Does anyone use a standard lighter to break through?

If so, what are your tips/tricks to getting it right?

I'm having a hard time with it.

You mean with a GVG?

GVG, I do, flame almost double the size of normal, suck flame tip to just above the stone surface, no flame hits the stone.

Oil burner pipe: simple, cheap, effective, and unfortunately stigmatized due to its use with certain coca-derived substances. The name is a misnomer, as it's a vaporizer, not a burner of any kind

I find this to by far the simplest and easiest method for consuming crystalline spice. It melts and then boils when heated from the bottom, with no burning at all. You can get them for about a dollar each when you buy several on ebay.

Do yourself a favor and get a pack of butane torch-style lighters online too. They have way more control and don't leave any soot.