POCKET LIGHTER GUIDE
A standard Bic lighter is one of the most practical tools for making fire due to its value, size, availability, and improvisation options. A standard Bic lighter provides approximately 3,000 ignitions, or roughly one hour of total burn time. Its utility extends well beyond basic firecraft, as the size of the lighter allows for the attachment of survival and Everyday Carry (EDC) supplies, permitting the lighter itself to function as a pocket-ready, all-in-one Personal Survival Kit (PSK).
TIPS
Remove the child safety band to make the lighter easier to activate, which is especially helpful when hands are cold.
Store in a cool, dry place. Vacuum sealing is recommended.
If it gets wet, allow it to dry and it will usually function again. Place it in rice or leave it in indirect sunlight.
If temperatures are cold and fuel pressure is low, create hand friction against the frame body to warm the fuel and restore ignition.
Do not burn continuously for more than one minute, as overheating can cause failure. A common workaround is stretching a rubber band over the fork button and the bottom of the body to keep fuel flowing and use it as a temporary hands-free torch.
Refill with butane by puncturing an empty Bic at the hole in the bottom of the body using a push pin. Refill with butane, using rubber grommets on the nozzle to help create a seal. Remove the nozzle and immediately replace the push pin to reseal the hole.
Add a small zip tie to the underside of the fork (trigger button) to prevent accidental depression and fuel leaks.
Dismantle a Bic lighter to scavenge parts for alternative uses. Components include a flint, brass jet, carbide steel, springs, plastic reservoir, ball bearing, and more. These items can aid in fishing, foraging, conducting electricity, signaling, and other improvised tasks.
FIRECRAFT
Extend fuel life by lighting jute, string, or other flammable tinder first and using it as a flame carrier before igniting items such as cigars or charcoal briquettes.
If out of fuel or attempting to conserve it, the flint can still be used to generate sparks when paired with tinder. You can also scrape the wheel on the flint several times over a collection surface to gather flint shavings, then ignite the shavings with a spark.
If you have a ferrocerium rod but no knife, dismantle the metal Bic hood (steel flame shield) and use it as a scraper to generate sparks.
DIY SURVIVAL KIT LIGHTER
Attach supplies to a Bic lighter to create a compact, multi-purpose survival tool. Use ranger bands or rubber bands to secure loose items, or wrap materials directly around the plastic frame body. Common additions include jute string, waxed wick, fishing line, a button compass, ferro rod, craft razor, cash, duct tape, electrical tape, Kevlar cord, water purification tablets, needles, and similar small essentials.
ITEMS
Below is a comprehensive list of items that can be attached to a Bic lighter (or most other generic brands). You will not be able to fit all of these on a single lighter. Select the most relevant items for your environment and intended use.
• Mini ferrocerium rod and striker
• Waterproof matches with striker surface
• Cotton ball coated in petroleum jelly
• Jute twine or waxed tinder cord
• Micro LED flashlight
• Mini glow stick (snap light)
• Button compass
• Fishing kit including hooks, line, split shot, and small lures
• Water purification tablets
• Aluminum foil for cooking or signaling
• Razor blade
• Safety pins in various sizes
• Sewing needle and heavy-duty thread
• Mini multi-tool or P-38 can opener
• Bandages and small antiseptic wipes
• Alcohol prep pads
• Pain relievers such as aspirin or ibuprofen
• Small whistle
• Signal mirror, glow panel, or SOLAS reflective surface using adhesive-backed material trimmed to fit
• Duct tape wrapped around a flat card
• Small zip ties
• Coiled wire saw
• Cash or emergency contact information on a micro card
• Survival instructions or signal codes card
• Silica gel packet to reduce moisture
• Mini pencil and waterproof paper
• Kevlar saw
• Cordage and string
• Ranger bands and rubber bands
• Handcuff key and shim tool
Additional customizations include adding a lanyard by looping cord through the base of the body and securing it with tape, attaching a small carabiner or key ring to the hood (silver flame shield), and placing a small zip tie under the fork (red button) to prevent accidental activation during storage. Checkout the pre-build lighter kits we sell ranging from an Urban Survival, Basic Survival, and Fire Loadout.