If you remove the warning sticker, child safety, red push button, and metal sleeve from a full size bic lighter, you can save about 1/12th of an ounce (2.28 grams to be exact).

I did this test to satisfy my insane curiosity, and because in reality, if I can find a way to shave just 1/12th of an ounce from almost every item in my pack, that would add up real quick.

Edited by gregpphoto on 02/16/2011 19:27:46 MST.

I nuked the sticker too but never tried hacking further on my mini bic.

Mini bic minus sticker: 12 grams
Mini bic minus sticker & shield: 11 grams
Mini bic minus sticker, shield, red button, and hook over striker: 10 grams

It took a little work with my smallest needle nose pliers to bend things back into place so it doesn't leak after removal of the hook but it seems to be 100% functional and 2 grams lighter. Not bad for free thanks!

Exploded Mini Bic with Masses of Components


EDIT: I scraped the stupid BIC logo off with a razor blade but as expected made no measurable difference on my gram scale. My milligram scale at work would be able to pick up the difference ;)

Edited by ChemE on 02/16/2011 20:02:42 MST.

Wow, I've been trumped! Not only did you use the smaller lighter, duh, you even went and scraped the logo. Shouldve figured that my version of hardcore is actually pretty standard around here!

You could even take it a step farther and try to thin out the plastic housing. Use a dremel tool or something similar and start thinning it out very slowly. You could even remove the plastic "plug" on the bottom and replace it with mylar or something is you really want to get obsessive.

Butane at room temperature has a vapor pressure in excess of two atmospheres. I would think twice about weakening a pressure vessel filled with a flammable gas/liquid mix that I'm going to carry on or about my person.

Agree on NOT trimming the casing! I've had a mini Bic "explode", venting out all it's contents due to excessive heat while inside my pack lid on a 104 degree day one summer! I would think that monkeying around with the thickness of the case is not a great idea unless you want to be mentioned in next year's Darwin awards.

Edited by hoosierdaddy on 02/17/2011 09:11:21 MST.

"Single Use" takes on a whole new meaning...

I had a BIC lighter explode - left in sun in summer - I kept finding little bits of plastic in my gear for days

How about drilling a lot of holes in the case to save weight...?

On a more serious note, if you use a gas burner, all you need is the striker mechanism from a disposable lighter. And a quick technique...

The striker mechanism can be removed intact from some lighters. If not, we're back to drilling holes in the case. Also no need to carry that huge mass of butane...

Sand down the plastic case until transparent, then apply 2 layers of duct tape.

Why didn't i think of this? This is perfect. I might even try this with my tent and aircore pad to lighten those up too!

Works well on cooking pots, too

Don't forget that your heaviest piece of gear is you! Whip out that 2" forstner bit and start lightening your load.

Edited by ChemE on 02/18/2011 05:33:04 MST.

"Don't forget that your heaviest piece of gear is you! Whip out that 2" forstner bit and start lightening your load."
Now, now... we really don't want to ream anybody out...

I'll start with cutting my toe nails and work my way up!

Anyone try on a mini Bic?

Yes, the second post in the thread is a mini bic being treated.

Growing up if we found a Bic lighter on the ground we'd throw it against the ground for the explosion effect. Definitely a lot of pressure there. Of course, this is before I learned about Leave No Trace : )

p.s. Thanks for this great tip!

Edited by northshorehc on 02/20/2011 06:54:06 MST.

You guys are nuts.

Nuts. Really?

If you carry 1000 bic lighters this method saves you over 5 lbs!

:-)