On 10/21/2020 02:47 PM, Dean Hoffman wrote:
On 10/21/20 1:15 PM, micky wrote:
OT Here's a story.

I have one of those butane torches (this one by Vertigo). Meant for
lighting cigars. I found it on a shelf in the hall and since it didn't
grow there, I must have found it somewhere else, but I have no
recollection of that.

It gives 3 flames at the same time, very impressive, but this one must
be almost empty because frequently it gives no flame. That must be why
someone threw it away. And I think I've used up most of what little
fuel was left.

It seems to have a metal probe which I figure is the electrode and when
it wasn't lighting anymore anyhow, I wanted to see the spark it makes.
Tried several times and couldn't see it, even though there was no flame
to hide it. Even when I turned the lighter sideways. Thought maybe
the light from my ceiling fixture was making it too hard to see so I
held my hand 2-3 inches from the lighter, to shield it from the light.

So of course, this time it lit! Hot. Hurt my hand. Hurt for 5
minutes, but at least today, the next day, there is no burn.

That was close. I notice that I've never hurt myself doing any of the
dangerous things I've done, any of the things my mother told me not to
do. I've only hurt myself doing non-dangerous things. Surprise!

Didn't lighters use some sort of a flint way back when? I think my
dad used to buy them.

Yes. I carry a Zippo in the winter for frozen locks etc. The flints are
about a 1/4" long and 1/16" in in diameter. A cold BIC isn't worth much.
The problem with a Zippo is the fuel will evaporate over time so if you
don't remmeber to fill it it isn't worth anything.