Peanut Lighter Review

S

sodak

Joined
Mar 26, 2004
Messages
6,186
I broke down and got some peanut lighters from CountyComm. They work pretty much the same as a zippo, but are much smaller and have an o-ring for preventing evaporation. Sounds good in theory, they look pretty good too.

http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q203/sodak_photos/p1010002-2.jpg

Pros: Flat bottom for standing on end, like a candle. By pulling more of the wick out, you can adjust the flame to be pretty big ~2 inches if you like (but burning fuel faster). They use regular zippo fuel - naptha. They light very well, usually only one turn of the wheel.

Cons: No instructions. Couldn't tell to take it apart if it was a straight pull or unscrews (straight pull). It's so tight, you have to use a pliers to pull the sparker out. Half the time, pulling it out separated the internals, and you can't stuff the cotton wadding back in, at least I couldn't. It's very difficult to push back in also, pliers required. The o-ring comes off **very** easily and is lost. Notice one missing in the pic?

My conclusion: Stick with a zippo. This thing is a great idea, but shoddy construction. If they improve it, then it's worth a second look.
 
I have to chime in on this one I have the same flat bottom peanut lighter that has been riding in my pocket for the last 6 months filled it once when i got it and will still light with just one strike. Even after riding in my pocket all this time I still have the O-ring on mine. Sounds almost like you got some duds because my insert pulls easily enough but not to easily so that it would fall out when in use. and in all honesty overall construction actually feels better than the zippos that i own.


just my 2 cents
 
I have some from the gentleman who was linked to from the Wilderness forum. I attach them to a SAK and they work great. I do have to refill them every few weeks, but for a quick jolt of fire they're excellent in a pinch.
 
I have one on my key chain. I do not smoke, and I almost never need a lighter. I will never wear out the wick or flint. For someone who uses a lighter regularly, this is not the lighter to get--not because of issues with construction or components, but because it would be terribly inconvenient to have to screw and unscrew the top every time you needed it. I filled mine, tested it, and screwed the top on tight. I then wrapped the joint with a couple passes of electrical tape. I check it every few months, and so far it's worked just fine. Dealextreem sells the round bottomed ones for $2. The flat bottomed one are just slightly more--all with free shipping. These are NOT Zippos. That's both good and bad, depending on how you use a lighter.
 
I have one as my secondary piece, as a backup to the zippo. Saved my ass on a few occassions when I ran out of fuel. However, I'd never trust my life to it like I would a zippo, as the construction is not nearly as ingenious as the idea itself. But, as a backup for occasional uses in non-windy conditions, it's awsome. Well worth the $5, and makes a great little gift.
 
Wow. Thank you all for your input!

After all of these posts, I went back and double checked, just to make sure. I got a batch of 5, the idea was so good, I thought I'd put them in vehicles and BOBs. Out of the 5, only 2 are usable easily. Three have inserts that are so tight, pliers are needed to get them out, and after 3 or 4 refills, the striker will be deformed enough that the lighter will eventually fail, at least that's what I'm afraid of. 2 also had cross-threaded bodies that are unable to secure the cap with.

Like I said earlier, this is a great idea, and I really like this lighter. It must be a quality control issue.

PS - I forgot to mention, the fit is tight enough, that even without the o-ring, it hasn't leaked a bit after laying on it's side for 3 days.
 
I've been looking at these for a while- cool litle gadget. But for a "real" fire solution, I'll go Bic every time. I love my Zippos, but after a bad leg burn on a golf course in the summer (I know- overfilled) I only carry a fluid lighter in the colder months. I don't play golf anymore either...
 
I think they're great, but I'm sure they're not meant for regular use. I have one on my keychain and several scattered throughout the house, cars, various bags, and bobs. I have both the flat bottomed one as well as the shiny older (and cheaper) version. For some reason, the o ring on the flat bottom one does fall apart easily, but it still retains fluid. I periodically check the ones I don't use about every 6-8 weeks and they still light up. I went several months before refilling, just in case.
 
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