Refillable petrol lighters are designed to be serviced. Over time, the wick will char and the flint will wear down. Replacing these parts is straightforward once you understand how the lighter is constructed.

This guide covers when and how to replace a lighter’s wick and flint, with safety in mind.

Why Replace the Wick and Flint?

Wick: A charred or frayed wick will produce a weak flame and waste fuel. When trimming no longer improves performance, it’s time to replace the wick.
Flint: The flint provides sparks when struck by the wheel. As it wears down, the lighter may require multiple strikes or fail to ignite. Replace the flint when the spark becomes weak.

By replacing these parts, you avoid throwing away a perfectly good lighter and ensure reliable ignition.

Tools and Materials

Replacement wick and flint sized for your lighter
Small screwdriver or coin
Tweezers or needle‑nose pliers
A length of thin wire (some replacement wicks come with a wire core)
Clean cloth or tissue

Work in a well‑lit area away from open flames or fuel.

Replacing the Wick

Remove the bottom screw and cotton wadding: Unscrew the base of the lighter and remove the cotton wadding that fills the fuel chamber, keeping the cotton aside for re‑use.
Prepare the new wick: If your wick is not pre‑wired, wrap one end of the wick with a short length of wire so you can thread it through the lighter body.
Thread the wick: Feed the wire through the lighter tank from the bottom and guide it out through the wick hole at the top. Pull the wick through until about 3–4 mm protrudes above the chimney, then trim the excess.
Replace the cotton and screw: Repack the wadding into the fuel chamber, pushing it down gently with tweezers. Refill with lighter fluid and replace the screw; allow the fuel to soak before lighting.

When threading the wick, take your time—forcing it can bend the wire or fray the wick. Keeping the wadding intact reduces evaporation and maintains fuel delivery.

Replacing the Flint

Remove the spark wheel assembly: On many lighters, gently pry up the spark wheel assembly. A small tool or the edge of a pen may help.
Unscrew the flint housing: Carefully unscrew the small base holding the flint spring to avoid launching the spring.
Install the new flint: Remove the worn flint, insert the new one, replace the spring and screw the base back in. Ensure the spring seats properly.
Reassemble: Push the spark wheel assembly back into place.

After replacing the flint, roll the wheel a few times without lighting to bed in the new flint. If you feel resistance, do not force the wheel; check that the flint and spring are aligned.

Tips for Longevity

Trim the wick regularly (every few months) by pulling it up and cutting off the charred portion.
Use quality replacement parts; cheap flints can crumble.
Keep the lighter clean and dry; moisture will corrode the flint and spring.

Replacing the wick and flint is part of what makes a refillable lighter sustainable. These simple repairs extend the life of a brass lighter, so it can accompany you for years.