How Long Do Bic Lighters Last?

Have some Bic lighters and want to know how long they will last?  Here’s what you need to know about burn time and life span.

Also Read:

BIC Lighter Burn Time

A normal-sized Bic lighter will last for approximately 60 minutes (3,600 seconds) of burn time before running out of fuel.  

This equates to approximately 120 lights lasting 30 seconds each, 360 lights lasting 10 seconds each, or 1,800 lights lasting 2 seconds.  A mini Bic lighter has less fuel, so it lasts only 20-30 minutes (1,200 to 1,800 seconds).    

Also read: How to refill a BIC lighter

How Many Sparks Can You Get from a Bic Lighter?

You can usually get 3,000 to 4,000 sparks from a Bic lighter.  After this, the sparkwheel can wear down, so it may not be able to ignite the fuel anymore.  This is one reason a Bic lighter can still have fuel but not light anymore.

Do Big Lighters Expire?

Bic lighters can last indefinitely in storage.  However, moisture in the air can cause the sparkwheel or flint to corrode, so the lighter no longer sparks. 

Corrosion can also affect components that control the opening and closing of the gas valve, causing fuel to slowly leak from the lighter over time.  Because of this, the lifespan of a Bic lighter is usually around 5 years.   

How to Store Bic Lighters

If kept dry, Bic lighters can easily last 25+ years in storage.  Ammo cans are one good solution for storing Bic lighters. 

You can also seal them in Mylar bags to protect them from moisture.  Make sure the lighters stay in a cool place because they can explode if left in high heat, such as in the trunk of a car.