How To Fill A Butane Lighter: 13 Steps (with Pictures) - WikiHow

Home » How To Fill A Butane Torch » How To Fill A Butane Lighter: 13 Steps (with Pictures) - WikiHow

Maybe your like

Skip to ContentQuizzes
  • Home
  • Random
  • Browse Articles
  • 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 How to Refill Your Butane Lighter Quickly & Easily PDF download Download Article Detailed instructions on how to refill your lighter’s supply of butane Co-authored by Ali Garbacz, B.A.

Last Updated: June 20, 2025 Fact Checked

PDF download Download Article
  • Purging
    • |
  • Injecting the Butane
    • |
  • Testing
    • |
  • Video
    • |
  • Tips
    • |
  • Warnings
    • |
  • Things You'll Need
|Show more |Show less ARTICLE VIDEO X

This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Ali Garbacz, B.A.. Ali earned her B.A. in Linguistics and Asian Languages and Cultures with a focus on East Asia from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2022. She has published articles centering around culture and history for non-profits and has also done news writing for an online news site. Ali now writes as an editor at wikiHow with the hopes of becoming a part in helping to achieve wikiHow’s goal of teaching everyone to do anything. She enjoys the process of researching and learning new things to share with readers and creating content that is both informative and fun. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. 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 701,335 times. Learn more...

Refilling your lighter with butane—whether it’s an electronic butane lighter, a torch lighter, or a butane cigarette lighter—is a super simple and quick process that you’ll be able to master in no time. The steps of purging your lighter, filling the tank with butane, and testing out the flame are the same across the board for all butane lighters, and we’re here to walk you through each of these steps. Pretty soon, refilling your lighter will be like second nature to you.

Things You Should Know

  • Turn the flame height adjuster to the lowest height, then use a screwdriver to push the refilling valve to purge the lighter of any air and leftover butane.
  • Hold the lighter upside down and press the stem of the butane can to the refill valve 2-3 times for 3 seconds each to refill the tank.
  • Wait 5 minutes for the butane to reach room temperature, then test your lighter to see if there is a flame.
  • Repeat the process until the butane tank is full and you get a steady flame.

Steps

Part 1 Part 1 of 3:

Purging the Lighter

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Work in a well-ventilated area. 1 Work in a well-ventilated area. Your lighter still has a small amount of butane in it, which is combustible and can irritate your eyes and skin. Purge and refill your lighter in an open space or work in a well-ventilated room with an open window or fan to improve air circulation.
  2. Step 2 Find a flat, sturdy surface to work on. 2 Find a flat, sturdy surface to work on. Use a clean and stable surface like a desk, countertop, or table. When you purge your lighter, the remaining butane in the lighter’s tank may spray out onto your working surface, so lay down some newspaper or a drop cloth when you're refilling it.
    • If you're working outside, make sure you use a surface that's clean and dry so you don't get any dirt or moisture in your lighter.
    Advertisement
  3. Step 3 Allow the lighter to cool off completely before refilling it. 3 Allow the lighter to cool off completely before refilling it. Don't refill your lighter immediately after you've used it. Butane is highly combustible, so allow enough time for your lighter to completely cool off before you try to fill up the tank.
    • If you recently used your lighter, wait at least 30 minutes before you refill it.

    Tip: Put your lighter in the refrigerator for 5 minutes to cool it down faster.

  4. Step 4 Turn the flame adjuster knob to the lowest height with a screwdriver. 4 Turn the flame adjuster knob to the lowest height with a screwdriver. Use a small screwdriver to turn the dial clockwise as far as it will go. Putting your lighter at the minimal height setting keeps the refilling opening tight and helps reduce the amount of air that could get into the tank. This adjusting screw is a larger brass screw with a slot for a screwdriver, and it’s usually on the bottom of the lighter.[1]
    • Some butane lighters come with a special key to turn the adjusting screw.
    • Your lighter may have a wheel to adjust the flame height instead of a screw, so you don't need to use a screwdriver to set it to the minimum setting.
    • Don't force the screw. If it isn't turning any more, it may already be set to the minimum setting.
  5. Step 5 Push the refilling valve with your screwdriver to let out the gas inside. 5 Push the refilling valve with your screwdriver to let out the gas inside. This valve is usually right next to the height-adjusting screw and looks like a small hole in the bottom of your lighter. Hold the lighter away from your face and press down on the valve with the end of the screwdriver to open it. Keep the valve open until you no longer hear a hissing sound.[2]
    • Any leftover air or gas in the lighter can prevent the butane from being injected into it and can break your lighter.
    • Any long, sharp tool will work for this step, including something like a pen or pencil.
    6. Advertisement
Part 2 Part 2 of 3:

Injecting the Butane

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Hold the lighter in an upside-down position. 1 Hold the lighter in an upside-down position. To avoid accidentally injecting air into the lighter, always refill it in an upside-down position. Injecting air into the lighter can dilute the fuel inside of it and can cause the lighter to malfunction.[3]
    • Holding the lighter upside-down means you’ll also hold the can of butane upside-down when you refill your lighter.
  2. Step 2 Shake the butane... 2 Shake the butane refill can to prime it. Inside the can of butane is the butane as well as a propellant. The heavier butane will settle at the bottom of the can so shake the bottle 5 or 6 times to prime it and mix up its contents.
  3. Step 3 Press the stem of the can into the refill valve on the lighter. 3 Press the stem of the can into the refill valve on the lighter. Holding the lighter upside-down, fit the end of the butane can’s stem into the refill valve. Don't hold the lighter at an angle or it could bend the stem of the can and possibly let air in. It should fit snuggly over the valve.[4]

    Tip: If the stem is too large or small, you may need to use an adapter to allow it to fit securely. The can of butane may come with an adapter.

  4. Step 4 Pump butane into the lighter in 3-second bursts. 4 Pump butane into the lighter in 3-second bursts. Press the stem of the butane can into the refill valve in 3-second bursts to inject the butane. Depending on how empty the lighter is, it may take 2-3 bursts to fill it. When the lighter is full, the butane will start to leak from the stem and won't go into the lighter.[5]
    • Some lighters have a gauge that shows the fuel level. Check the gauge to see if it’s full.
    • Don't overfill the lighter. As soon as it feels full, stop adding butane.
    • If you notice a high-pitched hissing sound or see butane leaking out even before the tank is full, this might be because you’re holding the can or lighter at an angle instead of straight up and down.
    5. Advertisement
Part 3 Part 3 of 3:

Testing the Lighter

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Turn the flame adjuster back up to your desired height. 1 Turn the flame adjuster back up to your desired height. Now that the lighter has been refilled with butane, use your screwdriver to turn the flame height adjusting dial back up. You don't need to turn it up all the way, but you do want to increase the height so the lighter can be tested properly.[6]
    • If you spilled any butane on your fingers or the outside of the lighter, wipe it off before testing the lighter.
    • Keeping the lighter set at the minimum setting can make it harder to start, especially if it was completely out of fuel.
  2. Step 2 Wait 5 minutes to allow the butane to reach room temperature. 2 Wait 5 minutes to allow the butane to reach room temperature. You’ll probably notice that your lighter feels cold to the touch when you fill it with butane. This is because the butane in the can was compressed. However, butane at room temperature burns best. Waiting for these 5 minutes also allows any excess butane that could catch fire on the exterior of the lighter to evaporate.[7]
  3. Step 3 Light the lighter... 3 Light the lighter to produce a flame. Adjust the flame height to your desired setting, then hold the lighter a safe distance away from you and activate the mechanism that ignites the lighter. There should be an even burning flame. Start and stop the lighter a few times to make sure it flows smoothly.[8]
    • If the lighter doesn't produce a flame or the flame is really weak, you may need to add more butane. Repeat the steps for filling your lighter and continue to test it until you get a nice, even flame.
  4. Step 4 Store the butane in a secure location that is cool and dry. 4 Store the butane in a secure location that is cool and dry. When you're finished refilling your lighter, put the can of butane in a place that's safe and away from heat. Butane is highly combustible, so you don't want to risk an explosion or fire.[9]
    • A secure drawer is a safe place to store butane.
    • If you have small children, be sure to store the butane in a hard-to-reach area.
    5. 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

Video

Read Video Transcript

Tips

  • Using highly-refined premium butane helps your lighter perform better and make it last longer as well. Thanks Helpful 22 Not Helpful 6
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

  • Hold the lighter and butane can away from your face to avoid inhaling any gas or getting it in your eyes. Thanks Helpful 13 Not Helpful 3
  • Keep small children away from lighters and butane at all times. Thanks Helpful 12 Not Helpful 4
  • Always refill your lighter outside or in a well-ventilated room. Thanks Helpful 3 Not Helpful 0
  • Butane is a highly combustible gas. Keep it away from open flames and store it in cool, dry places away from direct sunlight and other heat sources.[10] Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 1
Advertisement

Things You'll Need

  • Butane gas refill can
  • Small screwdriver
  • Butane can adapter tips (optional)

You Might Also Like

Refill a LighterHow to Fill a Lighter, No Matter What Type It Is Put Lighter Fluid in a LighterHow to Refill a Butane Lighter: Quick & Easy Steps Fix a LighterHow to Fix Common Lighter Problems How to Refill a Zippo, Replace a Wick, and Change a Flint Use a LighterHow toUse a Lighter Change a Gas BottleHow toChange a Gas Bottle Light a Propane TorchHow toLight a Propane Torch Use a Gas CanHow to Fill & Use a 2 Types of Gas Cans Make a Lighter Shoot a Huge FlameHow toMake a Lighter Shoot a Huge Flame Use a Camping Gas StoveHow to Safely Use a Gas Camp Stove Light a Kerosene HeaterHow toLight a Kerosene Heater Use a Propane TorchHow toUse a Propane Torch Flick a Bic LighterHow toFlick a Bic Lighter Light a Bunsen BurnerHow toLight a Bunsen Burner Advertisement

References

  1. ↑ https://brigcigar.com/cigar-guides/how-to-properly-refill-a-butane-lighter
  2. ↑ https://brigcigar.com/cigar-guides/how-to-properly-refill-a-butane-lighter
  3. ↑ https://www.holts.com/clubhouse/cigar-101/refilling-a-lighter
  4. ↑ https://youtu.be/u-wiTm-PIoo?t=51
  5. ↑ https://youtu.be/u-wiTm-PIoo?t=61
  6. ↑ https://youtu.be/u-wiTm-PIoo?t=81
  7. ↑ https://www.holts.com/clubhouse/cigar-101/refilling-a-lighter
  8. ↑ https://youtu.be/u-wiTm-PIoo?t=93
  9. ↑ https://preparednessmama.com/fuel-storage-for-emergencies/
More References (1)
  1. ↑ https://brigcigar.com/cigar-guides/how-to-properly-refill-a-butane-lighter

About This Article

Ali Garbacz, B.A. Co-authored by: Ali Garbacz, B.A. wikiHow Staff Writer This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Ali Garbacz, B.A.. Ali earned her B.A. in Linguistics and Asian Languages and Cultures with a focus on East Asia from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2022. She has published articles centering around culture and history for non-profits and has also done news writing for an online news site. Ali now writes as an editor at wikiHow with the hopes of becoming a part in helping to achieve wikiHow’s goal of teaching everyone to do anything. She enjoys the process of researching and learning new things to share with readers and creating content that is both informative and fun. This article has been viewed 701,335 times. 69 votes - 95% Co-authors: 6 Updated: June 20, 2025 Views: 701,335 Categories: Lighters Article SummaryX

To fill any type of butane lighter, you’ll need to purge the air and remaining fuel from the lighter first. Do this in a well-ventilated area, since butane fumes can irritate your lungs. Lay down some newspaper or a drop cloth on your work surface. If you’ve recently used your lighter, wait for it to cool down. Carefully use a screwdriver to turn the flame adjuster knob on your lighter clockwise as far as it will go. Then, with the lighter facing away from you, push the tip of the screwdriver into the refilling valve to let any air out. Keep the valve open until you no longer hear the hiss of air escaping from the lighter. Next, shake your butane refill can well. Hold the lighter upside-down and push the stem of the butane can into the refill valve on the lighter. Pump butane into the lighter in 3-second bursts until you see butane starting to leak out around the stem. Or, if your lighter has a fill gauge, check that to see if it is full. When you’re done, use the screwdriver to turn the flame adjuster counterclockwise to the desired setting. Wait 5 minutes for the butane in the lighter to warm up to room temperature, then test the lighter to make sure it’s working properly. Did this summary help you?YesNo

In other languages Hindi Dutch Korean Indonesian Portuguese Czech Japanese Italian
  • Print
  • Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 701,335 times.

Reader Success Stories

  • Sindi Stack

    Sindi Stack

    Sep 6, 2021

    "I had never refilled a lighter myself as my hubby always did it for me. Now that he has gone I have tried to do..." more
More reader stories Hide reader stories Share your story If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission.

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission.Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Ali Garbacz, B.A. Co-authored by: Ali Garbacz, B.A. wikiHow Staff Writer Co-authors: 6 Updated: June 20, 2025 Views: 701,335 95% of readers found this article helpful. 69 votes - 95% Click a star to add your vote Sindi Stack

Sindi Stack

Sep 6, 2021

"I had never refilled a lighter myself as my hubby always did it for me. Now that he has gone I have tried to do..." more Brittany Cradic

Brittany Cradic

Mar 13, 2023

"This is such an awesome site because you can learn about filling different lighters and of course, save money which..." more Peter M.

Peter M.

Oct 1, 2023

"I'd just purchased a new butane insert for my Zippo and wasn't sure how to refill it, and after watching..." more Lucius

Lucius

Jun 28, 2021

"I thought it was as simple as "hold the lighter and insert the butane nozzle." Now I know why my lighter..." more Anonymous

Anonymous

Jan 7, 2024

"This was my first success refilling without breaking a refillable in literally decades. Clear and step-by-step,..." more Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

Quizzes & Games

How Good Are My Survival Instincts QuizHow Good Are My Survival Instincts QuizTake QuizAm I Smart QuizAm I Smart QuizTake QuizDo I Have Common Sense QuizDo I Have Common Sense QuizTake QuizAnger Issues TestAnger Issues TestTake QuizThe Impossible QuizThe Impossible QuizTake QuizWhat Perfume Note Am I QuizWhat Perfume Note Am I QuizTake Quiz

You Might Also Like

Refill a LighterHow to Fill a Lighter, No Matter What Type It IsPut Lighter Fluid in a LighterHow to Refill a Butane Lighter: Quick & Easy StepsFix a LighterHow to Fix Common Lighter ProblemsRefill a Zippo LighterHow to Refill a Zippo, Replace a Wick, and Change a Flint

Featured Articles

Hilarious Clean Jokes That’ll Make Adults & Kids LaughHilarious Clean Jokes That’ll Make Adults & Kids LaughAm I Ready For A Relationship QuizAm I Ready For A Relationship QuizWhy Is He Ignoring Me? 12 Possible Reasons (Plus, What to Do)Why Is He Ignoring Me? 12 Possible Reasons (Plus, What to Do)A Complete Style Guide for the Gamine Kibbe Body TypeA Complete Style Guide for the Gamine Kibbe Body Type Tell if You’re in LoveHow to Tell if You’re in LoveWhich Chaotic Evil Villain Am I QuizWhich Chaotic Evil Villain Am I Quiz

Trending Articles

Let Us Rate You 1-10: Attractiveness Scale QuizLet Us Rate You 1-10: Attractiveness Scale QuizCan We Guess If You're Single or Taken?Can We Guess If You're Single or Taken?Make OutHow toMake OutAm I a Gigachad or Totally Chopped?Am I a Gigachad or Totally Chopped?How Rare Is My Birthday QuizHow Rare Is My Birthday QuizHow Nonchalant Am I QuizHow Nonchalant Am I Quiz

Featured Articles

What Does It Mean If Someone Tries to Kill You in Your Dream?What Does It Mean If Someone Tries to Kill You in Your Dream?200+ Best Questions to Ask Someone You Like (Texting & IRL)200+ Best Questions to Ask Someone You Like (Texting & IRL)How Beautiful Am I QuizHow Beautiful Am I Quiz13 Types of Hairlines for Men and Women (And How to Maintain Yours)13 Types of Hairlines for Men and Women (And How to Maintain Yours)Which of the 8 Face Shapes Do You Have? Helpful Tips & Style GuidanceWhich of the 8 Face Shapes Do You Have? Helpful Tips & Style GuidanceMental Illness TestMental Illness Test

Featured Articles

Enjoy the HolidaysHow toEnjoy the Holidays Get 250 Grams of Protein Daily: Best Foods, Meal Plans & MoreHow to Get 250 Grams of Protein Daily: Best Foods, Meal Plans & MoreAm I Girly QuizAm I Girly Quiz200 Fun, Flirty, & Deep Questions to Get to Know a Guy Better200 Fun, Flirty, & Deep Questions to Get to Know a Guy Better Tighten Skin Under Your Chin: Natural or Surgical OptionsHow to Tighten Skin Under Your Chin: Natural or Surgical OptionsWhat Would My Nickname Be QuizWhat Would My Nickname Be Quiz

Watch Articles

Wrap a Round GiftHow toWrap a Round GiftSteam in an OvenHow toSteam in an Oven Make Plant-Based Meat: 4 Incredible RecipesHow to Make Plant-Based Meat: 4 Incredible RecipesClean a Silver NecklaceHow toClean a Silver Necklace4 Easy Ways to Open a Can of Soda4 Easy Ways to Open a Can of SodaPart Your HairHow toPart Your Hair

Trending Articles

180 Good Comebacks & Savage Roasts to Win Any Argument180 Good Comebacks & Savage Roasts to Win Any ArgumentAm I a Furry QuizAm I a Furry QuizHave I Met My Soulmate Yet QuizHave I Met My Soulmate Yet QuizRandom Fortune GeneratorRandom Fortune GeneratorWhat Should My Name Really Be QuizWhat Should My Name Really Be QuizWhat Are the Gay Male Body Types (And Which Do You Have?)What Are the Gay Male Body Types (And Which Do You Have?)

Quizzes & Games

Am I Good at Flirting QuizAm I Good at Flirting QuizTake QuizDeserted Island SimulatorDeserted Island SimulatorPlayHow Good is Our Chemistry QuizHow Good is Our Chemistry QuizTake QuizCan You Spot The False Climate Claims QuizCan You Spot The False Climate Claims QuizTake QuizAm I a Good Kisser QuizAm I a Good Kisser QuizTake QuizWhat Skin Type Do I Have QuizWhat Skin Type Do I Have QuizTake Quiz wikiHow
  • 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.
  • Home
  • About wikiHow
  • Experts
  • Jobs
  • Contact Us
  • Site Map
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Info
  • Not Selling Info
  • Contribute

Follow Us

×

Get all the best how-tos!

Sign up for wikiHow's weekly email newsletter

Subscribe You're all set! X --693

Tag » How To Fill A Butane Torch