Field guides

Know your lighter

Two fuels, two characters, plus the adapters that keep a gas lighter fed. Read up before you choose.

Petrol

The originals. Cotton, naphtha, and a flint wheel: how fluid lighters work and how to keep one going.

Gas

Pressurised butane and a clean, instant flame: how gas lighters work, refilling, and living with one.

Adapters

The small tip that mates a butane can to an older valve. How refill adapters work, and how to match one to your lighter.