Windmill lighters are among the most essentials high-tech survival equipments, made to facilitate a spark in any condition.
Withstanding 70-80mph winds, altitudes bigger than 9000′ or temperatures near -40 degrees Fahrenheit, they are ideal for activities in extreme weather. Still, there are many things you should consider when you use a windmill lighter at extreme altitudes, in order to take advantage of a successful ignition.
First of all, proper fuel for your windmill lighter have to be used. It is highly suggested that “triple refined” or “premium” butane gas is utilized at every altitudes. It would be greatest if you could keep the fuel tank of your windmill lighter at a higher level as possible. A few of the most excellent brands that produce fuel are Colibri, Vector & Lucienne.
It is also very crucial that, before using the newly fueled windmill lighter, the fuel’s temperature is equalized. To gain that, after refilling the lighter with butane gas, hold it in your hand for approx. 2 minutes.
Another suggestion to have a perfect ignition is not to permit your lighter freeze. Despite the fact that windmill lighters work in extreme climatic conditions, if the temperature goes down lower than -40 degrees Fahrenheit, they must be kept from freezing. This should be an extremely easy job, because all you require to do is to keep them somewhere away from the coldness outside, in a pocket for instance.
Another crucial thing to consider, is not to consider your windmill as if it were a flint lighter, meaning, you should not push the ignition button frequently in a successive, quick way. Using your lighter this way would only decrease your chances to ignition. That is why it should be used with precaution, with slow movements.
A suitable adjustment of the flow of butane gas with the altitude, is also very crucial. Thus, when dealing with higher altitudes, it’s suggested to decrease the flow of butane gas, as it allows this way for more oxygen to enter into the combustion chamber, and thus facilitates the ignition. This can be done by simply turning the flame adjusting ring clockwise towards the “-” mark. Alternatively, when dealing with lower altitudes, you should spin it in the opposite way, towards the “+” mark, as oxygen is in a greater supply.
Windmill lighters are certainly a very useful technology and as long as you use them the right way, they’ll surely give all the help you require, no matter the weather circumstance.