Lighter Restoration Safety: Why a Fire Blanket is Essential

When it comes to vintage lighter restoration, safety should always come first. Working with petrol and butane lighters means you’re dealing with flammable fuel and sparks, so having the right safety equipment on hand is just as important as having the right tools.

The most important piece of safety equipment I recommend? A fire blanket.

Why a Fire Blanket?

A fire blanket is simple, fast, and effective. It pulls out of its pouch instantly, without the need to figure out pins or nozzles in the heat of the moment. Unlike a fire extinguisher, it doesn’t create a mess to clean up after, and you can smother flames immediately before they spread.

For lighter restoration, especially when working on butane lighters, a fire blanket is non-negotiable. Butane can leak and doesn't feel wet. You don't think you have any your work space. You go to test your lighter and there is a fireball. Your hand is on fire and you've burnt off your eyebrows. I know from personal experience. Butane can ignite quickly, and seconds matter. With a blanket, you don’t lose time—it’s as simple as pulling and covering. Imagine fumbling with fire extinguisher after your eyebrows burnt off?

What About Fire Extinguishers?

A fire extinguisher is certainly good to have nearby, and I won’t discourage anyone from keeping one in their workshop. But in my experience, when dealing with lighters, the fire blanket is the faster, cleaner, and more practical option.

Think of it this way: an extinguisher is great for big emergencies, but a fire blanket is the tool that saves you from ever reaching that point.

Other Safety Tips for Lighter Restoration

• Work in a well-ventilated space. Fumes from petrol, butane, or cleaning supplies can build up quickly.

• Keep fuel away from your main workspace. Only work with small amounts at a time.

• Have a non-flammable work surface. Towels are good for catching parts, but use a base layer that won’t burn.

• Wear safety glasses. Springs, metal filings, and sparks don’t always play nice.

Final Word

If you’re serious about restoring lighters, make safety part of your toolkit. Brushes, blowers, and pipe cleaners may get your lighter running again—but a fire blanket could save your house or maybe your life. (Eyebrows too) Don’t skip it, especially if you’re going to work on butane lighters.

And yeah, if you click on the link for a fire blanket and buy one, it will take you to Amazon and I will earn a teeny-weenie commission. Why wouldn't I take advange of program? It's not like I wouldn't recommend this stuff anyway. It's not like I'm pushing the most expensive lighter on Amazon which is this one: https://amzn.to/46coWg4.

But hey, if you do get one, make sure you use that link, ok?