the present invention may alternatively be formed as a partial loop comprising various retaining means linked to shield 50 lighter body 12 and or activator 28 an example of such an embodiment is shown in fig2 and 24 wherein fig2 shows a side view of guard 60f and fig2 shows a front view of guard 60f furthermore fig2 shows guard 60f of fig2 and 24 disposed at least partially around striking wheel assembly 14 this guard and the embodiments shown in fig2 28 and 30 extend more than about 180 u00b0 around the striking wheel assembly and preferably extend at least approximately 270 u00b0 around the striking wheel assembly this permits the guards to extend to or beyond the valve actuator on both sides of the spark wheel to provide retention means separate from the windshield guard 60f comprises at least one first retaining member 122 which is fitted under shield 50 retaining member 122 may be stamped from guard 60 guard 60f further comprises a first end 124 disposed between fuel valve 40 and striking wheel assembly 14 first end 124 defines opening 128 wherein spark may pass therethrough opening 128 may be a slot as shown in fig2 first end 124 extends down through cavity 37 of valve actuator 28 and terminates with at least one second retaining member 126 which further increases the retention of guard 60f by engaging under the valve actuator second end 130 of guard 60f extends down through cavity 37 and is disposed between thumb pad.