What Materials and Features Distinguish Cheap from Premium Lighters?

[prathu41]

was just curious to know what a cigarette lighter made of what metal they use in the exterior where the light comes out.what kind of plastic is used to hold the liquid?will the metal melt off if its switched on for a while? what's the difference between a $1 lighter and the $24 zippo lighter , other than the price?

 

[MATLABdude]

Not sure why this is in General Physics, but oh well. The answer to most of your questions is:
Whatever's cheap, while still being capable of doing the job.

Metal: probably tin or plated steel, something that's cheap, easy to work with, and won't severely oxidize when the lighter is used, or worse yet, melt under the likely flame temperature.

Plastic: polystyrene or polypropylene or something similar that'll resist the pressure they put the butane under, and won't be dissolved by the same lighter fluid. Oh yeah, did I mention cheap?

The Zippo (and similar lighters) aren't designed to be disposable lighters (they also use naptha oil, and a wick instead of liquidified butane). They're designed to last a long(ish) time, and possibly be used even as a fashion accessory. You're paying for all of the above, and probably for the brand name and premium as well.

 

[prathu41]

tanx for the info

 

[sakura881220]

was just curious to know what a cigarette lighter made of what metal they use in the exterior where the light comes out.what kind of plastic is used to hold the liquid?will the metal melt off if its switched on for a while? what's the difference between a $1 lighter and the $24 zippo lighter , other than the price?

the lighter can divide two type: gas lighter and liquid lighter, it will burn out if it made of plastic, the metal will not melt off its switched on for a while.the price for a real zippo lighter at least over $1, you can distinguish from its weight heat resistant grade and flame,wind prevent capacity, such as, the weight of the real is more lighter than the imitation. and it will burn itself off even if I have bought one of http://www.uxsight.com/category/168555/cigarette-lighter.html" from a website store, I'd like to share with you, you can have a look if you are free.