Recently I have acquired a number of lanterns with the Coleman Spark Igniter attached to them. I removed them a placed them aside as I began my lantern disassembly and clean ups. Most of the igniters had no flint in them, or they were greasy/dirty and wouldn’t light. I took them apart and cleaned the various small parts as we do the other lantern copper parts in Simple Green to remove the grease and a good wash in vinegar to remove the rust and corrosion.
I had asked earlier on the forum if the replacement flint that is normally used in lighters was the same and of course the answer came back that it was and very inexpensive at the local drug store or Wal-Mart.
I found an interesting article on the web where you can rescue the flint from a BIC lighter that had run out of fuel. I know buying a replacement flint is only a couple of dollars but I wanted to try my luck at taking something else apart. I think most of us have this problem.
Find a BIC lighter that is empty.
Remove the striker by prying it off with a small screwdriver being careful not to launch the striker and flint across the room because it’s being held in by a spring.
Once you get the pieces apart you should have the above pieces. Here’s the flint.
Take a pair of dyke pliers and cut the flint into two pieces. You will need a shorter piece to put in the igniter system and now have enough flint for two igniters. You may want to place the long flint in a small plastic bag before you cut in half or it’ll launch across the room. I did notice that the spring in the BIC is the same size diameter as in the igniter and I'm thinking that you could cut that down to replace any broken or damaged springs in your igniter. I haven't tried this yet but I will.
Now replace the new cut down flint into the cleaned igniter and reattach it to your lantern.
Now wasn't that easier and more fun than driving out and buying one?
