The purpose of this page is to have a centralized location from which DependableFlame.com readers can access resources which are discussed in an article, YouTube video, Ebay listing or other content. I get many questions via the comments section and email relating to methods, materials and tools needed for vintage lighter repair. Some of these links are simply informational and can help you down the road to gaining a blueprint or a better understanding of how petrol lighters work.
Some of these links lead to Amazon, Ebay or some other affiliate website where you can purchase the products we have discussed. If you click through these links and make a purchase, DependableFlame.com will earn commissions from these sales.
Frank Dutton’s Vintage Cigarette Lighter Site Hosted By Toledo-Bend
Hands down, the best vintage lighter page out there. I am forever indebted to he and his collaborators. When I need information on an old cigarette lighter, this is the first place I look.
CLICK HERE to see the Evans ad archived on the Toledo-Bend VCL site referenced in the Evans Mechanism article.
1954 Lighter Repair Manual: this link leads to a web friendly version of the manual on the Toledo-Bend VCL site. The repair manual was a paper book back in the day that was available to jewelers, watch repairman and others when ordering kits of repair parts for cigarette lighters.
Volker Putz Lighter Collection
An outstanding online museum featuring lighters arranged in various categories including country of manufacture, technique and a very long list of Dunhill lighters.
STEVEETREASURES_CHEST
Our YouTube friend miiigoreng has been busy lately publishing information about old Zippo wicks and Zippo & Ronson advertising in addition to his show and tell videos. Check out his site and show him your support!
My Friend Donald’s Website
There’s a nice gentleman I met on Facebook who I have conversed and traded with who works on many butane lighters and has his own website: LighterFix.dk where he sells lighters. Donald speaks Danish as his first language but says just ask if you have any problem understanding him. I speak nothing but Okie dialect English and have always understood Donald’s English just fine.
Links to Purchase Flint, Fuel, Wicks, Etc.
(As an Amazon Associate and Ebay Partner, I earn from qualifying purchases.)
Many times you will not be able to reuse the old wadding pulled out of the lighter. This article delves into suitable replacements that are readily available explains why I believe the organic cotton coil is generally the best option.
There are a variety of wicks available to petrol lighter enthusiasts in today’s market including Zippo Copper Braided, Imco Wire Lead and others. There are also old stock vintage wicks that come available on Ebay on a regular basis.
Most lighters will function just fine Zippo or Ronson flints providing the spark but there are a few lighters that require special flint. I have written this article to sort out the difference and help you decide which flint is best for your lighter.
There are a few different lighter fluid options available to purchase for use in your petrol lighter. Zippo and Ronsonol are the most readily available and work great in all my petrol lighters.
Vector Butane is a good choice for vintage gas lighters as it comes with refill adaptors that enable you to fill a variety of gas valves.
If you are unsure what fuel or other supplies your lighter requires, leave a comment below and I’ll get you going in the right direction.
Zippo Date Charts
This article provides links to six different resources and charts to help you sort out the yr your Zippo was made.
Hi there – I have a lighter I recently picked up from a flea market in France. The bottom tells me its an Allumatic Systeme Ruetz. Some light searching hasnt told me much about how to repair it, do you have any tips?
Thanks!
Jesse
Hello, Jesse. From the photos I can find online, the lighter you are asking about appears to be a basic petrol lighter. I have written an article that covers all the basics on petrol lighters with videos and links to other articles. It is the perfect place to start.✌️
Hello,
I am looking for replacement wick, flint for a Penguin No.18250 lighter. I also don’t know what kind of fuel to put in it. It was my grandfathers and it was never used. Can you please help? I have called every single smoke shop/lighter repair shop in California lol
The old Ronson wicks or the wire lead IMCO wicks will likely work best for that particular lighter. May have to experiment between Zippo, Ronson or some other flint but any of them are likely to work. Regarding fuel, regular Zippo fluid or Ronsonol should work just fine.
Hello
I offer some wire free 100% cotton wicks on ebay.
The latest being specifically for Thorens.
Just google thorens wicks and you can get to my items. Worldwide distribution.
Thank you for sharing. I will create a link above to your Ebay items so readers and viewers can see the assortment of wicks and other expendables you have available. Did I read that correct on Ebay, you ship free to the US?
I have a question. I bought a lovely Rogers liquid fuel lighter circa 1959 with a Frank Lloyd Wright artwork on the side. I cleaned out the old decayed flint successfully and can get a good spark if I manually spin the wheel. Unfortunately, the mechanism itself does not appear to spin the wheel when it is pressed open – so no spark. I am beginning to suspect there is a part missing, perhaps someone tried to clean it and didn’t put everything back. I can’t find any diagrams or parts lists online. I will provide pictures. Thanks!
Yes, Doug, I would be glad to help if you can email pictures to me, I can get a better handle on the mechanism in question. Pictures of the top of the lighter open and the base would be helpful. I look forward to hearing from you.✌️
I have the same issue. Did you get any answers?
Doug never sent any pictures, Brett. Can you email pictures of the base of the lighter and the top of the lighter with the lid open? That would allow me to understand the lighter you are speaking of and hopefully help with your problem.✌️
Hi, Joseph, I’m in the process of restoring a 1920’s Thorens Single Claw I was given with the friction wheel missing, which is on the way. As for consumables, Auermetall flints seem the best fit and results and so are IMCO wicks, (Zippo wicks don’t fit as good?). Fuel doesn’t seem a problem for all of them work kind of the same (right?). I’m asking all this because this article below scared me, not very optimistic as for getting consistent lighting easily:
https://hack4hire.wordpress.com/2018/07/10/seeking-the-soul-of-the-clawed-lovely/
It’s pretty long but maybe it’s of your interest. Thank you! 🙂
Good morning, Asier. My day could not have started better than it did thanks to your reading recommendation. What a well-written, witty article. I have felt all those pains and disappointments the author describes. We have all chased answers to why the laws of physics aren’t behaving in our presence.✌️
I like how he said, “It had a memory of how things should go and we had to tune with it.”
So glad you liked it, I thought you would, been reading a lot about it lately. What’s your experience on your Thorens? Now I’m afraid I’ll go through the same nightmare described in the article, but I want to be forwarned to ease frustration for I’m so excited to assemble my incoming friction wheel. As for the most proper wick, flint and fuel, what are your thoughts?
I have been very fortunate. I have owned five Thorens double or single claws and all of them have functioned flawlessly with little or no help from me. I’ve not found them to be finicky with the wick, flint or fuel but rather seem to desire the momentum that slams the lid open, laying fire in your hand(the “bang” of which the author speaks). It’s robust nature can be startling, don’t let the lighter jump out of your hand.
Hi, Joseph,
I recently received the friction wheel for my Thorens Standard, new flint and wick but I’m missing to tune the lighter for a nice “dependable flame” . I wonder if I can contact you somehow for pics and videos for a diagnose and advice on a possible fixing, but I’m not sure if you offer that kind of service -please, do! LOL. Thank you, anyway 🙂
Sorry for the delay, Asier. I’ve been moving into a new place and have been very busy. The good news is I am moved in now and will have my workshop set up soon.
You can email photos and videos anytime. Hopefully, I’ll respond faster than I did to this comment.🤦♂️
We could also schedule a Zoom meeting where you could share these directly from the application interface, and we could discuss in real time to team up on your project.✌️
Hi Joseph; I recently bought a made in France vintage Feudor lighter. It seems to work fine, but I can’t figure out wich kind of fuel should I use to flame it. Could you help me?
Guillermo
Email pictures of the base of your lighter and the top of the lighter with the lid open(if it has one).✌️
Great information! I am new to collecting lighters. My dad had a Continental so I am focusing on those to start with. One I recently acquired is missing the filler plug (screw). Do you have a source for those? Seems I can find everything but those.
Thanks!
My “source” is a room in my house that has become a sort of lighter salvage yard. Send a picture of the base of the lighter and if I have one I’ll send it to you.✌️
Hello,
I have just acquired a vintage Thames lighter (made in Japan), and am unsure as to what kind of fuel it might need. Can you point me in the right direction? Thanks for providing this resource!
Most Thames lighters I am familiar with are Ronson clones and will run on Zippo Fuel or Ronsonol just fine.✌️
Thank you! I suspected as much but as a novice I figured it was better to be safe than sorry.
Joseph, I have a Beattie Jet Lighter that is missing the flint spring and wick. Wondering if you have any suggestions on where to find replacements.
Thanks
Dan
The IMCO wicks on this page should work just fine. As for a replacement flint spring, I usually buy a donor lighter or test flint springs and screws from discarded or dysfunctional lighters.✌️
I have a Fayzee, Evans by Draymor lighter…the seal under the fuel screw crumbled when I unscrewed it. I also need wicks, fuel, and maybe a new flint…where would I get parts for this?
I have links to purchase many vintage lighter supplies on this page of my site:
https://dependableflame.com/helpful-lighter-related-links
✌️
Hi, I have a lighter that sits in a hole that is built in to the base of it. It is a table top lighter I got from my dad. The bottom is made of resign and has a small oyster set inside of it with a pearl inside the oyster. The lighter is a circle and is supposed to turn on via a switch that is pressed. The gears inside of it are rusted and I want to put it back into working order. Could you help?
Watch this video and see if it helps. I also have videos to help repair most of the petrol mechanisms you’ll run into.
Hi there – I have a Dunhill Rollalite and am curious what fuel I should use to refill it. I had it serviced several years back, and want to confirm it uses lighter fuel and not butane. It has a wick in the chamber, not a valve. Forgive my ignorance on the subject!
Yes, if it has a wick then it needs fluid(petrol) not butane. Good question though!
Good evening. I have a Marathon cigarette case and lighter I already put petrol in it and it light up four times then the spark didn’t spark anymore. I can’t find anything online on how to dissemble or replace the flint.
I do not currently have a Marathon lighter to work on but will put it on my list of projects as soon as I come across one.✌️
Hi! I’ve got an antique brass table lighter from India that my wife wants to get working again. I’ve been trying to figure out both what kind of fuel it may require, but also what kind of flints/wicks it may need. I’ve disassembled it and it’s got a rather large “pot” chamber the lighter itself sits on and I can see some cotton in the top half where it lights. I can also provide some photos, but I’d like to get this working as a gift for my wife since she treasures it so much.
Sounds like a petrol lighter. We can discuss over on the DependableFlame Facebook page if you would like to post some pictures over there!
I bought a Parker pen Flamimsire lighter and to my disappointment it is not refillable as the gas tank or butabloc needs to be returned to psrker pen for new filled gas tank ! I also noticed the part where the flame comes out is clogged and I have not been able to though get thru the other side ! Any idea if a vintage lighter repairman can put in a refill butane valve . Cathy
I have heard of DIY projects similar to what you are describing but I am unaware of a repair person who does these and I don’t work on butane lighters myself.✌️
I have a lighter. Atc automatic deluxe made in Japan. Looks just like that Ronson one. Do you know what Flint and wick size I might need?
Generally, the old Ronson or Imco wicks will work best for that lighter. The Zippo type copper woven wicks will work too but may be more difficult to fish out of the lighter. There is also a link above to buy wicks with three different diameters off eBay. I hope this helps and thank you for the question.✌️
Hi sir – your videos have been so helpful, thanks! I recently purchased a mid 50’s Ronson Jasperware table lighter, and while attempting to install a new wick discovered that the gears for the flint wheel are MIA. Do you have any leads on whether these are replaceable? Any direction appreciated.
S
Yes, they are definitely replaceable. Donor lighters purchased off Ebay or an old parts repair kit are your best option. Ronson parts are readily available and don’t usually cost an arm and a leg! Thank you for the question and I hope this helps.
I have my grandmother’s vintage Jade Marhill Musical Lighter and can’t figure out how to fill or replace wick. I can only find one screw and can’t seem to get ahold of it
Thanks for any help you may have.
Yours may be a slip-case lighter which has no fuel screw.✌️
Hello! I am looking to bring a crystal table lighter back to life. Comparing it to a working one that I have I belive the cap to the fuel compartment is missing. Is that something I can find and replace what would I call that? THe little silver piece you screw in with a flat head after you fill. I also may need your expertise on replacing the flint and purchasing the correct one. Thank you!
Any flint should work once you get the flint tube cleared. You called the fuel cap correctly, also can be called fuel screw.✌️
Hi Joseph,
I recently bought a Kincraft lighter and cigarette case off eBay. I’ve cleaned the flint out, changed the wick and put more lighter fluid in it, I got it to work pretty steadily for a few days but when I went back to it about a 10 days later it wouldn’t light. It’s sparking well but won’t light at all. Any tips?
Thank you!
Rowan
It sounds like it has likely run out of fuel. Most pocket petrol lighters will not retain fuel for a ten day period.✌️
Hi, I have a vintage dunhill rollalite petrol lighter and the spring (or rod) that pushes against the flint is stuck. What is the best way to get the rod working again? The flint is not getting used up properly because of this issue.
Also, what is the best wick replacement for this lighter?
You would need to disassemble the flint spring assembly to determine the exact problem. There could just be some debris buildup or flint dust causing a problem. I would use an Imco wire lead wick as a replacement in that lighter.✌️
Hello Sir! I’m a new subscriber to your YT Channel today, I’ve already watched a bunch of videos. My grandfather was an avid Zippo user and Case knife enthusiast. I love working on old knives and lighters, gives me something to do as I have Cerebral Palsy, and chronic neuropathic pain, late 50s😂 and need a form of “distraction” . Thank you so much for all you do.
I normally use “white gas” Coleman fuel , transferred to a Zippo or Ronsonol fluid can, because of limited income , to fuel my lighters and have seen no ill effects whatsoever, or performance issues other than the usual. I’m hoping the cost of genuine Zippo fluid drops but that’s not likely.
For many years I practiced firecraft , bushcrafting, hunting, fishing, so I adopted the largest of the peanut style lighters, the EXOTAC titan light and the Maratac Peanut XL for fuel conservation due to o rings.
I’m trying to find the exact size of the Maratac XL O ring, I do not have calipers or a measuring cone😂
For those interested the EXOTAC TitanLight takes a #35 O ring , flouro type ring preferred due to chemical and heat , fuel resistant properties, and an IMCO style long wicking with a wire lead is extremely helpful..
Your tip about silver beading wire is solid gold sir
Thank you
Hello Mark! It is good to meet you and I’m thrilled to have you aboard. I appreciate your comments on the YouTube videos and here and hope that you will continue to frequent the site and share your insights and also to ask any questions that you may run into. I am not familiar with the “peanut” style lighters but you have made me curious enough to check them out. I tend toward the vintage and discarded and it sounds like the EXOTAC AND Maratac are newer products I need to become familiar with. Thanks for the info about the proper o-ring size, I’m sure that this information will be helpful to other readers. I really appreciate your compliments, especially about the wire lasso trick. I look forward to interacting more in the future my friend. Never tried the white gas myself but I have been curious.