FAQ

What does FAQ stand for?

FAQ stands for "Frequently Asked Questions". On this page, we will try to address most questions that are commonly asked about the Stashlight. If your question is not answered below, please feel free to contact us directly via email at stashlightcanada@gmail.com and we will help find you a solution.

I just opened my Stashlight - why doesn't the lighter work?

It probably just needs to be refilled with lighter fluid. Every Stashlight is filled with fuel before it leaves the shop, but depending on shipping time and temperature, the fuel reservoir could have dried out. Just refill your lighter using the steps outlined below.

How do I refill the fuel in my lighter?

Remove the lighter cap by unscrewing it to reveal the striker wheel and wick. Grasp the striker wheel with your fingers and carefully pull out the inner fuel canister attached to it. Turn it upside down to find the circular white felt pad and remove it to reveal the cotton fuel reservoir (you may need to use tweezers). Holding the fuel canister with the cotton facing up and the lighter level, fill it up with your chosen lighter fluid being careful not to overflow it. Once full, fit the felt pad back on top; the pad should also soak up some of the fluid when installed. Once the pad is securely in place, you can re-insert the fuel canister back into the top of your lighter and screw back on the lighter cap. You're now good to go!

What fluid do I use in my lighter?

The Stashlight runs off of lighter fluid. It is sold as "lighter fluid" in most department stores under different brand names. We recommend using 'Zippo' brand fluid as it is specifically designed for use in cotton reservoir style lighters and burns very clean. DO NOT use any other form of flammable liquid (especially not gasoline) in your lighter, as it could react unpredictably and dangerously.

My lighter is full of fluid, why won't it work?

If the lighter is too full of fluid, it could seep out causing it to soak the flint and preventing it from being able to ignite temporarily. In this case, you need to open the lid of the lighter and wait for 4-5 minutes for the flint to dry out to use it. When ready, re-tighten the fuel tank cap, and wipe any fluid seepage on the surface of the lighter with a cloth before use. The lighter also has a hard time igniting if there is not enough exposed wick for the spark to catch on fire. There should be at least 1/8" of the wick exposed. If more wick is required, grab the wick tip with tweezers to pull it out. If there is no wick left, you must replace it.  

How do I replace the wick in my lighter?

Using tweezers, pull out what is remaining of the old wick from the top of your lighter. Open up the lighter as if you were refilling it to access the cotton reservoir (steps outlined above). Using tweezers, remove the circular felt cap and all of the cotton batting from the metal fuel canister. Now you can see the hole that the new wick needs to be inserted into. If your new wick has frayed ends, you will have to cut on end on an angle using a sharp utility blade. Take the pointed end of the wick and thread it into the hole to start it (you may have to use a needle to help tuck the wick into the hole). Once in the hole, use your tweezers to grab the wick from the top tightly and using a downward twisting action, slowly work the wick into your lighter until only an 1/8" of wick is left exposed. Turn the lighter over, tuck any excess wick into the canister, then replace the cotton. Top off the reservoir with fluid and the circular felt cap before closing your lighter back up. One replacement wick is included in our Stashlight Parts Kit which can be purchased from our online store.

How do I replace the flint in my lighter?

Open up the lighter to access the cotton reservoir as mentioned in previous steps and remove the circular felt cap. You should see a small flat-head screw cap. Use a flat-head screwdriver or butter knife to unscrew the cap and access the inner flint chamber. Take out the flint and spring. Insert a new flint, and put back in the spring. Screw back on the flint cap and re-tighten it. This may prove difficult due to the tension in the spring; we suggest that you use your finger to push in the cap and turn the the canister rather than the screw to start the thread. Once started, you can easily tighten it using the screwdriver. You can then replace the circular felt cap and return the canister to the lighter. One replacement flint is included in our Stashlight Parts Kit which can be purchased from our online store.

Why won't my flashlight turn on?

Inside every flashlight is a small plastic disc that separates the batteries from the terminal to prevent it from turning on accidentally during shipping and draining the battery. To remove it, slide up the rubber gasket on the flashlight, then unscrew and remove the top. Take out the batteries, remove the circular plastic disc and put back the batteries. Screw back on the top and slide down the gasket to protect the threads. Without the disc inside, as soon as the lighter is tightened, the flashlight will remain on. Simply loosen the top until the light turns off (being careful not to remove the cap completely). We suggest keeping the plastic disc and keeping it installed when not in use. This will prevent the flashlight from accidentally turning on in you pocket or bag and thus draining the batteries unnecessarily.

How do I change the batteries in my flashlight?

Open up the battery compartment using the steps outlined in the above question. Stack your three new batteries into the top bulb part of the flashlight. All three batteries must be inserted in the same direction; negative [ - ] sides toward the bulb and the positive [ + ] sides facing you. You can then close back up the lighter and test to make sure that flashlight works. If not, the batteries may be dead. If batteries are brand new, then your bulb could be burned out and it is time to buy a replacement flashlight end from the online Stashlight store.

What size of batteries do I put in my flashlight?

Every flashlight runs off of three small LR41 batteries. These can be purchased from most department stores. If you cannot find them in the regular battery section of the store, try looking in the jewelry/watch section.

Why can't I light my hurricane matches?

The hurricane matches provided in your Stashlight kit are not 'strike anywhere' matches. They are treated with chemicals that allow them to burn aggressively and stay lit in tough weather. Due to this, the matches will only work when struck on the special strike pad provided in your kit. Each strike pad has an adhesive backer that allows you to stick in in a convenient spot near your fireplace or on a gear bag. If not yet adhered, we suggest you keep your strike pad in a safe dry place such as your glovebox or wallet.

Why is my Stashlight leaking?

If your Stashlight is either leaking lighter fluid or not keeping your valuables dry inside the storage compartment, then you may have an O-ring issue. There is a thin O-ring on the bottom of the lighter threads that keeps the fluid contained inside the lighter head. There is also a thicker O-Ring on both the flashlight threads and the steel end-cap; these help keep water out of your storage compartment. Check all O-rings and replace any that are damaged or missing. One of each O-ring comes in our Stashlight Parts Kit which you can purchase from our online store.

What can I fit inside of my Stashlight?

Every Stashlight has a hollow compartment that is 3.5"L and 3/8" in diameter. This can fit our two hurricane matches, a cigarette or joint, a rolled up bill, medicine/pills, and even a golf pencil. There are many possibilities; just know whatever you put in your Stashlight is protected from the elements.

Can I sell the Stashlight in my own store?

Of course you can; that would mean the world to us! Please contact us directly regarding resale opportunities and wholesale pricing.

Are there any safety concerns I should have?

1. Please make sure that the lighter flame is completely extinguished before putting back on the cap and storing the lighter. This will prevent the lighter from overheating and potentially causing unwanted burning of clothes or skin.

2. This device creates fire and can be dangerous in the wrong hands. Please keep your Stashlight out of reach of children.

3. Avoid overfilling; if lighter fluid seeps out and covers the external body of your Stashlight, whatever is wet could catch on fire, causing too large of a flame and potentially causing burns.

4. To ensure safety, keep the lighter away from your face, clothing, and other flammable objects when igniting the flame.

5. As stated previously, do not use anything but lighter fluid to refill your Stashlight. Any other form of flammable liquid could react dangerously causing burns or explosions.

6. If too much excess wick is pulled out and ignited, it could cause too large of flame that is potentially dangerous and difficult to extinguish. This will also waste your wick unnecessarily. Ensure that only 1/8" of wick is protruding out from the top of the lighter.

7. If lighter stays lit for an extended period, allow tip time to cool down before handling again. Touching the tip of the lighter too soon after extinguishing the flame could cause a burn.

8. If you allow the wick to burn below the canister line, it may combust the inside cotton reservoir. To avoid this, always extinguish the flame when the wick gets low. Using tweezers, you can pull out more wick from the top of the canister until you have 1/8" showing. It is then safe to ignite again.

9. Your Stashlight is filled with flammable fluid and therefore you must store it in a place where temperatures do not exceed 50°C to avoid accidental combustion. This includes keeping it too close to a fire or leaving it exposed in the hot sun for a prolonged period of time.

10. Do not eat the hurricane matches. The chemicals used to create the ignition on the matches is very harmful if ingested. Try to wash your hands after using them (especially before handling food). More safety information is found on the paper covering of your matches.