PRO Courses Hot Guides Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade
QUIZZES All Quizzes Hot Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Trivia Quizzes Taylor Swift Quizzes
EDIT Edit this Article
EXPLORE About UsRandom ArticleQuizzesRequest a New Article Community DashboardTrendingForums Computers and ElectronicsComputersPhone SkillsTechnology HacksHealthMen's HealthMental HealthWomen's HealthRelationshipsDatingLoveRelationship Issues Hobbies and CraftsCraftsDrawingGamesEducation & CommunicationCommunication SkillsPersonal DevelopmentStudyingPersonal Care and StyleFashionHair CarePersonal Hygiene Quizzes Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Fun Games Finance and BusinessHome and GardenRelationship QuizzesCars & Other Vehicles Food and EntertainingPersonal Care and StyleSports and FitnessComputers and Electronics HealthPets and AnimalsTravelEducation & Communication Hobbies and CraftsPhilosophy and ReligionWork WorldFamily Life Holidays and TraditionsRelationshipsYouth
LOG IN
Log in
Social login does not work in incognito and private browsers. Please log in with your username or email to continue. FacebookGooglewikiHow Account No account yet? Create an account
RANDOM
Home
Random
Browse Articles
TrendingNew
Quizzes & Games
All QuizzesHot
Love Quizzes
Personality Quizzes
Fun Games
Dating Simulator
Learn Something New
Forums
Courses
Happiness Hub
Explore More
Support wikiHow
About wikiHow
Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow
Categories
Health
Medicines and Drugs
Recreational Drugs
Smoking
Lighters
How to Flick a Bic Lighter Download Article Co-authored by wikiHow Staff
Last Updated: January 18, 2026 Fact Checked
Download Article
Flicking a Bic
|
Understanding the Mechanism
|
Troubleshooting
|
Video
|
Tips
|
Warnings
|Show more|Show less ARTICLE VIDEO X
This article was co-authored by wikiHow Staff. Our trained team of editors and researchers validate articles for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow's Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article is backed by trusted research and meets our high quality standards. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 689,303 times. Learn more...
Flicking a Bic lighter is easy once you get the hang of it. Use your thumb to roll the metal spark wheel down toward the red ignition button. Hold down the button to release gas. When you "flick" the wheel, you will generate a spark that ignites the gas. Look for the immediate flame. Keep holding the button as long as you want to keep the flame going.
How to Use a Lighter
Press your thumb on the metal spark wheel and turn it down in one quick, fluid motion. Apply enough force to make a spark, and finish by pressing down on the red button to supply fuel for the flame.
Steps
Method 1 Method 1 of 3:
Flicking a Bic
Download Article
1 Hold the lighter upright in your dominant hand. Curl your fingers around the body of the Bic to keep it steady. Rest the edge of your thumb on the red button so that it is touching the serrated metal sparkwheel. Find a grip that feels comfortable. You may need to experiment with your thumb at several angles before you get it right.
This red button is the ignition button that releases the gas from the lighter chamber.
Grip the lighter at least half an inch below the metal portion. The metal gets really hot and you're also more likely to get burned the closer you are to it.
2 Roll the metal sparkwheel down into the red ignition button. Use your thumb. Apply some force to the wheel, as you push it downward, to ensure that you create a spark. Turn the sparkwheel in one quick, decisive motion. If you do it right, a flame come out from the top of the lighter.[1]XResearch source
You won't see the spark. The spark is generated inside the metal housing of the lighter.
Advertisement
3 Hold the red button to keep the flame going. After you roll the sparkwheel, your thumbnail should rest firmly on the button. As long as you hold this tab, you are releasing a steady stream of gas from the inner chamber of the lighter. The gas feeds the flame and keeps it burning evenly. As soon as you release the button, the flame will cease.[2]XResearch source
Don't keep the lighter lit for more than 30 seconds. Let off the gas right after you light the object that you're trying to light. The top of the lighter will get hot rather quickly, which can be dangerous.
To get maximum life from your lighter, avoid burning it for any longer than necessary. Most lighters come with plenty of flint to outlast the fuel in normal use, so it is better to relight it than to keep it burning between tasks: e.g. lighting a great many candles. It's unlikely that the flint will run out before the fuel does. When it does run out of gas, you're out of luck.
Advertisement Method 2 Method 2 of 3:
Understanding the Mechanism
Download Article
1 Find the sparkwheel. This serrated metal wheel, also called the striker, is the part of the lighter that creates a spark. When you roll the wheel down into the lighter chamber, it strikes against a piece of flint. The resultant spark ignites the gas from the fuel well, creating a small, steady flame.[3]XResearch source
2 Know the function of the ignition button. The red ignition button, when pressed, releases the gas valve to the fuel tank. In order to light the lighter, you'll need to strike the sparkwheel and hold the ignition button at the exact same time.
3 Envision how the lighter works. When you spin the wheel, you make a spark. When you hold the button, you release a steady stream of gas. When you do to the two at the same time, the spark ignites the gas and sends a small flame through the hole at the top of the lighter. The flame will keep burning for as long as you hold the button.
Advertisement Method 3 Method 3 of 3:
Troubleshooting
Download Article
1 Keep trying. If you are using a relatively new Bic lighter, the problem likely lies with your technique rather than with some malfunction within the tool. Work on your hand placement. Make sure that you are striking the spark wheel quickly and powerfully enough to generate a spark. Check that you are holding down the ignition button and not just letting it go.
Bic lighters should still work in somewhat rainy and windy conditions. If you are having trouble flicking the Bic, however, try cupping the lighter with your hand or otherwise blocking the wind so that it cannot steal away the flame. Create a dry space with still air.
2 Consider removing the safety band. This will make the lighter somewhat less "safe," but it will make it easier to light. You won't need to apply so much force to create a spark. Many Bic owners make a practice of removing the safety band as soon as they buy a new lighter.[4]XResearch source
3 Check the fuel level. If the lighter doesn't light, check to make sure that there is fuel in the tank. It will be obvious with a transparent lighter. Hold an opaque lighter up to a light source. With a darker colored lighter, hold the top some distance away from your ear and tap it a few times. Keep your thumb on the lever and away from the striker wheel so you don't set your head on fire. You should hear a fairly strong hiss.
If the lighter is out of fuel, throw it away. Disposable lighters are not meant to be refilled.
You should be able to get up to 3,000 lights from a full-sized Bic lighter.
4 Have a look at the striker or "sparkwheel." If the lighter has fuel but still doesn't light, then the problem may be with the striker. Cheap lighters and Bics that have been used extensively will fail after a while because, while it still produces a visible spark, it's not dense enough to light the butane.
If the Bic is still producing a spark, you can hold the striker wheel down hard and very slowly turn it, grinding a little bit of flint off the stick. When the striker is hit full force, it should scatter and ignite the flint, which should be enough to light the butane. Be careful: the bits of flint can scatter and land on skin or clothing. The likelihood of burning yourself is very small, but still existent.
If the striker produces no spark at all but there is still butane in the tank: put the tips of two lighters together. Hold down the ignition button of the first lighter to release fuel. Then, use the striker from the other, functioning lighter (possibly one that has run out of fuel) to light the first.
Advertisement
Expert Q&A
Search Add New Question Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement Did this article help you? Say thanks with a small tip. $1 $3 $5 Leave a Tip Support our mission to help everyone in the world learn how to do anything.
Video
Read Video Transcript
Tips
Light things with the edge of the flame. You will only be able to light things when they touch the sides of the flame. A fire requires oxygen to start, and there is no oxygen in the middle of the flame. Thanks Helpful 12 Not Helpful 2
Make sure that you're old enough to buy a Bic lighter. You can buy these lighters in most convenience stores, grocery and drug stores, office supply stores, and more. In some states, you have to be 18. In others, 16. Thanks Helpful 5 Not Helpful 9
Once you have the hang of lighting your lighter, consider learning some tricks. Check out YouTube for various tricks that you can perform with a Big lighter. Be careful: playing with fire is always dangerous. Thanks Helpful 4 Not Helpful 7
Show More Tips
Tips from our Readers
The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
It can be easier to turn the wheel with the side of your thumb, rather than the tip.
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement
Warnings
Be wary of "lighter tricks." Not all "painless" tricks on YouTube are actually pain-free. Take all YouTube advice with a grain of salt. Thanks Helpful 32 Not Helpful 3
Never hold your lighter on the metal portion after you've lit it. You may burn your hand. Thanks Helpful 4 Not Helpful 0
Advertisement
You Might Also Like
How toUse a LighterHow toFlick a Zippo LighterHow to Fix Common Lighter ProblemsHow to Refill a Butane Lighter: Quick & Easy StepsHow toRemove a Safety Band from a Bic LighterHow toLight a CigaretteHow toDo Zippo TricksHow toMake a Lighter Shoot a Huge FlameHow toLight a CandleHow to Refill Your Butane Lighter Quickly & EasilyHow to Fill a Lighter, No Matter What Type It IsHow to Refill a Zippo, Replace a Wick, and Change a FlintHow to Create Fire in Your HandHow toLight a Cigar Advertisement
Co-authored by: wikiHow Staff wikiHow Staff Writer This article was co-authored by wikiHow Staff. Our trained team of editors and researchers validate articles for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow's Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article is backed by trusted research and meets our high quality standards. This article has been viewed 689,303 times. 33 votes - 58% Co-authors: 10Updated: January 18, 2026 Views: 689,303 Categories: LightersArticle SummaryX
To flick a Bic lighter, hold the lighter upright in your dominant hand. Use your thumb to quickly and firmly roll the metal spark wheel down onto the ignition button. You may need to do this a few times to get the lighter to light. Once the flame ignites, hold the ignition button down with your thumb to keep it going. To save the gas inside and keep the top of the lighter from overheating, don’t hold the button down for more than 30 seconds at a time. To learn more about how a Bic lighter works, keep reading!Did this summary help you?YesNo
In other languages Spanish Italian Portuguese French Japanese
Print
Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 689,303 times.
Did this article help you?
Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: wikiHow Staff wikiHow Staff Writer 33 votes - 58% Click a star to vote Co-authors: 10Updated: January 18, 2026 Views: 689,303
Quizzes & Games
How Lucky Am I QuizTake QuizAdvanced Roulette GamePlayThe Impossible QuizTake QuizHow Good Are My Survival Instincts QuizTake QuizAm I Good at Flirting QuizTake QuizAm I a Good Kisser QuizTake Quiz
You Might Also Like
How toUse a LighterHow toFlick a Zippo LighterHow to Fix Common Lighter ProblemsHow to Refill a Butane Lighter: Quick & Easy Steps
Featured Articles
How toRemove Shorts from Search Results on YouTubeWhat Are the Korean Animal Face Types? (And Which Type Do You Have?)Being the Little Spoon While Cuddling: Is It Better Than the Big Spoon?115+ Funny “Get Well Soon” Messages to Make Someone Laugh110+ “Fun Facts” for Interviews, Introductions, & IcebreakersHow Long Would You Survive In A Zombie Apocalypse?
Trending Articles
Am I Chopped QuizCrush Calculator: Does Your Crush Like You Back?What Does “Eat Zucchini” From KATSEYE Mean?How Rare Is My Birthday QuizAm I a Pick Me Girl QuizWhat Is the I Found a Leaf Relationship Test on TikTok?
Featured Articles
How to Roast Someone in a Rap Battle (Plus the Best Bars of All Time)What Turns a Girl On? 31 Things to Try on Your PartnerLove AnalyzerSending Your Sweetie a Love Note? Here are 200+ Romantic IdeasHow toExercise Your BrainHow toBe a Fun Person to Hang out With
Featured Articles
What Does Your Morning Routine Say About You?How toDevelop Productive HabitsHow toPractice Self CareWhat Song Matches Your Life Right Now?Will 2026 Be Your Year? Reveal Your FutureUnderstanding the Most Attractive Face Shapes (& Determining Your Own)
Watch Articles
How toIron PantsHow toCut LimesHow to Make Your Own Comforting Cinnamon TeaHow toDraw 3D ShapesHow toMake a Sugar ScrubHow to Wear a Scarf: 19 Different Styles
Trending Articles
Rank My Attractiveness QuizChildhood Trauma TestAm I Neurotypical or Neurodivergent QuizGuess My Deepest Secret QuizWhat's My Personality Based on My Song Choices QuizGuess My Age Quiz
Quizzes & Games
Simple Roulette GamePlayWhat Age Is My Brain QuizTake QuizAm I Smart QuizTake QuizDo I Have Common Sense QuizTake QuizWhat Tarot Card Am I QuizTake QuizHow Long Will I Live QuizTake Quiz
Categories
Health
Medicines and Drugs
Recreational Drugs
Smoking
Lighters
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
Download Article Co-authored by wikiHow Staff 
$1 $3 $5 Leave a Tip Support our mission to help everyone in the world learn how to do anything. 
How toRemove a Safety Band from a Bic Lighter 
Advertisement 
Co-authored by: wikiHow Staff wikiHow Staff Writer This article was co-authored by wikiHow Staff. Our trained team of editors and researchers validate articles for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow's Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article is backed by trusted research and meets our high quality standards. This article has been viewed 689,303 times. 33 votes - 58% Co-authors: 10 Updated: January 18, 2026 Views: 689,303 Categories: Lighters Article SummaryX
Take Quiz
Play
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz 
Play
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz 
615 
1 Hold the lighter upright in your dominant hand. Curl your fingers around the body of the Bic to keep it steady. Rest the edge of your thumb on the red button so that it is touching the serrated metal sparkwheel. Find a grip that feels comfortable. You may need to experiment with your thumb at several angles before you get it right. 
2 Roll the metal sparkwheel down into the red ignition button. Use your thumb. Apply some force to the wheel, as you push it downward, to ensure that you create a spark. Turn the sparkwheel in one quick, decisive motion. If you do it right, a flame come out from the top of the lighter.[1] 
3 Hold the red button to keep the flame going. After you roll the sparkwheel, your thumbnail should rest firmly on the button. As long as you hold this tab, you are releasing a steady stream of gas from the inner chamber of the lighter. The gas feeds the flame and keeps it burning evenly. As soon as you release the button, the flame will cease.[2] 
1 Find the sparkwheel. This serrated metal wheel, also called the striker, is the part of the lighter that creates a spark. When you roll the wheel down into the lighter chamber, it strikes against a piece of flint. The resultant spark ignites the gas from the fuel well, creating a small, steady flame.[3] 
2 Know the function of the ignition button. The red ignition button, when pressed, releases the gas valve to the fuel tank. In order to light the lighter, you'll need to strike the sparkwheel and hold the ignition button at the exact same time. 
3 Envision how the lighter works. When you spin the wheel, you make a spark. When you hold the button, you release a steady stream of gas. When you do to the two at the same time, the spark ignites the gas and sends a small flame through the hole at the top of the lighter. The flame will keep burning for as long as you hold the button. Advertisement 
2 Consider removing the safety band. This will make the lighter somewhat less "safe," but it will make it easier to light. You won't need to apply so much force to create a spark. Many Bic owners make a practice of removing the safety band as soon as they buy a new lighter.[4] 
3 Check the fuel level. If the lighter doesn't light, check to make sure that there is fuel in the tank. It will be obvious with a transparent lighter. Hold an opaque lighter up to a light source. With a darker colored lighter, hold the top some distance away from your ear and tap it a few times. Keep your thumb on the lever and away from the striker wheel so you don't set your head on fire. You should hear a fairly strong hiss. 
4 Have a look at the striker or "sparkwheel." If the lighter has fuel but still doesn't light, then the problem may be with the striker. Cheap lighters and Bics that have been used extensively will fail after a while because, while it still produces a visible spark, it's not dense enough to light the butane. 