Ask the Audience. Tesla USB plasma coil lighters

[demented dale]

I came across these Tesla coil lighters that are electric and rechargeable. They have probably been out since the 80s but I am always way behind. Has anyone got one? are they good? bad? a gimmick? do they break after 2 minutes? etc etc. As ever I would value what you fantastic folk have got to say. cheers DD x

 

[Nice65]

I’ve had a couple and chucked them. Pretty useless. Most recent chuckaway was Sunday when I was trying to light a candle. Well, actually 30 candles and I lost faith on the first one. It’ll do paper or anything held carefully in the arc, but no way you can stuff it under some tinder and get anywhere on a windy day.

This one, can’t just bin it, I have to get it recycled properly because of the batteries. To me, it’s just an overthought gimmick that carries a lot of recycling and manufacturing issues. Like the disposable plastic vapes that are discarded everywhere.

There’s a lot to be said for a refillable butane or petrol lighter.

 

[demented dale]

I’ve had a couple and chucked them. Pretty useless. Most recent chuckaway was Sunday when I was trying to light a candle. Well, actually 30 candles and I lost faith on the first one. It’ll do paper or anything held carefully in the arc, but no way you can stuff it under some tinder and get anywhere on a windy day.

This one, can’t just bin it, I have to get it recycled properly because of the batteries. To me, it’s just an overthought gimmick that carries a lot of recycling and manufacturing issues. Like the disposable plastic vapes that are discarded everywhere.

There’s a lot to be said for a refillable butane or petrol lighter.

cheers. Ive not had a lighter since I stopped smoking 8 plus years ago. Was after one for a bug out bag I'm putting together. Will probably just stick with a ferro rod. thanks again x

 

[Nice65]

cheers. Ive not had a lighter since I stopped smoking 8 plus years ago. Was after one for a bug out bag I'm putting together. Will probably just stick with a ferro rod. thanks again x

Chuck a mini Bic in. Totally reliable, no batteries slowly draining. It’s the bugout staple.

 

[Broch]

cheers. Ive not had a lighter since I stopped smoking 8 plus years ago. Was after one for a bug out bag I'm putting together. Will probably just stick with a ferro rod. thanks again x

Shouldn't have sold me your Zippo

 

[demented dale]

Shouldn't have sold me your Zippo

never used it and probably never would. I was inteerested in USB one coz was gonna have small solar charger in bag for o light torch .I think I was being a geardo. I will keep it simple and just light a fire like normal people x

 

[Stew]

I use an electric lighter for the woodburner. It's handy as if it runs out, jus tplug it in for a bit. I doubt I would choose it for outdoors use on it's own as it can take some skill to use well, depending on what you're lighting. After I ran out of the wax and wood fire lighters, I've taken to making fine wood feathers and lighting them direct - it does need a fine wood and the right postion to get a flame.

 

[Laurentius]

I have got a couple, they work for me, however I wouldn't rely on that for being my only source of ignition in an emergency, too battery dependent.