How to use the light in the multi-tool Xiaomi: instructions with photos and life hacks

Xiaomi multitudes have long ceased to be just a set of screwdrivers - modern models (for example, Mijia Multitool Pro or Mijia Multitool Pro). ZMI PowerTools are equipped with a light that can help you on a hike, on a picnic or in an emergency. However, many users face problems: the spark does not appear, the flint wears out quickly, or simply do not understand how to properly hold the tool so as not to burn yourself.

In this article, we will discuss the step-by-step use of light in Xiaomi multitools, the nuances for different models (including budget and premium versions), as well as unique ignition techniques in windy weather or high humidity. We will also focus on safety - why you can not use the lighter next to the cans to refuel the lighters and how to avoid breakage of the mechanism.

If you have never used a fire or your multitool is “in reserve”, after reading it, you can confidently light a fire even with a raw match – the main thing is to follow the proven tips and not repeat typical mistakes.

1. Which Xiaomi multitools are equipped with a light?

Not all Xiaomi multitools have a built-in light, a feature found predominantly in survival and travel models. Here's the current list for 2026:

• 🔥 Xiaomi Mijia Multitool Pro – lights built into handle, silicon rod replaceable.
• 🔥 ZMI PowerTool T1/T2 — light with wind protection, combined with a knife.
• 🔥 Xiaomi Youpin Outdoor Multitool - budget version with mini-light (suitable for ignition of dry tinder).
• ❌ Xiaomi MiJia Mini Multitool – no lights, only knife and screwdrivers.

To check if there is a light in your model, look for the marking on the case – usually next to the Xiaomi logo there is a flame icon (🔥). Also, the fire is always located on the end of the handle or under the folding cover.

If you are planning to buy, consider: in premium models (for example, in the case of the purchase, ZMI PowerTool T2) fire often comes with titanium coating of flint, which increases the service life by 2-3 times compared to budget versions.

2. The lighting device: how does it work?

The light in the multi-tool Xiaomi works on the principle of shock sparking: when a metal scraper rubs against a silicon rod, red-hot particles arise that set fire to the rod.

• 🔩 Silicon rod is the main consumable element (on average enough for 3,000–5,000 sparks).
• 🔪 Scratch (knife-chip) – a metal plate that strips off silicon particles.
• 🛡️ Protective cover – prevents accidental fire (in models) ZMI rubber-sealed).
• 💨 Windscreen – only available in premium versions (e.g. PowerTool) T2).

It's important to understand that Xiaomi's fire is not a lighter -- it doesn't produce open flames, it only sparks. It requires a tinder (dry grass, paper, special fire pills) to ignite. Without it, the sparks will simply go out.

3. Step-by-step instructions: how to light a fire

Now, to get to the point, to start a fire the first time, you can follow this algorithm.

1. Prepare a tinder. You'll get dry grass, paper, cotton candy soaked in alcohol, or special ignition pills. The tinder should be loose, so the sparks will better penetrate.
2. Hold the multitool. Take the tool in the dominant hand (right-handed, left-handed, left-handed), and the thumb should be placed on the protective casing of the light to prevent slipping.
3. Tilt the light at an angle of 30-45° The sparks should fall on the center of the tinder, not past.
4. Make a sharp sliding blow on the flint with a scraper. The movement should be fast and sure - a slight friction will not give sparks.
5. Blow on the tinder. As soon as a smoldering corner appears, gently inflate it without suffocating the flame.

Prepared tinder (dry and loose)|

The multitude is fixed in the hand|

Lights pointing at an angle to the groove|

The scraper is clean (no rust or dirt)|

There are no flammable liquids nearby.-->

If there are sparks, but the tinder does not light up, try:

• 🌬️ Increase the number of sparks - apply 2-3 strokes in a row.
• 🔥 Add an accelerator - drop on a rod of alcohol or ignition liquid.
• 📉 Reduce the angle of inclination – sometimes sparks fly by because of too sharp angle.

💡

If you are on a hike and there is no dry tinder, use the inside of the birch bark - it contains natural oils and is easily ignited even from faint sparks.

4.Typical mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced tourists sometimes make mistakes when working with the lights.

⚠️ Attention, never use a light near aerosol cans (e.g. to fill lighters) and sparks can ignite gas vapors, which will cause an explosion.

• 🚫 Weak scraper strikes, sparks will be small and cold. Solution: train on dry ground to feel the right strength.
• 🚫 Wet or dense tinder - sparks will not penetrate inside. Solution: use alcohol wipes or special ignition tablets.
• 🚫 Wrong angle of inclination - sparks fly past the tinder. Solution: hold the light so that sparks fall into the center of the tinder.
• 🚫 Using a dirty scraper - rust or dirt reduces the number of sparks.Solution: Clean the scraper with sandpaper after each use.

Another common problem is the rapid wear of flint, and if you notice that the sparks are getting smaller, check:

• 🔍 Scratch state - dulled knife does not strip off silicon particles.
• 🔍 Quality of flint – in budget models (for example, Youpin Outdoor) it is softer and wears faster.
• 🔍 Friction angle – if the scraper moves perpendicular to the flint, wear accelerates.

💡

The optimal angle of scraper in relation to flint - 45°. With this tilt, the sparks fly further and hotter.

5. Care and maintenance of the fire

To light up Xiaomi multi-tool last longer, follow these rules:

1. Clean the scraper after each use. Use a dry cloth or sandpaper (grindness 400-600) to remove rust and soak.
2. Keep the multitool in a dry place. Humidity causes corrosion of the scraper and flint. When you hike, wear the tool in a sealed case.
3. Lubricate the silicon rod. Every 3-6 months apply a silicone lubricant to the flint (for example, WD-40 Specialist – this reduces friction and prolongs service life.
4. Check the flint fixation. In replaceable silicon models (like the Mijia Multitool Pro), it can loosen up -- pull the screw with a cross screwdriver.

If the flint is completely worn, it can be replaced. For Xiaomi models, standard flints with a diameter of 3-4 mm are suitable.

⚠️ Attention! When replacing flint, do not use superglue for fixation - when heated, it emits toxic fumes).

6 Advanced ignition techniques

If you have mastered basic skills, try these advanced techniques for challenging conditions:

• 🌬️ Wind-fired lighting: Make a windscreen out of rocks or sticks. Tilt the lights in the wind to make the sparks fly towards the tinder. Use a double tinder, put dry grass on top, and alcohol-soaked cotton wool on the bottom.
• 💧 Wet tar: Find the tar on the trunks of conifers - it burns even wet. Use battery and gum: wrap the gum foil around the battery (AAA) — You get a short circuit and a spark.
• ❄️ Frozen in the snow: Melt the snow on the light (hold it over the flame of a lighter or matches). Use dry alcohol or gel fuel - they burn even in sub-zero temperatures.

For models ZMI PowerTool T2 with a windscreen there is a brand life hack: if you blow into the screen hole after the appearance of sparks, the flame will flare up faster due to the influx of oxygen.

💡

In emergency situations, you can use gunpowder from ammunition (if you're hunting) - it ignites from a spark of fire. But remember: it's dangerous and requires caution!

7 Security: What not to do

The fire is not a toy, but here are the forbidden activities that can lead to injury or fire.

• 🔥 Do not direct sparks to flammable liquids (gasoline, acetone, hairspray) risk of explosion!
• 👶 Do not give multitool to children unattended. The minimum age to use a light is 14 years old.
• 🌲 Don't start a fire in coniferous forests in a drought.Sparks can fly 5-7 meters and cause a forest fire.
• 🔋 Do not use the light near lithium batteries (e.g. from powerbanks.

Also avoid these mistakes:

• 🚫 Do not store the multitool in a wet place - the flint will be covered with rust, and the scraper will be dulled.
• 🚫 Don’t hit the scraper too hard – you can break the flint fastener.
• 🚫 Don’t use a light to cut – it’s not a knife and you risk getting hurt.

⚠️ Attention! If the silicon rod cracks, stop using immediately. Sharp shards can fly into the eyes when hit with a scraper.

FAQ: Frequent questions