Another little trick, is to rotate the wheel of a bic lighter lightly as not to make a spark. What you are trying to accomplish is an accumulation of flint dust (for a lack of a better description.) Do this about 30 or more times and then throw a spark with the wheel. It will create a lot of sparks on your tinder, cotton ball or whatever. Try it out, it's worked for me many times, versus creating a spark with every strike.

--Chris