(no subject)

[waterspyder]

I just finished repairing two vintage lighters for my brother's christmas present.

I'm actually quite proud of myself as the 1960s vintage lighter had a bunch of things I needed to fix (new flint, refilled butane, readjusted the sprockets to catch the grinder properly, realigned the ball bearing that depresses the tip to keep the butane from escaping, oiled and cleaned all the movable parts). It was our grandfather's lighter.

The 1980s fluid lighter with fishhooks floating in the tank was a less impressive fix, as it just needed new fluid and to have the flint tube bored out and new flint added. He will now have a lighter to go drinking with.

So now the question is, since I now know how to fix them, do I want to start making a couple of bucks by restoring lighters? The Ronson Varaflame Premier lighter that I just finished restoring can sell for between $20 and $90 based on the condition.

Comments

[conformistsheep.livejournal.com]

'd say, it depends on how much you enjoyed it if we're just talking about an extra couple'o bucks.

[waterspyder.livejournal.com]

I like working with my hands. I could never do it for a living because I have arthritis, but I like looking at something after I've fixed it, and know that I've done a good job. It's the same reasong I like working in publishing. You get to see the end result of your efforts.

[conformistsheep.livejournal.com]

Very true.

[http://users.livejournal.com/_blankstare_/]

If I bring it on Christmas, would you be willing to fix one of Papa's old Canada dry lighters? Probably from the 60's?
Obviously, I'd pay for any parts.

And I like the small fix it idea. I've thought about eventually doing a cleaning small things business, such as silverware, old dusty projectors and things, etc...
We could be business partners!

[waterspyder.livejournal.com]

I can't guarantee I can fix it on the spot, but chances are I can figure it out. Do you know if it's butane or lighter fluid?

[http://users.livejournal.com/_blankstare_/]

Even figuring it out to put me on the right direction to fix it would be awesome.
I'm pretty sure it's lighter fluid. It also looks like the flint is warn down since it no longer makes sparks. There's also a bit of string, like a kerosene lamp, coming out of where the flame would ignite, and I'm sure it's out of fluid too.
Shall definitely bring it Christmas anyway, it's neat. Although, the label is pretty warn down you can still tell it's Canada Dry.