There have been numerous posts here about carrying firestarters as part of one's EDC. I've been carrying two packages for about 6 months and both have proven effective and reliable. I mostly carry in urban settings or while traveling by car or train and do have to be sensitive about controlled entry to govt. buildings. I haven't had a problem passing thru security checkpoints with either item.

Lots of folks have the 'peanut' lighters. My problem in the past with them, as with most liquid fueled lighters, is that the fluid dries out. I ordered a Delrin CR-123 battery holder and the mini peanut lighter from County Comm. The lighter fits nicely inside, though I added a cotton ball in the bottom of the container to keep the lighter from rattling around. After 6 months of EDC the lighter has retained fluid enough to light easily and produce a reasonable flame.



The other packaging technique is to use the small plastic boxes from CC (just a frequent customer) to hold a mini-Bic and some tinderquick. Tucking the lighter in the case seems to protect it from the gas escaping inadvertently. There's also room for a Sparklite as well.


The peanut lighter has been on my key ring and the mini-Bic in my daypack for about 6 months so this is a good, real world test.

I find that using a fishing swivel really keeps the tops of things from unscrewing themselves, such as pill fobs or the cylindrical battery cases from County Comm.

For EDC, I also carry a mini Bic or a peanut lighter. I carried a mini Bic for about a year with no leaking issues. I prefer the mini Bic because it is more rugged and just works. I'm currently carrying a peanut lighter to test real world carry conditions. The peanut lighter is slightly smaller and nicely fits on a key chain.

I have had no leaking problems with either of these. I have left a peanut lighter alone for a year, and it still lit up. If your peanut lighter leaks, there may be a problem with the O-ring. I personally have not found suitable replacement O-rings on the Internet. If anybody has a link to the correct O-ring, then please share.

For ensuring gas doesn't leak on a mini Bic, I cut a bike inner tube thin enough such that it fits the gap underneath the button. I installed the bike inner tube there and double it over for added tension, like one can do with a rubber band.

For the peanut lighter, I wrapped the exterior with bike inner tube, which is not intended to prevent leakage. Rather, the bike inner tube is tinder and also dampens clanking with other objects.

In everyday situations, I rarely use my lighter for anything. It's mainly there "just in case". I'm contemplating moving back to a tiny ferro rod and scraper to carry on my person at all times. That way, I don't have to worry about temperamental issues like fuel leakage.

The "small plastic box from CC..."

What's that? Where did you find it...

Thanks. TimW.

here you go TD: http://www.countycomm.com/pocketcase.html

nice smart kit andy!

(fyi - i've had great luck with my peanuts: none have ever gone dry. i just top 'em off once a year)

I have carried Bics and mini-Bics for years without issues. They have always lit reliably, with no cases of leaking. I typically have at least one in my cookset where it is well shielded from bumps and knocks. Others have been in pants pockets and loose in packs without any problems.

I have just started carrying a CC peanut lighter on my keychain. No leakage so far

Thanks. I have had problems with the peanut lighters drying out, mostly, I think, because of O ring failures. I did find a rather extensive set of O rings at SciPlus.com. for $14.50.

I prefer not to use rubber bands or zipties to prevent the Bic lighter valve from leaking because when I'll need it the most is when my fingers will likely be cold and clumsy.

Let me know if it works, but be careful about wasting too much money. This O-ring on the peanut lighter is not an easy fit. I tried these 2 O-rings that don't fit:

http://www.amazon.com/-013-O-Ring-Durome...0034&sr=1-1

http://www.oringsusa.com/catalog/product...it26noks59osvg3

Good grief. Firestarters, don't get me started. I carry in my EDC and ED Pack,

1. Zippo
2. Soto torch lighter which turns a Scripto disposable lighter into a 2,300*F blowtorch. Which I actually used (to shocked applause I had on me) when a friends creme bruelle torch ran out of fuel during a party.
3. mini bic
4. Swiss Fire steel
5. REI storm matches
6 generic matchbook.

And assorted Wet Tinder and Coghlans firestarter tabs.

I have a drawer full of former EDCs like the orange Sparky Fire Starter, blast match, etc.

There are all sizes and diameters and I did find some that work on the lighters plus a bunch of other things around the house. But, yes I am set for O rings for the rest of my life...

Does anyone carry a Ronson Jetlite (or similar)

picked one up at Wally World for six bucks- it cost more than a Bic, but about the same size, metal, with cover, and mostly windproof- and refillable.
I have had one for 5 years- its not as shiny anymore, but still works every time.

as usual- not a vendor/ no money etc...

http://www.ronsonusa.com/JetLite.aspx

The O-rings are 4.5mm and are silicone.

CC sells a service pack for the peanut lighter

http://www.countycomm.com/servicepack.html

Thanks for the info about the O-rings!!!

I literally have a spreadsheet of O-rings to try and O-rings that don't work. I gave up searching online. I've asked this question on this site before, and I finally got an answer.

O-rings seem so simple and plain, yet they're so important.

I should pick some up too! Thanks for the link.

for those that carry a Bic type butane lighter, a practice run on making a "Ranger Rick" fire starter is a good idea... with a dead lighter, remove the wind screen and actuator lever with your EDC implements..the striking wheel is easy to knock out of the mount with the wind screen removed...there is usually a good amount of flint remaining...

Dang. You guys make me feel inadequate.

I just carry a GI-issue magnesium thingy.

Nice tool...As you probably know, there's a big difference between the GI-issue magnesium and the cheap ones made in China. There are Youtube videos showing how the one's made in China are basically worthless. Even with the good stuff, I have not been able to gain sufficient confidence with magnesium tinder.

They are good with a tinder ball.
Best firestarter in the world is one of these:

http://www.heinnie.com/Lighters/Blazer-Lighters/Blazer-Lighters-Pocket-Micro-Torch-/p-101-859-6256/


I have owned one of these for more years than I care to think about. With the possible exception of a Zippo, there is nothing on the planet to touch this.

And before anyone says anything: Workes perfectly well below freezing. Just leave it in a pocket untill you need to use it.

No association with... etc, etc, etc.

A tube of chap stick is a pretty good. While it is not the tinder, it is an accelerate which will get a fire started.

My experience has been that plain old kitchen matches, carried in a waterproof container, work very well when starting a fire in emergency situations. I can recall about ten times when starting a fire was critical for me, and matches worked very well. Most of these occurred in sub-zero or bitter cold, often at fairly high altitude, and the lowly match worked flawlessly.

It is true that matches today are not what they used to be, so my match case today contains matches on steroids, REI Stormproof or the equivalent. I usually employ a mini-Bic for routine firestarting and I have no problems at all, but I have not had to use one in extreme conditions.

I want it, but I doubt I'll EDC it.