What makes a Clipper different
Clipper lighters come from the Spanish company Flamagas, based in Barcelona, and have existed since the early seventies. According to Clipper, you can replace three things on a Clipper: you refill the gas, you replace the flint and you can replace the wheel. That way a Clipper lasts a long time. Clipper says the filling valve has been tested for more than 1,000 refills.
Refilling a Clipper with gas
Clipper recommends a Clipper butane gas. This is how you refill a Clipper:
- Do it in a well-ventilated room, away from fire, sparks or heat.
- Hold the lighter upside down, with the filling valve on the bottom facing up.
- Put the gas can straight down on the valve and press firmly for a few seconds.
- Let go and wait a moment before you light the lighter, so the gas reaches temperature.
Do not overfill, and never light the lighter while filling.
Replacing the flint
On a classic Clipper, the flint sits in a removable part at the top, together with the wheel. Clipper sells flints on a card of nine.
- Pull the part with the wheel out of the top of the lighter.
- Unscrew the bottom piece: the old flint falls out.
- Put in a new flint and screw the piece back on.
- Push the part back into the lighter.
If the wheel itself is worn, replace the whole part. Clipper sells it separately as "Ignition Wheel & Flint System".
Adjusting the flame
- Classic Clipper with a flint: the flame is pre-set and cannot be adjusted. According to Clipper, it is stable and at most 30 mm high, for the whole life of the lighter.
- Clipper Jet: a storm flame with electronic ignition. That flame can be adjusted.
If your Clipper does not light
- No spark: the flint has run out. Replace it as described above.
- A spark but no flame: the gas has run out. Refill the lighter.
- The wheel turns stiffly or sparks poorly: replace the part with the wheel and flint.
Flying with a Clipper
According to the international IATA rules, you may carry one small lighter on your person, never in checked baggage. Gas refills are not allowed at all, and lighters with a storm flame, such as the Clipper Jet, often are not either. Always check with your airline.
Frequently asked questions
Can you refill a Clipper?
Yes. Hold the lighter upside down, put the gas can straight onto the valve on the bottom and press for a few seconds. Clipper recommends a Clipper butane gas.
How do you replace the flint in a Clipper?
Pull out the part with the wheel at the top, unscrew the bottom piece, put in a new flint and screw it back on.
Can you adjust the flame of a Clipper?
Not on the classic Clipper with a flint: the flame is pre-set, at most 30 mm. On the Clipper Jet, yes.
How many flints are on a Clipper card?
Nine.
Can you take a Clipper on a plane?
According to IATA, one small lighter on your person, never in checked baggage. Gas refills are not allowed and a Clipper Jet with a storm flame often is not either: check with your airline.
