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Monday, March 25, 2013

Mess of lighters



There I was at the grocery store checkout, waiting for my turn. There's nothing to do but look at the impulse buy displays. One thing caught my eye, a big jumbo collection of Bic lighters. For a guy who doesn't smoke, I sure buy a lot of those butane lighters.

They are cheap and common so we tend to forget what a technological marvel they are. I can make fire using a number of primitive methods and they are good skills to have. However, if you've ever started a fire with a bow drill or other primitive method, you really appreciate disposable lighters.

I've got them all over the place: the vehicles, the boat, scattered around the house, and in backpacks. If a fire needs to be started I don't want to look high and low for a lighter.

People keep candles, lanterns and camp stoves handy in case of power outages. Store lighters in the same place those other things are kept. Sure beats stumbling around the dark, looking for some way to light the candle or lantern. In an emergency situation, the last thing you need is the stress of trying to find a lighter.

At one time I used to stock up on the cheap dollar store lighters, but not anymore. The failure rate on the cheapos is too high. They come apart in your hand just when you need them most.

So there I was at the checkout, wondering if I really needed more lighters. Then I thought how stupid I'd feel if I needed a lighter and didn't have one. Imagine your vehicle broken down far out in the woods. It's starting to get dark and cold. What would make you feel better: a campfire, or knowing you saved a couple bucks at the checkout.

-Sixbears

20 comments:

  1. I always carry a lighter in the winter to heat keys for frozen vehicle door locks. I used it twice this winter and was glad that I had it. Wooden matches are what I stockpile, though - in plastic jars with tight lids.

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    1. Good use for the lighter. Saves you a world of grief.

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  2. Can't ever have too many lighters, or beans or nearly anything else. If you have to ask yourself if you really need them, then you probably could stand to have a few more!

    Kinda like insurance...better to have 'em and not need 'em than need 'em and not have 'em!

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    1. They are cheap enough and useful enough that have extra won't hurt.

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  3. Like you I have them scattered all over my home and shop. Matter of fact I just reached behind and opened a small cabinet...two of them waited. Excellent advice.

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    1. It's a simple thing we tend to forget about or take for granted.

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  4. the perfect gift for the closet pryomaniac


    Wildflower

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    1. The controlled use of fire is what seperates us from the animals.

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  5. Lighters and flashlights,,,can't never have too many.

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    1. Yep, I feel the same way about flashlights.

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  6. Can never have too many lighters, flashlights, batteries, or knives for that matter.

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    Replies
    1. I also seem to have a lot of those kicking around too.

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  7. Since I quit smoking 20 some years ago, I am hard put to find a lighter when I need one. Now that I read your blog I will stock up on some.

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  8. Then you'll have one when you need it.

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  9. Thanks for the reminder. My wife had lots of lighters everywhere, but she's been gone a few years now and her lighters are all but gone as well.

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    Replies
    1. It's an easy thing to forget, until you need one.

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  10. Walgreens usually has the best buy on bic lighters on average and they usually go on sale around BBQ holidays like Memorial day or the 4th of July. If you get the Scripto lighters 3 for a dollar at the dollar stores buy them as they hold up pretty well. Not as good as a bic lighter but they don't fall apart in your hands.

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    1. Good to know. I'll keep an eye out for the Scriptos.

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  11. The other day at work we were searching everywhere for a match to light a birthday cake candle. I said "no problem, I'm sure I have one in my (bugout) bag in the car. Nope. Had a magnesium bar with a striker thingey. Hah! Might light the whole cake with that. I bought a bag of lighters next time I was out...

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    1. I carry a metal match on my keychain. Lousy at candles. First gather up a tnder bundle or some char cloth . . .

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