While refillable butane lighters are designed to provide a long service life, every mechanical device is subject to failure for various reasons. Oftentimes, in the case of butane torches, the problems stem from incorrect handling, attempts to fix the lighter on the part of the user or to simple wear and tear. Sometimes, problems with these devices will manifest as a hissing noise; the sound of butane escaping from the reservoir of the torch. There are ways to remedy this.
A hissing sound emanating from a lighter almost always means that there is a stuck release valve. One can experiment a bit by pushing down the fuel release button a few times to see if the problem can be remedied in this fashion. If the problem fails to return, it’s likely that there was simply a stuck valve that was moved into place by depressing and releasing the button. More severe problems require the services of a tech.
In some cases, the valve may become stuck to the point that it requires someone with the proper tools and experience to fix. As many of these lighters have warrantees, it’s best to allow an approved tech to perform any repairs. In the vast majority of cases, attempting to fix such an issue one’s self will void the warranty and make it impossible for one to get a replacement if it turns out there was a manufacturer issue with the device.
If a lighter spontaneously starts making a loud hissing sound, this can mean that the fuel is escaping very rapidly. Do not attempt to light such a device. The gas may form a cloud around the user’s hand and result in a small flash fire. It’s best to let the pressure in the reservoir dissipate on its own and to take the lighter in for professional servicing. One should never put such a device in their pocket when the hissing noise is audible.
If the hissing occurs after the lighter has been dropped, the case may be cracked. This can result in a very fast discharge of gas, oftentimes producing more of a “puffing” noise as all of the gas is discharged as once rather than as a hiss as is characteristic of a slow leak. This may or may not be a fixable problem and replacement may be the only option.
Dave Sabot is the owner of specialty cigar lighters store. With expert knowledge of cigar accessories, including lotus lighters, Dave also authors a highly rated blog featuring information on how to lighter repair.
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