. The paperclip method will take some time, but in most cases it will help to remove the bad flint..(BE CAREFUL NOT TO POKE YOURSELF!!!!). Another problem i have had with my vintage lighters is that they do not spark good. Spring tesion can sometimes help (STRETCH FLINT SPRING JUST A LITTLE BIT). If these methods do not work, keep the lighter for parts and make 1 good lighter out of parts from others. You may also find online that people sell lighters just for parts, so just keep that in mind. When cleaning a vintage lighter be careful not to use abrasive materials or cleaning fluids with grit as this will devaluate and ruin the finish. I have found that plain Rubbing alcohol or lighter fluid will remove stubborn stains,stickers and dirt. KEEP IN MIND that very old lighters look there best with the old patina on them. It shows there age!!!! It is really up to you how you want your collection of lighters to look.

I  recommend when collecting vintage lighters , try and buy reference books for pricing and for visual reference. Sometimes we find lighters that are really great, but come to find out they are missing there stands or accesories. The books  will also help you in your hunt for rare and different types of lighters and give you a ball park figure as to what you should be paying.  Just remeber that the books pricing might not be what the lighter is actually worth and is used as a guide only!  I have noticed that there are trends with vintage lighter collecting and what was great today could not be so great tomorrow. My advise is just buy what you like and have fun doing it.

 If you do have a lighter that you are not able to fix or repair with spare parts. There are places out there you can send them.(DO AN ONLINE SEARCH ON LIGHTER REPAIR) . Good luck and happy hunting for those rare and not so rare, but wonderful lighters.. One last thing... when testing lighters, especially butane ones with adjustable flames. Do it away from your face as sometimes they are adjusted too high or have faulty valves.We dont want to get burned or singe our eyebrows . Please keep your lighters in locked drawers or away from where small hands can get them. Lighters are very pretty and may facinate small children.. Be safe and have fun!!!!

PLEASE VOTE YES OR NO IF THIS WAS HELPFUL TO YOU!!!

Thanks so much and happy lighter hunting!!!