Having a lighter with you is a no-brainer. However, there are many lighters out there, and deciding which one to invest in can be overwhelming. Bic is one of the largest and most common brands of lighters people use. The question is; How long do Bic lighters last?
BIC lighters are known to be reliable and to last a long time – sometimes decades. However, there are factors involved that can either shorten or lengthen its lifespan. Being mindful of how you use it and where you store it will ultimately affect how long a Bic lighter can last.
If you are thinking about making Bic your lighter of choice, then you will want to know how to get the most out of it. Let’s dive in as we explain why Bic is a good choice of lighter for any survivalist and also inform you of methods to help preserve its maximum functionality.
What Are Bic Lighters?
Bic lighters are most commonly known for being one of the most quality disposable brand lighters one could buy. They are considered a popular brand among the survivalist community.
The manufacturer BIC gets its reputation through the rigorous quality assurance testing they do on all their products. They are a recognized worldwide leader in producing safe, reliable flame.
Why is this important to know? If you are a survivalist, you want to be equipped with the best tools.
Survivalists are not gamblers. They want to minimize the potential odds of being put in a bad situation as much as possible.
By going with a product that has proven itself to be the most reliable, survivalists can feel more secure and confident for any challenge that comes their way.
Check out the video below for a quick overview of the Bic lighter’s history. It also includes the disassembly of a Bic lighter and explains how each component works.
How Long Do Bic Lighters Last?
The lifespan of a Bic lighter depends on factors such as how much it is used and what conditions it is stored in.
The nice thing with Bic lighters is that they do not contain many moving parts. That means that there isn’t much that can go wrong with them.
Running out of butane fuel is the most common reason why lighters go bad. Technically, it is possible to refuel them, but the effort required to do so is often considered to be to much of a hassle for most people.
Aside from fuel, another common factor that could cause the lighter to break is moisture.
Water and humidity are the main culprits that can heavily impair a lighter’s functionality. The good news is if a lighter gets wet, it’s not the end of the world. It should work again once the flint inside dries off completely.
Any moisture that gets trapped inside the lighter could cause the metal components to rust. If it happens to get on the wheel or spring, then it could result in permanent damage to its functionality.
If your Bic lighter gets wet, you should do whatever is necessary to dry it out so it doesn’t rust.
Check out the video below to see how to dry your Bic lighter fast during a survival situation.
Quickly Dry Out A Soaked BIC Lighter
How Long Can a Bic Lighter Burn?
The maximum duration of a standard Bic lighter could burn is 30 seconds per light. It’s important to know that the manufacturer does not recommend having the lighter stay lit for long periods as it contributes to its wear.
According to the manufacturer, a standard Bic lighter contains enough fuel for about 60 minutes of burn time before running out. The amount of lights you can get out of it determines how long you keep it lit.
Breaking down the math, 60 minutes equals 3,600 seconds. Most people keep a lighter lit for about 5 seconds, which translates to roughly 720 lights for the average life expectancy of the product.
In a survival situation, you should try to minimize how much time you use the lighter to conserve its fuel.
Try to plan accordingly when to use it. If you are trying to use it to start a fire, then make sure to use kindling that will catch as quickly as possible to prevent keeping it for long periods.
Can They Be Stored Long Term?
Yes, Bic lighters can be stored long-term for future use if done properly.
A Bic lighter’s lifespan is indefinite. A lighter that is never used could have a lifespan of 20 years or longer. The bottom line is that you can expect your Bic lighter to last for decades if stored under the correct conditions.
The most important thing to remember when storing a lighter is to protect it from moisture. A good place to store lighters would be a cabinet.
Another factor you must consider is extreme temperatures. Fluctuating hot and cold temperatures can affect the performance of the fuel inside the lighter. Keep the lighter in a place where the temperature stays consistent.
Once you figure out storage, the last thing that should be done is to depressurize the lighter to prevent leakage. How it is done is by igniting the lighter until the flame goes out and then releasing the remaining gas by pressing down the button.
Remember to test your stock for any deficiencies from time to time. Testing them at least once a year should be enough.
Can Bic Lighters Be Fixed?
Replacing the internal components of a Bic lighter is possible. It’s not a common practice due to the challenge of finding replacement parts. They are also very cheap to replace, so often, it is a better solution to just replace it.
One reason someone would want to repair their Bic lighter is that they have a custom-made one. There are a lot of third-party businesses that allow for custom print graphics on a lighter.
The biggest challenge is finding the replacement parts. Most stores don’t sell them upfront, meaning the best alternative is salvaging other lighters for their good components.
A better tip for survivalists is to have another lighter as a backup. It is more convenient than having to carry spare parts.
Are There Any Safety Hazards Using Bic Lighters?
Bic lighters are considered to be one of the safest brands of lighters to use. With that said, as with any lighter, you must always be cautious in how you use it.
One of the biggest concerns is if a lighter can explode. You should be happy to know that the chances of one exploding are very rare.
There are ways to reduce the chances of your Bic lighter malfunctioning for those that want to be more cautious.
The main reason that could cause it to explode is extreme heat. Leaving it to direct sun exposure can heat the butane gas and build pressure. The result is that it could cause gas leakage or a sudden burst of flame when ignited.
Aside from that, the second common factor related to explosions are defective products. As mentioned, the chances of getting one are very low, and Bic is known for its quality assurance testing.
The stories about lighters exploding randomly are usually from cheap-off-brand or knock-offs that come from China. Only buy from reputable brands to minimize the risk of lighter malfunctions.
The main thing is just not to be careless when handling a lighter. Be mindful of where you store it and what you light.
Most accidents come from the user not being careful. You should be fine if you don’t toy around with it.
Do Bic Lighters Need To Be Disposed Properly?
Yes, Bic lighters contain butane, which is considered a hazardous gas. Not disposing of it properly could lead to a fire or explosion.
Never carelessly throw away or leave a lighter alone that contains gas. Doing so is considered reckless behavior.
If you are camped out and have a damaged lighter, you may be tempted to get rid of it so that it becomes less cumbersome.
Ideally, you should hold onto it until you can dispose of it properly. If it contains gas, you may be tempted to pour it, but it is terrible for the environment.
If you must poor it, try to do it in a dry area with little vegetation. Gas can kill plant life and be harmful to animals that are near it.
Taking it to a recycling center is the most eco-friendly way to dispose of lighters.
Final Words
Survivalists can feel safe and secure with Bic as their lighter of choice. To this day, Bic maintains a positive reputation for being the best-built lighters while being affordable. Survivalists should e able to expect quality right out of the packaging.
Like most tools, being responsible and caring for them defines how long they will last.
Remember to be cautious of how you care for your lighter. Limiting how often you use your lighter will reduce the wear and save fuel. Ensuring it is correctly stored in a safe environment will allow you to keep it for years.