Breathing New Life into Old BIC Lighters: The Ingenious and Reusable Permanent Match Prototype
By: foguista
In this review, we examine an inventive and practical project: a permanent match prototype based on a disposable BIC lighter. The creator of this device shows us how a combination of easily accessible materials like copper, brass, and ferrocerium bar can be combined to construct a reusable match. Ferrocerium, serving as the spark source, is cleverly fitted into a small tube that fits snugly into a larger, tin-soldered tube acting as the fuel reservoir. To cap it off, a nutshell and bolt arrangement provides an ingenious sealing mechanism to retain the fuel, in this case, 1.5ml of alcohol. The matchstick element of the device consists of a cotton shoelace, held together with copper wire and soaked in alcohol, naturally preventing any leakage.
One of the key takeaways from this video is the functional simplicity of the contraption. The design incorporates a lid at the base of the reservoir for easy access and fuel replacement, while a strip of 80-120 grit sandpaper is affixed to the side for rapid sparking. The final product reflects a well-thought-out design, showcasing the principles of friction and ignition, giving new life to a spent BIC lighter. This permanent match prototype is an excellent example of thrifty, yet innovative engineering that turns common items into a valuable and endlessly reusable tool.