Can you Refill a Bic lighter: Yes, You Can Refill a BIC Lighter

The Bic lighter has been around for a long time. They’re cheap, reliable, and last a long time. I keep one in my Bug Out Bag and Get Home Bag and camping gear as an easy fire-making tool.

Despite how long Bic lighters last, they will eventually run out of fuel. Can you refill a Bic lighter? The manufacturer says Big lighters are not refilable. However, it is possible to refill bic lighters if you use the correct safety precautions. Refill Bic Lighters at your own risk.

Are BIC Lighters Refillable?

According to the Bic website, the lighters are not refillable. They do not recommend modifying or tampering with Bic lighters. Despite this precaution, there are safe ways to refill butane lighters like the Bic. Keep reading for details on how to refill Bic Lighters.

The techniques can be adapted to some other disposable lighters but not all.

Why Refill a Big Lighter?

There are many reasons why you may want to refill a Bic lighter. It’s a lot cheaper than buying a new lighter. Refillable lighters like a Zippo lighter are typically more expensive than most disposable lighters.

The flint and spark wheel of a Bic will last much longer than the butane will. When I was in Jordan there were people in one of the local markets who refilled lighters. I don’t know how much money he made but I watched him fill multiple lighters in the short time I watched.

Being able to refill a disposable Bic lighter is a useful skill to have if you’re in a SHTF situation. It may not be easy to get new lighters but butane or other gas may be available.

What do I Need to Refill Bic Lighter?

Depending on how you intent to refill the lighter you will need the following tools.

• An empty Bic lighter

• Fresh butane (NOT lighter fluid)

• A flathead push pin, safety pin or paper clip to reseal the lighter

• Pliers, screw driver, and wire cutters

• Sandpaper

• Small gas refill valve (Not necessary but makes future refilling easier)

• Drill and drill bits (required to install a refill valve)

How To Refill a BIC Butane Lighter

There are several common methods to refill a Bic disposable lighter. Below we will cover the most effective techniques.

Method 1: Refilling a Bic Lighter From the Bottom

This is the easiest and most reliable method to refill a Bic lighter.

1. Make sure the lighter is empty by trying to light it.

2. Turn the lighter upside down and find the ball bearing

3. Take a pin, needle, or paper clip and push the ball bearing out of the Bic lighter. This will open the fuel chamber.

4. Push the nozzle of your butane canister and fill the lighter. Be sure you are doing this with the can of butane upside down.

5. Be sure to press down firmly to ensure no butane leaks out.

6. When full, push a safety bin or push pin into the hole in the lighter to seal the chamber.

7. Cut or sand the pin down so it is flush with the bottom of the lighter.

Method 2: Refilling A Bic Lighter From The Top

It is possible to refill a Bic lighter from a small hole on the top but it requires disassembling the lighter.

1. Take a screw driver or other tool and pry off the metal hood.

2. Remove the striker, flint and flint spring.

3. Remove the one-way valve which dispenses the butane during typical use.

4. Push the butane canister valve into the hole where you removed the one-way valve.

5. Hold firmly for at least 30 seconds to fill the lighter.

6. When full, press the one-way valve back into the lighter.

7. Reassemble the flint, striker, and lighter hood in the reverse order you originally disassembled.

Method 3: Install a Refill Valve

This method is nearly identical to the first method except you’re installing a small gas refill valve instead of using a pin to seal the lighter.

Special tools needed:

• Drill

• Drill bits

• Gas refill valve

• Silicone sealant (not always required but this helps create a good seal on the valve)

How To:

1. Make sure the lighter is empty by trying to light it.

2. Turn the lighter upside down and find the ball bearing

3. Take a pin, needle, or paper clip and push the ball bearing out of the Bic lighter. This will open the fuel chamber.

4. Take a drill bit and widen the hole so it will fit the refill valve.

5. Shake out any debris and the bearing.

6. Break the divider inside the lighter. This is required to fit the valve.

7. Insert the refill valve. Seal using silicone sealant.

8. Fill your lighter through the valve.