BIC Lighter Trivia: Fun Facts You Didn't Know
You might think you know everything about the trusty BIC lighter, but these facts might surprise you:
Birth of an Icon:
* The first BIC lighter wasn't actually a lighter: It was a cigarette lighter called the "Cricket" which was invented in 1954.
* The BIC Cristal lighter we know and love today was introduced in 1973.
Production Powerhouse:
* Over 3 billion BIC lighters are produced every year! That's enough to circle the Earth 8 times.
* BIC lighters are sold in over 160 countries.
* The BIC factory in Milford, Connecticut, produces 1.3 million lighters per day!
Hidden Features:
* The flame on a BIC lighter can reach up to 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit! That's hotter than the melting point of gold!
* The metal at the bottom of a BIC lighter is actually flint. It creates sparks when struck against the striker.
* The lighter fluid used in BIC lighters is a mix of butane and propane.
Beyond the Flame:
* BIC lighters were once used to power small engines. Seriously! In the 1970s, a company called "Mini-Motors" created a miniature engine powered by butane.
* The BIC lighter has been used in many different creative ways. From making jewelry to crafting decorative items, the possibilities are endless.
Fun Fact Bonus:
* The "BIC" in BIC lighters stands for "Bicentenaire" - a French word meaning "bicentennial". This name was chosen in 1959 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the birth of Baron Bic, the founder of the company.
So next time you light a cigarette, campfire, or birthday cake, remember the amazing history and ingenuity behind the simple but powerful BIC lighter!