Definition
A handheld spark-producing tool used by welders and mechanics to ignite a fuel-gas torch (such as oxyacetylene). A small piece of flint is scraped against a serrated steel cup, throwing sparks into the gas stream flowing from the torch tip to start the flame.
Plain English
A simple squeeze tool that makes sparks to light a welding torch. You hold it near the torch tip, squeeze, and the sparks ignite the gas.
Context Anchor
Seen in aircraft maintenance and welding work when lighting an oxy-acetylene or other gas torch.
Derivation
Flint is a hard stone that has been used since ancient times to strike sparks. The lighter uses a small replaceable flint rod that produces sparks when scraped, the same principle behind cigarette lighters and old fire-starting tools.
Why Pilots Care
Flint lighters are the standard, safe way to ignite a welding torch in a maintenance shop. Using matches or a regular lighter near a torch is hazardous because the operator's hand gets too close to the ignition point.
Intuition Check
Do not think of a flint lighter as a cigarette lighter or a tool that makes its own flame. In this context, it makes sparks so a separate gas torch can ignite.
Example Sentence 1
Before starting the weld, the mechanic opened the acetylene valve slightly and used a flint lighter to ignite the torch.
Example Sentence 2
During the remote strip inspection the pilot kept a flint lighter in the survival kit in case a signal fire became necessary.