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Anatomy of a Butane Lighter

Butane lighters, used commonly to light candles, fires, grills and cigarettes, may be found in any convenience store or drug store. The lighters seem simple, but a close look reveals a system of several parts that allows the much-relied-upon devices to deliver a flame.

  1. Spark Wheel

    • The spark wheel does just what its name suggests. When turned by the user, it rubs against the flint, creating a spark that ignites the emerging butane gas.

    Jet, Fork and Fork Spring

    • Otherwise known as the button---on the outside of the lighter---the fork and fork spring control the opening and closing of the jet valve. The fork is lifted up when the button is pressed down. Underneath the button lies the fork spring, which provides balance throughout the system. When the fork is in ignition position, the jet valve releases butane gas to the spark wheel, creating flame.

    Body

    • The body of any lighter is generally made from hard plastic, which acts as the fuel tank of the lighter.

    Valve

    • Located beneath the jet and the jet fork, the valve acts as a tunnel from the fuel tank in the body of the lighter through the flame system. This pathway allows butane gas to flow into the jet, up through the jet fork and out of the lighter hood.

    Windshield

    • The metal windshield, or cap, shields the gas flow from the wind, protects the user from heat and supports the flame.

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