The famous Soviet aircraft designer Robert Bartini proposed to assess the degree of progress of civilization by the speed of the realization of human desires. How long did it take for an ancient man, for example, to kindle a fire by friction? An hour or even two. Today, this can be done in a few moments by clicking once with a disposable lighter. And how long can such a useful device last?
The advantages of a lighter
The first lighters suitable for everyday use appeared about two centuries ago. For two centuries, they have greatly changed, becoming more compact and easy to use. The inventors have worked hard to make the lighter more reliable and durable. The main advantage of such a pocket fire-making device is the rapidity of the appearance of the flame. To get fire, you just need to press the lever with your finger.
Lighters are used primarily by those who are addicted to smoking. But this device can be convenient in many other everyday situations: with the help of a lighter, you can make a fire, warm a frozen castle in the cold, light up a part of the surrounding space in the dark.
In many cases, the amount of flame can be controlled by decreasing or increasing the fuel supply.
Until a certain time, lighter manufacturers tried to develop and offer consumers such a design that would be very durable. It would seem very tempting to always have a source of flame with you that almost never runs out. The responsibility of the owner of the lighter includes only regular refueling of it with gasoline or gas. But the trouble is: a lighter is one of those items that, according to statistics, tend to get lost most often. And here, no amount of durability will help.
How long will a disposable lighter last?
Having studied the features of the use of lighters by users, some manufacturers have come to the conclusion that it is much more profitable not to waste efforts on the production of "eternal" devices, but to sacrifice the lighter's life, while making it much cheaper.
A "penny" lighter, designed for several thousand ignitions, will regularly perform its function. If it gets lost, it's not a pity, because you can buy a new one at any time.
The first disposable lighters appeared in the early 60s of the last century and immediately gained popularity among consumers. Today, several hundred million pieces of them are sold all over the world every year. This lighter does not need to be refueled periodically. In most cases, its device is so simple that it does not even imply regulation of the strength of the flame, since this process is performed automatically.
The term "disposable" when applied to a lighter does not mean that it can only be used once. It's just that its device does not imply the possibility of refueling. As soon as the gas runs out, the baby stops working. However, this upsets few people, since it costs nothing to find an equivalent replacement in the nearest kiosk or store.
The lifespan of a disposable lighter depends on several factors. For example, from the manufacturer. Or how often it is used. Avid smokers claim that the simplest lighter of this type will work properly for two to three months, and a branded one, equipped with a nylon case, can last up to six months. At the same time, it does not immediately stop functioning: the strength of the flame decreases only gradually, reminding that the lighter will soon need to be replaced. But more often than not, a disposable lighter does not live up to a state of complete failure. She is simply lost in the daily hustle and bustle, making room for a new one.
