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The M"B in Siman 681 Sif-Katan 1 brings from the Bach and Ateres Zakanim that one may use the "Ner Channukah" first for Havdallah, put it out, then light it again for Channukah. This is even better since once you've done one Mitzvah with this Ner, another Mitzvah should also be done with it.

If they are speaking about the normal candle used for Havdallah which is supposed to be "avukah" (like a torch -- See OC Siman 298 Sif 2) then how could this be used for Channukah afterwards? The Ner channukah shouldn't be like a torch -- or like the wording of the poskim over here in Hilchos Channukah, like a madurah. (See Siman 671 Sif 4 in the Rema.) I'm assuming whether this candle would be called avukah or a madurah for the same reason it wouldn't be good for Ner Channukah.

Seemingly the language that the Mishneh Brurah in Hilchos Channukah Siman 681 uses that one is allowed to first light the "Ner Channukah" for Havdallah is telling us that this is a "normal Ner", kosher to use for Channukah. However if that's the case (and there is no difficulty with how a avukah candle is being used for Ner Channukah) why would the Bach and Ateres Zakanim want to give up the milah of avukah by the ner for Havdallah in order to get the advantage of using one ner for 2 mitzvos?

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What if you cut out the second wick before reusing it? –  Double AA Dec 11 '12 at 1:00
A havdala candle doesn't have to be physically intertwined with two wicks. You can just hold two single wick candles together. And then use them afterward individually as chanukah lights. You can also lay two wicks near each other in a bowl of oil, and light them both. Then reuse the oil and wicks in a menorah. –  Ariel Dec 11 '12 at 7:22

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See Pri Chadash 671:4 that distinguishes between an אבוקה (torch) and a מדורה (bonfire) - Shulchan Aruch 671:4 only invalidates a מדורה and therefore an אבוקה of just two wicks is permitted (see also Magen Avraham S"K 4). For Havdala an אבוקה is enough. [Many poskim argue and do not make this difference thought].

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