Dunhill Rollagas lighters are mechanical works of art that, when properly cared for, can last for decades. This guide provides practical, easy-to-follow tips for everyday use, refueling, cleaning, and troubleshooting, so your Rollagas remains in perfect working condition. At The Lighterhouse, we’ve curated this essential maintenance guide to help you preserve the elegance and performance of your Dunhill lighter.
Dunhill lighters are meticulously designed, featuring delicate mechanisms and luxurious materials. Without regular care, even the most durable lighter can succumb to wear and tear, tarnishing its beauty and functionality. This guide covers everything you need to keep your Rollagas in top shape—including how to fill it with butane, adjust the flame, replace the flint, bleed the tank when needed, clean both inside and out, and store your lighter safely.
The Dunhill Rollagas is a butane gas lighter, and proper refueling is essential to performance and safety.
Neon Universal (11X refined)
Xikar High Performance Butane
Colibri Premium Butane
Always use high-quality, filtered butane with detachable nozzle adaptors. Avoid cheap gas as it can clog the internal system.
Ensure the lighter is at room temperature.
Turn the lighter upside down and remove the filler valve cap with a quarter-turn counterclockwise.
Shake the butane can and press the nozzle firmly into the filling valve.
Pump 6–8 times until a hissing sound or slight fuel spurt confirms filling.
Reattach the filler cap.
Pro Tips:
Place the lighter on a flat surface when filling.
Do not overfill—this can cause flooding or weak flame performance.
There are two methods for flame adjustment:
Quick Adjust: Use the knurled wheel at the back edge of the lighter to raise or lower the flame height.
Fine-Tune: Use a 2.5mm screwdriver to gently turn the adjustment screw near the filler valve:
Turn counterclockwise to increase flame
Turn clockwise to reduce flame
Never remove the flame adjustment screw. Always wait a few minutes after filling before adjusting.
Ideal flame height: ~1 inch (2.5 cm)
The Rollagas uses a Dunhill Size B flint (red pack). Victor (Gold) and Robson (Red) flints are also compatible.
Lift the lighter’s lid.
Slide back the metal lock on top of the flint chamber with a coin or firm object.
Let the spring-loaded chamber pop open.
Remove any flint debris and insert a new flint.
Close the chamber until it locks into place.
Monitor flint usage by checking the position of the metal slide—it shifts forward as the flint wears down.
If your flame is weak or erratic, you may have condensation or air inside the fuel tank.
Set the flame wheel to maximum.
Lay the lighter on its side for 1–2 minutes.
Open the lid and rock it gently back and forth.
Close the lid and use a 2.5mm screwdriver to turn the burner adjustment screw counterclockwise by 1/2 turn.
Refill with fresh butane and allow it to reach room temperature.
Open the lid to expel excess gas.
Readjust both flame controls back to desired settings.
If you hear loud hissing, reduce pressure slowly by turning the burner screw clockwise.
Use a soft microfiber cloth for daily cleaning.
For silver models, use silver polish sparingly.
Avoid abrasive cloths or storing with coins, keys, or other metal objects.
Use a dry toothbrush to remove flint dust from the striker wheel.
For deeper cleaning, slightly dampen the brush with rubbing alcohol.
Clean only when the lighter is cool and unlit.
Use a soft microfiber cloth for daily cleaning.
For silver models, use silver polish sparingly.
Avoid abrasive cloths or storing with coins, keys, or other metal objects.
Use a dry toothbrush to remove flint dust from the striker wheel.
For deeper cleaning, slightly dampen the brush with rubbing alcohol.
Clean only when the lighter is cool and unlit.
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:
Boutique of vintage luxury lighters since 2020. From Historic relics to precious metals, The Lighterhouse offers a vast and always-changing collection of the most exquisite lighters. We are pleased to help you find your next treasure, here at The Lighterhouse.
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