How Long Do Lighters Last? What You Need to Know

We’ve all been there. You’re in a pinch and need a light – so you reach for your trusty BIC lighter. A frequent purchase at gas stations and grocery stores, these lighters, which utilize butane fuel, are incredibly common for good reason.

They’re lightweight (less than one or two pounds with a plastic body), easy to use, and can help you out in a bind. You can even get mini BIC lighters.

But how long do BIC lighters last? And what can you do to make lighters last longer, such as a BIC mini lighter? In this blog post, we’ll answer those questions and more!

How Long Do BIC Lighters Burn?

BIC lighters are designed for single use. That means that once the butane fuel is gone, you’ll need to dispose of the lighter.

But just how long can a BIC lighter burn?

Average Use

On average, a BIC lighter can provide up to 3,000 lights. That’s about three hours of continuous use! Keep in mind that mini BIC lighters contain less fuel inside and will not last as long.

Of course, your mileage may vary. If you’re using the lighter for something that requires a lot of heat – like lighting a large candle – you’ll burn through fuel more quickly.

How Long Do BIC Lighters Last Overall?

When it comes to finding out how long a BIC lighter will last, it depends on how you use them.

If you only use your BIC lighter or mini BIC lighter for the occasional light, it could last years. But if you’re a heavy user, you may need to replace your BIC lighter more frequently.

Re-fill the Fuel

If you are open to re-filling the fuel in your lighter, its lifespan increases significantly, as the lighter loses fuel over time. The amount of time BIC lighters last when they’re being actively re-filled all comes down to wear and tear on the item.

Note: be careful when re-filling your full-size BIC lighters, as you will be dealing with flammable liquid.

How Can I Extend the Life of a BIC Lighter?

There are a few things you can do to make your BIC lighter last longer.

Give It a Break

First, avoid using your BIC lighter for extended periods. If you need to use it for more than a few minutes, take a break and let the lighter cool down.

Avoid Extreme Temps

Second, don’t expose your BIC lighter to extreme temperatures. BIC lighters work best when they’re at room temperature.

Store It Properly

Finally, be sure to store your BIC lighter properly. Lighters should be stored in a cool, dry place – not in a hot car or direct sunlight.

Note: if you are having trouble getting old BIC lighters to light, consider warming them up in your hands. Sometimes this gets BIC lighters going again.

How To Store BIC Lighters and Why?

Intended Shelf Life

BIC lighters have a shelf life of about three years. But again, this will vary depending on how you store your lighter.

Proper storage can help you prevent rust and fuel leakage, which speeds up the death of BIC lighters.

Extended Shelf Life

To extend the shelf life of your BIC lighter, be sure to store it in a cool, dry place. And if you’re not using it for an extended period, consider storing it with the cap on to prevent evaporation.

Consider not only keeping your BIC lighters in a safe space, but also protecting them in a plastic bag, in a jar, or even in your freezer, to extend their life.

If you are protecting your lighter from general erosion and wear-and-tear by storing properly, time should not be an issue. Your BIC lighters will likely work for more than three years.

Do Other Lighter Brands Last Longer Than BIC?

BIC lighters are designed for single-use, but that doesn’t mean they’re the only disposable lighters on the market.

Other brands, like Clipper and Scripto, also make disposable butane lighters. But do these other brands last any longer than BIC?

The answer is: not really.

While Clipper and Scripto lighters may have a slightly different design, they’re all disposable lighters that are meant to be used once and then thrown away.

Consider a Reusable Lighter

So, when it comes to finding a lighter that will last, your best bet is to find a reusable lighter, like a Zippo lighter. These lighters are designed to be refilled and used over and over again.

Of course, refillable lighters come with their own set of pros and cons. But if you’re looking for a lighter that will last, a refillable lighter is your best bet.

In Conclusion

So there you have it! Now you know everything there is to know about BIC lighters – how long they last, how to make them last longer, and how to store them properly.

Be sure to keep this information in mind the next time you need a light, whether you opt for Zippo or mini BICs!

Do you have any other tips for making BIC lighters last? Let us know in the comments below!