Windmill Lighter

Windmill lighters are one of the most essentials high-tech survival tools, made to allow a spark in any condition.

Withstanding 70-80mph winds, altitudes bigger than 9000’ or temperatures close to -40 degrees Fahrenheit, they are perfect for activities in extreme weather. Still, there are some things you should take into consideration when using a windmill lighter at extreme altitudes, in order to take advantage of a successful ignition.

First of all, proper fuel for your windmill lighter must be used. It is most recommended that “triple refined” or “premium” butane gas is used at all altitudes. It would be best if you could keep the fuel tank of your windmill lighter at a higher level as possible. Some of the best brands that produce fuel are Colibri, Vector and Lucienne.

It is also very important that, before using the newly fueled windmill lighter, the fuel’s temperature is equalized. In order to achieve that, after refilling the lighter with butane gas, keep it in your hand for about 2 minutes.

Another tip to have a prefect ignition is not to let your lighter freeze. Although windmill lighters work in extreme weather conditions, if the temperature goes down lower than -40 degrees Fahrenheit, they should be kept from freezing. This should be a very easy task, because all you have to do is to keep them somewhere away from the coldness outside, in a pocket for example.

Some other important thing to consider, is not to treat your windmill lighter as if it were a flint lighter, meaning, you should not push the ignition button repeatedly in a successive, quick way. Using your lighter this way would only decrease your chances to ignition. That is why it should be used with precaution, with slow movements.

A proper adjustment of the flow of butane gas with the altitude, is also very important. So, when dealing with higher altitudes, it is recommended to reduce the flow of butane gas, as it allows this way for more oxygen to get inside the combustion chamber, and thus facilitates the ignition. This can be done by simply turning the flame adjusting ring clockwise towards the “-” mark. On the other hand, when dealing with lower altitudes, you should spin it in the opposite way, towards the “+” mark, as oxygen is in a greater supply.

Windmill lighters are indeed a very useful technology and as long as you use them the right way, they will surely give all the help you need, no matter the weather condition.