By Cheapasmokes – Your trusted UK shop for rolling tobacco, papers & filters
Hand-rolling is an art. But nothing ruins a smoke faster than a roll-up that goes out every couple of drags.
If your hand-rolled cigarette keeps going out, tunnelling, or burning unevenly, this guide covers 9 proven fixes based on real-world smoker problems we hear every day at Cheapasmokes.
Let’s fix your roll-ups once and for all.
1. Your Tobacco Is Too Damp
This is the #1 cause of roll-ups not staying lit.
Fresh pouches—especially Golden Virginia, Cutter’s Choice, and Amber Leaf—often hold more moisture than expected.
Fix:
Spread a pinch of tobacco on a paper for 2–5 minutes before rolling.
It should feel soft, not wet.
Pro tip from Cheapasmokes:
If your tobacco dries too much, sit a moist fresh wipe or citrus peel in the pouch for 30 minutes (don’t let it touch the tobacco directly).
2. You’re Packing the Roll Too Tight
If air can’t flow through the cigarette, the ember suffocates.
Fix:
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Loosen your roll slightly
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Don’t twist both ends
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Use a slim filter to maintain airflow
If you're new to rolling, try Rizla Regular Green, the easiest paper for airflow.
3. Cheap Papers That Burn Unevenly
Cheaper papers often burn quicker on one side, causing the cigarette to self-extinguish.
Fix:
Use slow-burn, higher-quality papers.
Recommended from Cheapasmokes:
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Rizla Silver – ultra thin, slow burn
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Rizla Blue – consistent and beginner-friendly
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OCB Premium Black – long, even burn
Better papers = fewer relights.
4. Too Much Tobacco at the Filter End
Rolling dense tobacco around the filter restricts airflow immediately.
Fix:
Leave a little space around the filter and avoid over-packing the first third of the roll-up.
Need filters?
Try Swan Extra Slim or Rizla Slim Filters — consistent airflow and less clogging.
5. Tobacco Cut Too Fine
Shag that’s too fine burns cooler and slower, often going out.
Fix:
Fluff the strands between your fingers before loading the paper.
If you prefer a smoother cut, American Spirit and Turner are popular choices for consistent burns.
6. Wrong Rolling Technique (Beginners’ Common Issue)
Uneven distribution = uneven burn.
Fix:
Aim for:
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Even thickness from end to end
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A firm but not tight roll
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A smooth draw when you test pull
If you struggle, a manual rolling machine like the OCB Auto Metal Machine from Cheapasmokes helps massively.
7. Humid Weather or Smoking Outdoors
Moisture in the air affects the burn — especially in UK weather!
Fix:
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Keep tobacco sealed when outside
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Roll indoors if possible
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Use dryer papers (e.g., Rizla Silver)
8. Using Double-Papers or Overlapping Too Much
Double layers burn unevenly and go out quickly.
Fix:
Roll once, cleanly.
Avoid overlapping unless you’re rolling king-size joints, not cigarettes.
9. The Cigarette Isn’t “Set” Before Smoking
Lighting the tip too lightly can cause the cigarette to go out early.
Fix:
After lighting, take three small, quick puffs to set an even cherry.
This helps stabilise the burn and keeps your roll-up lit for longer.
When Your Roll-Up Still Keeps Going Out
If you’ve tried everything and your cigarette still won’t stay lit, the problem is almost always:
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Too damp tobacco
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Overtight rolling
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Poor ventilation around the filter
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Low-quality or overly thick papers
Switching to one or two better items usually solves it.
Recommended Cheapasmokes Combos for a Perfect Burn
(High-value items that genuinely improve burn consistency.)
🔹 Best beginner setup:
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Rizla Green
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Swan Slim Filters
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Any mid-moisture tobacco (Turner/Amber Leaf)
🔹 Best slow-burn setup:
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Rizla Silver
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OCB Slim Filters
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American Spirit or Cutters Choice Yellow
🔹 For consistent machine rolls:
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OCB Auto Metal machine
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OCB Premium Black papers
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High-cut tobacco (True Blue, Players, Turner)
Final Thoughts
Hand rolling is personal—but the burn isn’t.
With the right papers, proper tobacco moisture, and a little technique, your roll-ups should stay lit naturally.
If you need the best value papers, filters, or machines, Cheapasmokes has them all online and in-store.
