The Lighterhouse Care Guide
Dunhill Rollagas
Dunhill Rollagas lighters are precision-engineered instruments designed to last for decades when properly maintained. This guide has been prepared by The Lighterhouse to help you preserve performance, reliability, and aesthetic condition. Whether you are refilling, adjusting the flame, replacing the flint, or cleaning the exterior, the instructions below will ensure your lighter continues to function exactly as intended.
How to Fill Your Dunhill Rollagas
The Dunhill Rollagas is a precision butane lighter. Correct refuelling is essential for reliable ignition, consistent flame height, and long-term performance. The procedure is simple, but must be done carefully and correctly.
Before you begin
• Use only high-quality refined butane (at least 5x refined, preferably 11x refined).
• Ensure the lighter is completely extinguished.
• Work away from open flames or ignition sources.
• Allow the lighter to cool to room temperature before refilling.
Step 1 – Remove the Filler Valve Cap
Turn the lighter upside down.
Using your thumb, gently press and rotate the filler valve cover anti-clockwise. The cap will spring up slightly and can be removed with your fingers.
Step 2 – Prepare the Butane Can
Shake the butane refill can briefly to ensure liquid fuel is properly mixed.
Hold the lighter upside down vertically. The refill nozzle must also point straight down.
Step 3 – Insert and Fill
Press the nozzle firmly into the valve.
Maintain pressure for several seconds.
You may hear a hissing sound — this indicates liquid butane entering the tank.
Continue until small droplets of fuel appear around the valve opening.
Step 4 – Replace the Valve Cap
Reinsert the valve cover by reversing the removal process.
Press down and rotate clockwise until secure.
Step 5 – Allow Stabilisation
Wait several minutes before lighting.
This allows excess gas to evaporate and internal pressure to stabilise.
How to Chance the Flint of Your Dunhill Rollagas
The Dunhill Rollagas uses a replaceable flint housed beneath the sliding flint chamber. Replacing the flint correctly ensures reliable ignition and prevents unnecessary wear to the mechanism.
Before you begin
Ensure the lighter is extinguished
• Work on a clean surface
• Use only correct-size flints (Dunhill “Uniclita” or equivalent 5mm size)
Step 1 – Open the lighter
Raise the cap fully.
This gives access to the flint chamber mechanism on top of the lighter.
Step 2 – Slide the Flint Chamber
Using a coin or flat object, gently push the flat metal “slide” backwards.
The flint container will pivot sideways and open.
Important:
Do not force it. The mechanism should move smoothly with firm but controlled pressure.
Step 3 – Remove old Flint
Shake out any remaining flint fragments.
If necessary, tap the lighter gently (upside down) to clear debris.
Ensure the flint tube is completely empty before inserting a new flint.
Step 4 – Insert New Flint
Place one new flint into the flint chamber.
Do not insert more than one flint.
Step 5 – Close and Lock
Press the flint container back into position until the metal slide clicks forward and locks.
Ensure it is fully seated and flush.
Test the lighter by rolling the ignition wheel.
How to Adjust the Flame of Your Dunhill Rollagas
The Dunhill Rollagas is to delivered by us a balanced, elegant flame. In normal use, no adjustment should be necessary. However, changes in temperature or fuel level may occasionally require minor correction.
There are two ways to adjust the flame height. the first should always be to adjust the flame height with the small wheel on the side of the lighter. If this is insufficient, see the extra option below.
Before you begin
• Ensure the lighter is filled correctly
• Allow it to reach room temperature
• Extinguish the flame completely
• Never adjust near open flames
Adjust the flame height
Turn the adjustment wheel up to increase the flame height. Turn the wheel down to decrease the flame height. Optimal flame height should be roughly 2.5cm
Expert – Only if necessary
Important Safety Notes
The burner-adjuster screw must never be removed from the base of the lighter.
It must not be turned more than 45° in either direction.
If you hear an audible escape of gas while adjusting, extinguish the flame immediately and consult a specialist.
Ignite the lighter to evaluate the current flame height.
If the flame is under approximately 1 inch (25 mm):
Turn the burner-adjuster screw slightly anti-clockwise using a small screwdriver.
Adjust in very small increments (about 1 mm or 1/32 inch at a time).
Test the flame after each adjustment.
If the Flame Is Too Large or “Blowing”
Turn the burner-adjuster screw slightly clockwise.
Again, adjust gradually and test the flame after each movement.
Owning a Dunhill lighter is more than just having a tool—it’s possessing a piece of art and history. With proper care and attention, your Dunhill lighter will continue to be a reliable and stylish companion for years to come.
Looking for more advice or your next Dunhill lighter? Visit our Dunhill collection to explore accessories, refills, and more.
Special thanks to Michael Thompson for his dedication to documenting the history of the Dunhill Rollagas, and for allowing free sharing of his hard work.
Sources:
- An Unofficial Guide To The Dunhill Rollagas 2021 – Michael Thompson
