Cigar Prop Bleed Tool

Today, I review the Butane Lighter Air Bleed Tool Version 2.0 from Cigar Prop. While I do know bleeding or purging a lighter is a philosophical debate, I’ve been a proponent of doing it. I’ve found it more effective and efficient using a butane lighter when the air is purged. Over the years, I’ve used various methods to do this: screwdriver, awl, pen, and paper clip. In some cases I’ve damaged the valve on the lighter because of using a tool that was not made for it. As a result, I’ve been hesitant to bleed some of my more premium lighters On an episode of Cigar Dojo Smoke Night Live, I became aware of Cigar Prop’s Butane Lighter Air Bleed Tool and I was intrigued.

Cigar Prop Bleed Tool

Cigar Prop is founded by Kevin Shahan. Shahan has built up a nice space in the cigar industry. He originally got into the cigar business selling his “cigar prop” cigar rest.  With a vibrant and dynamic personality, he has expanded his influence into cigar media, cigar influencing, and now also operates a retail operation called Trash Panda Cigars.

Cigar Prop Butane Lighter Air Bleed Tool Version 2.0 – Accessory Review

 

As the name indicates, this is Butane Lighter Air Bleed Tool Version 2.0. There is also a 1.0 version that includes a cap and keyring attachment. The Lighter Air Bleed Tool comes in three finishes, each with a suggested retail price of $22.00 SRP.

  • Black
  • Gun Metal
  • Aluminum

SPECIFICATIONS

  • Dimensions: 2.00 inches (length); 0.05 inch (diameter)
  • Weight: 3.00 ounces
  • Material: 6061 Aluminum, Brass (bleeder tip)
  • Finish: Aluminum
  • Price: $22.00/SRP

APPEARANCE

Regardless of the version or finish you have with Cigar Prop’s lighter bleed tools, each has a course metal finish. While decorative, it also provides an opportunity to better grip the product.

The 2.0 version of the lighter bleed tool has a twist-off cap.  The keyring extension is attached to the unit’s main body.

As mentioned, the bleeding tool tip is made from brass. Perhaps the secret sauce of this accessory is a hole on each side of the brass bleeding tip. This allows excess air and gas to escape without getting pushed back in.

OPERATION

Using the Cigar Prop Bleeding Tool could not be easier. After removing the cap from the tool, place the tip into the lighter’s fill valve and gently apply some pressure. The air will then flow up through the tip and exit through the holes. The video demonstrates this. Just prior to recording the video, the demonstrator had never purged a cigar lighter. I gave instructions to her, and she was able to do it with ease.

EVALUATION

Positives

  • Incredibly easy to use and well made out of the box
  • Well made. It’s durable. The brass tip isn’t going anywhere.
  • The course metal surface does facilitate gripping the
  • Consistent excellent performance across a dozen different lighters, and it bled the lighter perfectly out
  • The screw cap also protects the brass tip.
  • The holes on the brass tip really do allow the air to escape
  • The keyring is a nice bonus, and I advise using it

Negatives

  • This is a small item and can easily get lost. Use the key ring, as it will make the unit a little bigger and not as easy to lose.
  • The cap is also easy to lose. I don’t know if there is a way to affix the cap.

FINAL THOUGHTS

I was looking for a high-quality bleeding tool to perform the use case of purging my lighter, and the Butane Lighter Air Bleed Tool Version 2.0 simply checked all the boxes. It’s easy to use, and as I mentioned, I used it across a dozen different lighters over a month-long period, and it performed consistently. I also mentioned I’ve always been worried about using an awl on my expensive lighters. The Butane Lighter Air Bleed Tool Version 2.0 worked excellently, and I have no qualms about buying and using it.

The Butane Lighter Air Bleed Tool Version 2.0 is priced at $22.00, and I realize this might seem high for a tool like this. But consider the excellent materials and workmanship of this product. In addition to consistent performance, construction is very important to me on a tool like this that will be working with my lighter investments. In the end, I highly recommend the Butane Lighter Air Bleed Tool Version 2.0.

Photo/Video Credits: Cigar Coop

Source: Cigar Prop