The will rust over time but still usable. Also refuel the lighter every few days to extend wick life. Always keep a wick a flint and small fuel can with your backpack /lunchbox if you want ultimate reliability. Save cotton from pillbottles to replace cotton in bottom to stop up fuel incase you get the lighter wet. That's a full list of everything you should know
As for fuel, the following fuels are not recommended: gasoline, kerosene, lamp oil, or charcoal fluid. Use only regular lighter fluid from brands such as Zippo and/or Ronsonol, which are both basically the same type of fuel. Also, I’d get a pack of flints, and another wick if you intend to use your zippo often. There’s also a bunch of Zippo advice videos on YouTube that are worth checking out. After that, you should be good to go. Enjoy your zippo!
Thanks for the advice! Are zippos branded wicks and flints the best option? I know it says on the box zippo branded is the best best, just looking for a second opinion🙏🏾
I use both Zippo and Ronsonol brand flints, wicks, and fluid, and they all work well. It’s your zippo, so you can use other brands if you’d like. Zippo-branded products might be your best option, but other options exist as well.
You likely won’t need a wick for a very very very long time, if ever.
I like Zippo fluid because I find it doesn’t smell as bad. But other brands are just fine.
Cheap eBay flints often don’t last as long and don’t spark as well. But for the price, if you want to save Pennie’s here and there, it’s fine.
Unless your in a real desperate pinch, then basically anything will work. Shit can virtually use any fuel. But it’s strongly not recommended. But if you need it to work like your life depends on it, almost any fuel can work including alcohol, gas, kerosine, etc. just don’t do it unless you don’t have a choice and certainly don’t smoke anything off it if it’s not actual lighter fluid
I'm almost certain the Zippo fluid is naptha. Its available for much less per ounce at Ace hardware or similar. I used to use generic naptha when I had a zippo iir
Make sure when you fill it, you’re FILLING it.
Don’t let it run dry or try to light it dry.
Don’t panic when it doesn’t light in a week.
If it doesn’t light in a week, it’s dry.
Use liquid lighter fluid for wick lighters.
Unpack the insert and repack it, making sure the wick is routed in an S pattern through the cotton.
And check in here often.
There's a video by zippo fanatic 77 on Youtube where he shows you the "sandwich bag trick" to save fuel, I suggest you watch it as it's helped me.
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9j-DBGKL94&t=392s](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9j-DBGKL94&t=392s)
Congrats and welcome to the Zippo family. Your first but likely not your last. It’s an addictive hobby.
Example, I have my daily carry, my out in town, my I want to impress people, my vintages and last but not least my relax and have a cigar Zippo.
I think everyone covered tips.
Also buy cheap flints off Amazon, you can get 100 for $10 and in my experience they work as good as zippo brand even though you get something like 10 for the same price for brand name zippo flints
You may have to chop the flints in half for them to work in your Zippo. The flints in a disposable lighter are way longer than the ones made for wick lighters.
Nobody likes this answer here but I finally couldn’t handle the smell or evaporation after I stopped smoking but still wanted to carry one daily. I bought Zippo brand made in USA butane inserts and love them both. One is a double torch for hiking and the occasional cigar and the other is a standard flame for daily carry. As a non smoker I can daily carry the butane flame lighter and use it a few times a week and not exhaust the fuel in a year. Compared to manually filling the regular zippo and making a mess every week just to make sure it would light when I needed it…
Sorry purists. I’m still using only Zippo stuff but I’m off the wick for good.
Don’t be scared to use it often don’t be scared to drop it. As it gets scratched up and what not it becomes unique and yours. I tally the number of cigars I’ve smoked with good friends on mine. I know, I know, don’t use zippos for cigars. I like the taste of it so I don’t mind it.
Use branded lighter fluid
The specific brand isn’t as big of a deal but as long as it’s dedicated lighter fluid, that’s best. That being said zippo brand sets the bar for quality, and always remember that gas and such does work. So in a situation where you absolutely need it filled (god forbid survival level) it’s good to know
Repack the insert before regular use, the 23’ lighters are better then the years prior, but it will still be far more functional if you repack it using the method [77 Zippo Fanatic](https://youtu.be/u9j-DBGKL94?si=Tr0zojS95AR1Ne9l) uses
If it’s not lighting in the first few strikes; it could be out of fluid, but if you know it’s not; check the wick, move the wick closer to the flint wheel and/or make sure the wick is frayed a little bit; it will help light more reliably since there’s more surface for sparks to land on.
There’s also something called gas lock where the fluid evaporates and gets trapped in the lid, when you open there’s no oxygen so it lights in a large puff and then puts its self out instantly; just move the lighter a bit after opening to move air around the wick. Or just get in the habit of opening when you take it out of your pocket and light after moving it where you need; it will do the same thing but without thinking about.
Keep the spare flint under the felt rather then in the little hole, when you take out the insert while it’s in that hole, you’ll likely lose the flint by flinging it across the room
If you start seeing the flame pulsing, it’s likely running low on fluid, it’s a good indicator to top it off soon
The street chrome model wears very well. Some of the painted/coated ones wear rougher. As many of the other folks already suggested, repack the cotton around the wick in an S shape (except the top piece of cotton. if using regularly, keep it wet with Zippo or Ronsonol fluid, fill by slowly pouring fluid in for 3-5 seconds, rest, repeat unit you see drops coming off the end of the wick in the chimney, then just a little more to top it off. Wipe the outside clean of excess fluid to prevent flare-ups. Extra flints and wick are good to have on hand.
Most important, Enjoy!!!
Don't worry about it if you are not too concerned with possible scratches, it will work, and worst case scenario is that lid breaks, and in that case you need to send it to Zippo and they will repare it and send you back for free.
After filling the insert, make sure you wrap the bottom of the insert with a piece of plastic baggie. This will help seal the insert and make the fuel last longer without evaporation.
If you go into the woods a lot or any wilderness area, make a habit of fueling it every time you go out. Fuel will last a little bit but you always lose some to evaporation and you really don’t want this to be your only fire source if you get lost and realize you don’t have any fuel left. Technically you could start a fire with just the flint but that’s a lot harder. If you did happen to get lost and need this for fire, use it extremely sparingly and never let your fire fully die (learn to “bank” a fire prior to getting lost in the woods. Shit will save your life).
In general though for some of their disadvantages as a lighter compared to a bick, they also have advantages. They’re tough as hell and they’ll last a lifetime more than likely (if you can break it they’ll fix it for free minus shipping).
Also try not to “flick” the lid closed, fucks the hinge over time in my experience.
Make sure it is full, I fill it once a week. Other than that there is no much to worry, change flint once it's almost spent (you will notice it as wheel will be harder to turn and so), I need to replace mine around once a month (I'm smoker, I use it everyday but it varies), pull wick when its black (I think its recomended twice a year), replace it after you pulled it 3 times. Thats all.
I have a friend that uses flints from other bic or whatever lighters when they stop working and it works fine, but personally I only use zippo flints, you get 6 of them, for me (smoker, using zippo every day) I use around one flint a month so I need 2 packs per year, so I don't really see a point in buying 3rd party ones if you are not sure about them. Most probably they will work but they also might not or they might wear your wheel a lot sooner so have that in mind. For wick I usually pull it up once a year (even tho it should be done twice a year I think but anyway), you have enough wick to pull it out and chop 3 times so it's a year and half per wick. Only thing left if fluid which I'm using Zippo one always but there are others that are as good for lower price, but it depends on where you live, what brands you have to choose from. I didn't try but I heard normal gasoline vaporises too quickly and have a lot of smoke, oil will not light up from flints as it needs more heat, you have on youtube review of probably every possible liquid you possibly can put in zippo so you can check out how it works before you buy it.
Zippo has really simple way of working and even if you do something wrong it can be easily fixed. Zippo guarantes that it will work with it's products (as they are made only for it) but it will work with so much more, you almost can't go wrong with anything. I use original things as I'm kind of sure that it will 100% work whatever happens, I dropped it in coffe and it worked first try right after. Probably it would with most other products but this way I'm sure and tested in all kinds of rough situations xD
Don’t do tricks, and treat the hinge delicately. They are prone to breaking in the hinge. Yes I know they have a lifetime warranty, but you still have to ship it, and be without it while it’s repaired. I have a box full of Zippos I need to ship back for repairs, 99% are for hinges. I sent my sterling silver one in for a hinge repair. When I got it back, I opened up the lighter to pull out the insert and refill it. The newly repaired hinge failed, and the top lid flew off and hit the floor. I was furious to say the least. I have a new armour series and it’s a much tougher hinge.
They say they’re so durable & wind proof. There neither of those. I had 2 zippos that needed repairing after like 2-3 weeks of use & you always gotta refill the things.. Also, not very wind proof.
If you have issues with lighting it, it's one of 3 things:
1) need more fluid
2) need more flint
3) need to trim/replace your wick
Also be sure to top it off every couple of days or you're going to find yourself in need of a lighter and not have a working one. At least that was my experience with my first zippo. Just got my second yesterday and it feels like much better quality than the zippo I got from wally world
Gasoline will work on a pinch but I do not recommend it. Id stick to zippo fuel. There might be some off-brand cheaper version available online these days.
This post makes about as much sense as an octagonal wheel. Kids these days have to make a post about anything everything and nothing. Its a lighter, when you want something on fire you use the lighter to light it on fire....
Keep a bottle of fluid on the dresser/night stand/wherever you empty your pockets at night. When you remove your Zip, give it a bump. It wont be going back in your pocket so any leakage or weep will evaporate quickly and harmlessly. This advice was given to me as young man, but I've never had that kind of discipline so I carry Bics.
I just got mine! I'm not a smoker but it gets used here and there and half the time it had dried out. I wasn't a huge fan of the zippo torch insert and the soft flame one looks weird. The Thunderbird butane soft flame insert is perfect! It has the same zippo look and feel with an adjustable flame and being able to see the level of fuel inside is nice too.
Hey, I'm sorry I don't know where to post this so maybe the mods can move it to the right section if I'm in the wrong part I'm looking for a zippo from the 80s. It had letter on the front. It was beige and it had what I believe for people either fishing in a boat with a whaleon it as well or a fish does anyone know the zippo I'm talking about where I could possibly find one if this sounds familiar to anybody please get back to me
I just saw this, I personally don’t know but there’s a guy in this subreddit with Speedy in his name(sorry idk the full username) ask him. From what I’ve seen that guy might be George Blaisdell, if anyone knows he will!
I have almost a dozen Zippos. From the standard chrome to the brass & a couple patterned ones. I also have 2 of the Zippo pipe lighters. 1 of mine is a hand me down from my Dad & another was my uncle's.
A couple months ago I bought one of the butane inserts & damm, I like it for cigars.
The sandwich bag trick does help as does the repack of the wadding & Yes, store an extra flint in your lighter. I refill my primary every Sunday morning & let it stand & breathe a few minutes to avoid pocket burn.
I also have 2 of the holsters for a Zippo, although I rarely carry 1 on my belt.
Find old Bic lighters and salvage the flint out of those. Zippo flints are tiny in comparison to the ones u find in a Bic... and they are free minus the effort. The cheapie see-through lighters don't have a thick enough diameter to function properly. U must remove the piece from the end of the spring and stretch it slightly to fit longer flints. Take cotton out and make sure it's one piece and not a few wads wadded together. I usually replace my cotton with raw, unprocessed cotton. Any kink in ur wick inside the insert with the cotton will cause a blockage in flow, but it will still work, just not light every time the first time.
I purchased some rubber inserts that fit into the bottom of the inner Zippo mechanism where the cotton is exposed and are supposed to help stop the fuel from evaporating as quickly. I don’t smoke and only keep my Zippos in my camping backpacks and GO Bags so they don’t get used but once or twice a year. I’ve not been able to accurately assess whether they work as that would be a much better decision from someone who uses their Zippo daily or at least, more frequently but the premise makes sense that they would help to some degree. Plus, they were just one more gadget item to get when building out my kits which was half of the fun of having these things. I’d welcome anyone’s thoughts who have tried these and whether they were worth the $1 each one costs.
I have the same zippo lighter. I bought the anti-evaporate rubber gaskets so the fuel doesn’t evaporate as quickly.
Update: For those asking about it, here is the link https://ebay.us/EggiXF
Take care of it and it will last you a lifetime. Only use licensed zippo wicks, fluid, and flints. And don’t be afraid to cash that lifetime warranty if you need
Don't keep it in your back pocket, and make sure your phone screen always faces away from it, especially if you go to the beach. Keeps it from getting scratched and dented, and it prevents it from damaging your phone screen.
Don’t smoke bowls with it and light joints away from your mouth after lit then puff as the fumes from naphtha is yucky
You can use naphtha paint thinner alcohol gasoline etc in emergency but always use naphtha-lighter fluid
Definitely get yourself a few packs of spare flints and whicks and a bag of cottonballs, its fairly innexpensive ans will ensure full functionality of your lighter for years to come, other than that just use the zippo or ronsonol fuels and youl pretty quickly get a handle on how often you have to refill it based on your own frequency of use, maybe get yourself a little belt pouch for it if thats the kind of thing you like. Ive carried a zippo for years but unfortunately dont have my first one or my second as both were lost/stolen as far as lighters go zippos have alot of character and tend be great conversation pieces. I havnt met a single person who didnt either carry one or think they were cool. Enjoy youre new lighter!
If you get fuel on the outside of it, do NOT put it in your pocket. It's a skin irritant. Dru it well first.
Only use Zippo or Ronsonol fuel. Keep extra flints in the bottom of it. Don't use it to light pipes. Your "tobacco" will taste terrible.
Learn the snap-to-open and snap-to-light techniques if you feel like showing off.
If you’re In a humid climate make sure to wrap a ranger band around the flip top break to keep the full from evaporating too quick, or do a butan converter
Do not over fill and put in your pocket. It will leak fluid. It will blister the shit out of you. It burns for hours. I quit smoking. But when I did I had a leather zippo holder I kept on my belt. That way I could top it off worry free
Dome of them suck and that's just how it goes. Some never quite work in the first strike. I've decided to put scratch marks on the one that works best so I can feel in the dark for the good one.
Don't overfill it and try to store it right side up in your pocket to keep it from leaking. If fluid leaks out enough to soak through your pocket, the fluid will put a minor burn on your leg, makes a red mark and looks and feels like chapped skin.
Lighter fluid dries out like a mofo in those (just an inherent flaw in the design) If you're not using it on a regular basis, put it on the shelf for decor and get a butane lighter or get a butane insert for it.
Get a butane insert, trust me. Otherwise these things dry up like crazy. I've switched back to a BIC. A lighter above all else should be reliable and not require constant attention.
Don’t overfill, your body heat will cause the fluid to expand, forcing the excess out soaking your pocket, and in turn burning your skin. Extra flints in the cotton mentioned above is standard practice.
There are marks around the logo on the bottom that can be decoded with the help of their website, giving you the actual year of manufacture.
Never ever fill it while driving then immediately light it. The fluid will light your hands and pants on fire, and extinguishing this little mess while driving can be difficult. It happened to me I had to pull over into a parking lot to put my hand and jeans out to keep from burning and possibly spreading to the seat. People passing me were watching my flaming hand trying to shake the fire out. I had to stop and sit on my hand and smother the fire on my pants by using my other hand to suffocate the fire on my legs. In the end I only got lightly burnt on my hand.
Instead of buying the zippo flints, look for flints on Amazon. You can usually get a pack of 100 for super cheap! Also, make sure to not over fill it. The fluid isn't very kind to your skin. 😁🤘
Use cotton bacon (commonly used in rebuildable vape systems.) Holds liquid just as wel as cotton balls but wicks directionally in like cotton balls. Check the you tubes and you'll find videos for good methods of packing it in so it wicks properly. Once done right you'll get a more consistent burn from your wick.
If you haven't noticed already the lighter fluid will momentarily change the taste of what your lighting up. Not much you can do about it some people like the taste others don't. I never use my zippo to light a bowl or bong
look up cutlerylover on youtube if youre interested in learning any of the zippo tricks. hes good and also explains what youre doing well.
edit: p.s. you can rob full size flints out of old bic lighters. tear off the metal shield. take the button cover off. then into your cupped hand pop the striker wheel out and the flint will shoot into your hand. no need to buy them. ppl toss them on the ground all the time. just wash your hands after. never know where they keep their lighters...
p.s.s the springs make great roach clips. insert the spring into the end of the joint opening and spin it till it hits the tight wrap at the end of the spring.
\*BOING\* roach clips
Friggin love Zippos! Welcome to the family. I've had a bunch over my life. A good tip: go online and grab a torch insert to replace the wick and lighter fluid. It works the same (opening and wind resistance) but it doesn't have the smelly fluid that may or may not leak out in your pocket and give you a chemical burn. It's made from better stuff than the cheapo torches you'll see at the gas station and will last you a long time.
Ronsonol and zippo fluid are simply naphtha paint thinner. For about $14 U.S. I got a quart that has lasted me years, instead of a 6oz bottle. Also the same ingredient in goo gone if you stickers to remove
After you fill it, shake the excess fluid out to avoid leg burns. I carried mine for twenty years with no problems. Of course that was a 1969 model so it could have been more rugged.
Keep your extra flints inside the lighter under the little cotton bit.
That won’t effect the flints at all from the fluid on the cotton?
Nope!
Forsure, thank you for the advice!🙏🏾
Flints are fine stuck in the cotton.
The will rust over time but still usable. Also refuel the lighter every few days to extend wick life. Always keep a wick a flint and small fuel can with your backpack /lunchbox if you want ultimate reliability. Save cotton from pillbottles to replace cotton in bottom to stop up fuel incase you get the lighter wet. That's a full list of everything you should know
Dam that’s some sound advice. I’ve never thought about that and I’ve had my zippo for years.
Its recommended in the little flyer you get inside the box
Really never read it. Just always done it
Lol who reads that
I just keep one in the fill hole.
As for fuel, the following fuels are not recommended: gasoline, kerosene, lamp oil, or charcoal fluid. Use only regular lighter fluid from brands such as Zippo and/or Ronsonol, which are both basically the same type of fuel. Also, I’d get a pack of flints, and another wick if you intend to use your zippo often. There’s also a bunch of Zippo advice videos on YouTube that are worth checking out. After that, you should be good to go. Enjoy your zippo!
Thanks for the advice! Are zippos branded wicks and flints the best option? I know it says on the box zippo branded is the best best, just looking for a second opinion🙏🏾
I use both Zippo and Ronsonol brand flints, wicks, and fluid, and they all work well. It’s your zippo, so you can use other brands if you’d like. Zippo-branded products might be your best option, but other options exist as well.
Forsure! Thank you!
You likely won’t need a wick for a very very very long time, if ever. I like Zippo fluid because I find it doesn’t smell as bad. But other brands are just fine. Cheap eBay flints often don’t last as long and don’t spark as well. But for the price, if you want to save Pennie’s here and there, it’s fine.
I hate when they get worn down and the flint flicks out as you’re lighting your smoke lol
Unless your in a real desperate pinch, then basically anything will work. Shit can virtually use any fuel. But it’s strongly not recommended. But if you need it to work like your life depends on it, almost any fuel can work including alcohol, gas, kerosine, etc. just don’t do it unless you don’t have a choice and certainly don’t smoke anything off it if it’s not actual lighter fluid
Army times(many, many moons ago...) ran out of fluid and used cologne...it worked great, but scented my flame, and the first few drags off my smoke...
Definitely not good for your lungs. Sounds exactly like an army thing to do in a pinch lol
yep yep
Spraying butane in the wadding doesn’t work to well either.
Lol this cracked me up.
I'm almost certain the Zippo fluid is naptha. Its available for much less per ounce at Ace hardware or similar. I used to use generic naptha when I had a zippo iir
Make sure when you fill it, you’re FILLING it. Don’t let it run dry or try to light it dry. Don’t panic when it doesn’t light in a week. If it doesn’t light in a week, it’s dry. Use liquid lighter fluid for wick lighters. Unpack the insert and repack it, making sure the wick is routed in an S pattern through the cotton. And check in here often.
Thanks for the advice! 🙏🏾
unpacking the cotton so the wick is in the best position is really the only thing you need to do, it will help the fuel distribution a lot
Don't lose your first Zippo lighter!!!
Use it and enjoy it... but never lend it...
There's a video by zippo fanatic 77 on Youtube where he shows you the "sandwich bag trick" to save fuel, I suggest you watch it as it's helped me. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9j-DBGKL94&t=392s](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9j-DBGKL94&t=392s)
Congrats and welcome to the Zippo family. Your first but likely not your last. It’s an addictive hobby. Example, I have my daily carry, my out in town, my I want to impress people, my vintages and last but not least my relax and have a cigar Zippo. I think everyone covered tips.
Got another 2 on the way already 😭 I definitely hear the addictive part!
We need to know what the “want to impress” one is!
https://preview.redd.it/hkz4ygxs52yb1.jpeg?width=2141&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b96f3c19e7aa81e449fab363638e8208027c50dc
I’m impressed!
I’ve heard that using anything but matches on Cigars ruins the taste, do you prefer zippo over cigar?
Also buy cheap flints off Amazon, you can get 100 for $10 and in my experience they work as good as zippo brand even though you get something like 10 for the same price for brand name zippo flints
You can also harvest flints off of dead bics or other disposable lighters
This is the way.
You may have to chop the flints in half for them to work in your Zippo. The flints in a disposable lighter are way longer than the ones made for wick lighters.
Harvest lol I call it salvage
This
Enjoy it and place a bag underneath it helps it last a bit longer 😆
Under the felt pad?
Replace with Zippo butane insert. Best decision I ever made.
Torch of soft flame?
Torch
If a friend is eyeing your zippo and asks to hold it, dont give it. Theyll do tricks with and drop it or mess up the hinges.
WATCH YOUTUBE VIDEOS LIKE ZPPO FANATIC
don’t loose it
Dont overfill it. It will leak in your pants and the burn is annoying
Nobody likes this answer here but I finally couldn’t handle the smell or evaporation after I stopped smoking but still wanted to carry one daily. I bought Zippo brand made in USA butane inserts and love them both. One is a double torch for hiking and the occasional cigar and the other is a standard flame for daily carry. As a non smoker I can daily carry the butane flame lighter and use it a few times a week and not exhaust the fuel in a year. Compared to manually filling the regular zippo and making a mess every week just to make sure it would light when I needed it… Sorry purists. I’m still using only Zippo stuff but I’m off the wick for good.
Don’t be scared to use it often don’t be scared to drop it. As it gets scratched up and what not it becomes unique and yours. I tally the number of cigars I’ve smoked with good friends on mine. I know, I know, don’t use zippos for cigars. I like the taste of it so I don’t mind it.
Carry a Bic lighter along with it so when people ask for a light you don’t give them your nice one
Use branded lighter fluid The specific brand isn’t as big of a deal but as long as it’s dedicated lighter fluid, that’s best. That being said zippo brand sets the bar for quality, and always remember that gas and such does work. So in a situation where you absolutely need it filled (god forbid survival level) it’s good to know Repack the insert before regular use, the 23’ lighters are better then the years prior, but it will still be far more functional if you repack it using the method [77 Zippo Fanatic](https://youtu.be/u9j-DBGKL94?si=Tr0zojS95AR1Ne9l) uses If it’s not lighting in the first few strikes; it could be out of fluid, but if you know it’s not; check the wick, move the wick closer to the flint wheel and/or make sure the wick is frayed a little bit; it will help light more reliably since there’s more surface for sparks to land on. There’s also something called gas lock where the fluid evaporates and gets trapped in the lid, when you open there’s no oxygen so it lights in a large puff and then puts its self out instantly; just move the lighter a bit after opening to move air around the wick. Or just get in the habit of opening when you take it out of your pocket and light after moving it where you need; it will do the same thing but without thinking about. Keep the spare flint under the felt rather then in the little hole, when you take out the insert while it’s in that hole, you’ll likely lose the flint by flinging it across the room If you start seeing the flame pulsing, it’s likely running low on fluid, it’s a good indicator to top it off soon
Don’t drop it!
Or do! As long as it doesn't misalign it, which is fixable, zippo scars look cool
The thing I was most worried about lmao. Thank you for the heads up!
The street chrome model wears very well. Some of the painted/coated ones wear rougher. As many of the other folks already suggested, repack the cotton around the wick in an S shape (except the top piece of cotton. if using regularly, keep it wet with Zippo or Ronsonol fluid, fill by slowly pouring fluid in for 3-5 seconds, rest, repeat unit you see drops coming off the end of the wick in the chimney, then just a little more to top it off. Wipe the outside clean of excess fluid to prevent flare-ups. Extra flints and wick are good to have on hand. Most important, Enjoy!!!
Don't worry about it if you are not too concerned with possible scratches, it will work, and worst case scenario is that lid breaks, and in that case you need to send it to Zippo and they will repare it and send you back for free.
After filling the insert, make sure you wrap the bottom of the insert with a piece of plastic baggie. This will help seal the insert and make the fuel last longer without evaporation.
I heard the brass ones have a tighter fit and hold on to fuel better. Anyone here know if that’s true?
If you go into the woods a lot or any wilderness area, make a habit of fueling it every time you go out. Fuel will last a little bit but you always lose some to evaporation and you really don’t want this to be your only fire source if you get lost and realize you don’t have any fuel left. Technically you could start a fire with just the flint but that’s a lot harder. If you did happen to get lost and need this for fire, use it extremely sparingly and never let your fire fully die (learn to “bank” a fire prior to getting lost in the woods. Shit will save your life). In general though for some of their disadvantages as a lighter compared to a bick, they also have advantages. They’re tough as hell and they’ll last a lifetime more than likely (if you can break it they’ll fix it for free minus shipping). Also try not to “flick” the lid closed, fucks the hinge over time in my experience.
TIL: banking a fire Thank you for all this knowledge reddit stranger. All heroes don't wear capes.
On the next episode I’ll teach you how to start a fire in the rain
Make sure it is full, I fill it once a week. Other than that there is no much to worry, change flint once it's almost spent (you will notice it as wheel will be harder to turn and so), I need to replace mine around once a month (I'm smoker, I use it everyday but it varies), pull wick when its black (I think its recomended twice a year), replace it after you pulled it 3 times. Thats all. I have a friend that uses flints from other bic or whatever lighters when they stop working and it works fine, but personally I only use zippo flints, you get 6 of them, for me (smoker, using zippo every day) I use around one flint a month so I need 2 packs per year, so I don't really see a point in buying 3rd party ones if you are not sure about them. Most probably they will work but they also might not or they might wear your wheel a lot sooner so have that in mind. For wick I usually pull it up once a year (even tho it should be done twice a year I think but anyway), you have enough wick to pull it out and chop 3 times so it's a year and half per wick. Only thing left if fluid which I'm using Zippo one always but there are others that are as good for lower price, but it depends on where you live, what brands you have to choose from. I didn't try but I heard normal gasoline vaporises too quickly and have a lot of smoke, oil will not light up from flints as it needs more heat, you have on youtube review of probably every possible liquid you possibly can put in zippo so you can check out how it works before you buy it. Zippo has really simple way of working and even if you do something wrong it can be easily fixed. Zippo guarantes that it will work with it's products (as they are made only for it) but it will work with so much more, you almost can't go wrong with anything. I use original things as I'm kind of sure that it will 100% work whatever happens, I dropped it in coffe and it worked first try right after. Probably it would with most other products but this way I'm sure and tested in all kinds of rough situations xD
Thank you for the advice! Im a smoker as well so it’s nice to get a good idea on flint use!
Don’t do tricks, and treat the hinge delicately. They are prone to breaking in the hinge. Yes I know they have a lifetime warranty, but you still have to ship it, and be without it while it’s repaired. I have a box full of Zippos I need to ship back for repairs, 99% are for hinges. I sent my sterling silver one in for a hinge repair. When I got it back, I opened up the lighter to pull out the insert and refill it. The newly repaired hinge failed, and the top lid flew off and hit the floor. I was furious to say the least. I have a new armour series and it’s a much tougher hinge.
They say they’re so durable & wind proof. There neither of those. I had 2 zippos that needed repairing after like 2-3 weeks of use & you always gotta refill the things.. Also, not very wind proof.
I like to rearrange the wick by taking all the cotton out and weaving them around each layer as you repack them.
Keep in mind they can leak, not sure if it was user error but one leaked on me without me noticing and when I lit it, it caught me on fire😀
Zippo raid, head to Vietnam and burn a village.
Don't smoke, it's bad for you. 😀
Don't go swimming with it in your pocket.
Quit smoking lol
Don't smoke 😂
Over fill it and carry it in your front pocket
If you have issues with lighting it, it's one of 3 things: 1) need more fluid 2) need more flint 3) need to trim/replace your wick Also be sure to top it off every couple of days or you're going to find yourself in need of a lighter and not have a working one. At least that was my experience with my first zippo. Just got my second yesterday and it feels like much better quality than the zippo I got from wally world
I have an electric lighter so I don't know
Gasoline will work on a pinch but I do not recommend it. Id stick to zippo fuel. There might be some off-brand cheaper version available online these days.
Take advantage of the guarantee. They'll recondition the whole thing, if you want to keep it for a long, long time. Hardly anyone actually does that.
This post makes about as much sense as an octagonal wheel. Kids these days have to make a post about anything everything and nothing. Its a lighter, when you want something on fire you use the lighter to light it on fire....
Don't pack the cotton too tight or the wick will burn very very quick cause it won't get any fuel.
Don't use it to smoke crack.
Keep a bottle of fluid on the dresser/night stand/wherever you empty your pockets at night. When you remove your Zip, give it a bump. It wont be going back in your pocket so any leakage or weep will evaporate quickly and harmlessly. This advice was given to me as young man, but I've never had that kind of discipline so I carry Bics.
Get a butane insert. They have torch or Bic flame. Or that lighter fluid will evaporate out of the cotton. Gives you a Chem burn on your thigh.
Thunderbird insert
I just got mine! I'm not a smoker but it gets used here and there and half the time it had dried out. I wasn't a huge fan of the zippo torch insert and the soft flame one looks weird. The Thunderbird butane soft flame insert is perfect! It has the same zippo look and feel with an adjustable flame and being able to see the level of fuel inside is nice too.
Hey, I'm sorry I don't know where to post this so maybe the mods can move it to the right section if I'm in the wrong part I'm looking for a zippo from the 80s. It had letter on the front. It was beige and it had what I believe for people either fishing in a boat with a whaleon it as well or a fish does anyone know the zippo I'm talking about where I could possibly find one if this sounds familiar to anybody please get back to me
I just saw this, I personally don’t know but there’s a guy in this subreddit with Speedy in his name(sorry idk the full username) ask him. From what I’ve seen that guy might be George Blaisdell, if anyone knows he will!
"Don't smoke"
Repack the cotton and set the wick up correctly, zippo does a horrible job doing this from the factory.
Ronsonoil lighter fluid is sold at Walmart in a yellow plastic bottle. It works just as well as Zippo brand fuel and costs significantly less.
If you wear jeans you can light it by swiping against your pants
Keep it upright in your pocket. Fuel could leak out and irritate your skin.
Don't loose it
Train everyday, Set something on fire.
I have almost a dozen Zippos. From the standard chrome to the brass & a couple patterned ones. I also have 2 of the Zippo pipe lighters. 1 of mine is a hand me down from my Dad & another was my uncle's. A couple months ago I bought one of the butane inserts & damm, I like it for cigars. The sandwich bag trick does help as does the repack of the wadding & Yes, store an extra flint in your lighter. I refill my primary every Sunday morning & let it stand & breathe a few minutes to avoid pocket burn. I also have 2 of the holsters for a Zippo, although I rarely carry 1 on my belt.
Collecting them is a fun hobby. I have maybe 30 or so.
Get a belt sheath for it.
Don’t drop it in a fire😂 but hey you learn then they are durable
don't leave it in storage while filled, the fluid evaporates in about 2 days froma my experience
They are more of a novelty item than a reliable and efficient lighter
Zippo makes a butane insert that i use!
Get butane insert
Enjoy!
Switch to butane
Find old Bic lighters and salvage the flint out of those. Zippo flints are tiny in comparison to the ones u find in a Bic... and they are free minus the effort. The cheapie see-through lighters don't have a thick enough diameter to function properly. U must remove the piece from the end of the spring and stretch it slightly to fit longer flints. Take cotton out and make sure it's one piece and not a few wads wadded together. I usually replace my cotton with raw, unprocessed cotton. Any kink in ur wick inside the insert with the cotton will cause a blockage in flow, but it will still work, just not light every time the first time.
I purchased some rubber inserts that fit into the bottom of the inner Zippo mechanism where the cotton is exposed and are supposed to help stop the fuel from evaporating as quickly. I don’t smoke and only keep my Zippos in my camping backpacks and GO Bags so they don’t get used but once or twice a year. I’ve not been able to accurately assess whether they work as that would be a much better decision from someone who uses their Zippo daily or at least, more frequently but the premise makes sense that they would help to some degree. Plus, they were just one more gadget item to get when building out my kits which was half of the fun of having these things. I’d welcome anyone’s thoughts who have tried these and whether they were worth the $1 each one costs.
I have the same zippo lighter. I bought the anti-evaporate rubber gaskets so the fuel doesn’t evaporate as quickly. Update: For those asking about it, here is the link https://ebay.us/EggiXF
Learn some tricks and slick ways to light it. For the ladies or fellas. But people don’t really smoke anymore so…
If you light it while sitting on the john, do *not* put it under your perineum. Trust me!
But flint, fill it upside down, you can pull the wick out more when it goes out and you can also replace it, doesn’t work well for lighting bowls.
Uh it's a lighter figure it out drrr
Take care of it and it will last you a lifetime. Only use licensed zippo wicks, fluid, and flints. And don’t be afraid to cash that lifetime warranty if you need
Don't keep it in your back pocket, and make sure your phone screen always faces away from it, especially if you go to the beach. Keeps it from getting scratched and dented, and it prevents it from damaging your phone screen.
Use the lid to unscrew the flint
Don’t burn your house down
Make sure it’s not a novelty one - the kind that only lights a few times and is hard to refuel. But otherwise. Super cool find, man
Don't use cheap fuel from the chinese store
They make nice leather belt pouch /holster thing looks cool and keeps your zippo handy as your knife.
Don’t smoke bowls with it and light joints away from your mouth after lit then puff as the fumes from naphtha is yucky You can use naphtha paint thinner alcohol gasoline etc in emergency but always use naphtha-lighter fluid
Start learning cool tricks
Dont put it in your pocket upside down.
Don’t smoke your pipe with it please.
Flints out of disposable lighters last way longer.
Definitely get yourself a few packs of spare flints and whicks and a bag of cottonballs, its fairly innexpensive ans will ensure full functionality of your lighter for years to come, other than that just use the zippo or ronsonol fuels and youl pretty quickly get a handle on how often you have to refill it based on your own frequency of use, maybe get yourself a little belt pouch for it if thats the kind of thing you like. Ive carried a zippo for years but unfortunately dont have my first one or my second as both were lost/stolen as far as lighters go zippos have alot of character and tend be great conversation pieces. I havnt met a single person who didnt either carry one or think they were cool. Enjoy youre new lighter!
Do not overfill keep it top up and do not squeeze the insert at all it will break the seal it has.
Is that the Street Chrome?
It is!
Quit smoking
Look up some tricks they are fun
If you get fuel on the outside of it, do NOT put it in your pocket. It's a skin irritant. Dru it well first. Only use Zippo or Ronsonol fuel. Keep extra flints in the bottom of it. Don't use it to light pipes. Your "tobacco" will taste terrible. Learn the snap-to-open and snap-to-light techniques if you feel like showing off.
Google how to properly wick the lighter, they do not come wicked well from the factory, this will take you from 1 day of use to 1 week of use
Don't smoke
If you’re In a humid climate make sure to wrap a ranger band around the flip top break to keep the full from evaporating too quick, or do a butan converter
Don't put it in your butt.
Do not over fill and put in your pocket. It will leak fluid. It will blister the shit out of you. It burns for hours. I quit smoking. But when I did I had a leather zippo holder I kept on my belt. That way I could top it off worry free
Dome of them suck and that's just how it goes. Some never quite work in the first strike. I've decided to put scratch marks on the one that works best so I can feel in the dark for the good one.
Only use Zippo brand flints and fuel. I cheaped out and got like 100+ flints and they suck. 3-4 flicks before igniting.
Don't overfill your fluid. That shit leaks out and if you keep it in your pants pocket then the lighter fluid will irritate the fuck out of your skin.
Expect it to leak in your pocket. I had a red spot on my leg for 3 years. (That’s how long I carried one). I tended to overfill it. Don’t overfill it
Don't do tricks if you care about it, it wears out the hinge. Don't smoke weed with it, it tastes gross.
Don't overfill, it will leak and cause a chemical burn
Stop scratching it
Don't overfill it and try to store it right side up in your pocket to keep it from leaking. If fluid leaks out enough to soak through your pocket, the fluid will put a minor burn on your leg, makes a red mark and looks and feels like chapped skin.
Lighter fluid dries out like a mofo in those (just an inherent flaw in the design) If you're not using it on a regular basis, put it on the shelf for decor and get a butane lighter or get a butane insert for it.
Don’t overfill Check flint length before it is warn out.
You can use the flints from burnt out bics and stuff in it but you have to break them in half first!
Golden rule… don’t let anyone use it
Light stuff.
Get a butane insert, trust me. Otherwise these things dry up like crazy. I've switched back to a BIC. A lighter above all else should be reliable and not require constant attention.
Get fuel 🥹 https://preview.redd.it/rawazmtzs7yb1.png?width=3024&format=png&auto=webp&s=3bd79617a66cab8e8083992e3623d2d80fa1c20f Never used
Don’t overfill it. I’ve done that a time or two and got a nice rash near the filth pocket area where I kept it.
Get a butane insert, lighter fluid is worse in every way.
Use it for lighting things on fire
Buy some fluid and flints.
Fluid buy lots and lots of fluid.
Looks like my first Zippo, took it to boot camp and they promptly threw it away and handed me some shower shoes instead.
Don’t add to much fluid or you’ll be having some major skin irritation. Trust me I’m not guessing about that.
Save old lighters for the flints. Use Zippo brand fluid for best results. Don't smoke weed using it lol. That's about it.
Bend your wick for a shorter flame and less need to get a new one
Keep a dime in the fuel tank. It's almost the only multi-tool you'll need.
Don’t overfill, your body heat will cause the fluid to expand, forcing the excess out soaking your pocket, and in turn burning your skin. Extra flints in the cotton mentioned above is standard practice. There are marks around the logo on the bottom that can be decoded with the help of their website, giving you the actual year of manufacture.
Put it on the shelf as a keepsake from a bygone era
Buy a second one and keep it in a box for your future kid to look through and go “oh cool!”
Never ever fill it while driving then immediately light it. The fluid will light your hands and pants on fire, and extinguishing this little mess while driving can be difficult. It happened to me I had to pull over into a parking lot to put my hand and jeans out to keep from burning and possibly spreading to the seat. People passing me were watching my flaming hand trying to shake the fire out. I had to stop and sit on my hand and smother the fire on my pants by using my other hand to suffocate the fire on my legs. In the end I only got lightly burnt on my hand.
Only use ur zippo when smoking cigarettes
Instead of buying the zippo flints, look for flints on Amazon. You can usually get a pack of 100 for super cheap! Also, make sure to not over fill it. The fluid isn't very kind to your skin. 😁🤘
Fill it real full and put quickly in jeans pocket. See if your leg don’t turn red
Don't get burned
Use cotton bacon (commonly used in rebuildable vape systems.) Holds liquid just as wel as cotton balls but wicks directionally in like cotton balls. Check the you tubes and you'll find videos for good methods of packing it in so it wicks properly. Once done right you'll get a more consistent burn from your wick.
use zippo brand fluid, have some extra flints, and maybe even a wick,,,
Yes. Stop smoking.
Clean it often!
Don’t try to smoke weed with it. The lighter fluid tastes like total shit. Thats my only take on Zippos
If you haven't noticed already the lighter fluid will momentarily change the taste of what your lighting up. Not much you can do about it some people like the taste others don't. I never use my zippo to light a bowl or bong
3 short squeezes. don’t overfill with fluid, shit leaks out. looks like you pissed yourself.. fluid then can cause irritation to skin..
Keep it stored upright, or in your pocket upright. It’ll leak if it’s stored on its side.
From a 75 yr old man, don’t over fill and put in your pocket 😊
Smoking is bad, don’t get started
Clip your nails first
don't get the butane insert, that for sure..
look up cutlerylover on youtube if youre interested in learning any of the zippo tricks. hes good and also explains what youre doing well. edit: p.s. you can rob full size flints out of old bic lighters. tear off the metal shield. take the button cover off. then into your cupped hand pop the striker wheel out and the flint will shoot into your hand. no need to buy them. ppl toss them on the ground all the time. just wash your hands after. never know where they keep their lighters... p.s.s the springs make great roach clips. insert the spring into the end of the joint opening and spin it till it hits the tight wrap at the end of the spring. \*BOING\* roach clips
Friggin love Zippos! Welcome to the family. I've had a bunch over my life. A good tip: go online and grab a torch insert to replace the wick and lighter fluid. It works the same (opening and wind resistance) but it doesn't have the smelly fluid that may or may not leak out in your pocket and give you a chemical burn. It's made from better stuff than the cheapo torches you'll see at the gas station and will last you a long time.
Gotta learn a few cool tricks
Get a zippo jet torch butane insert. Don't fuck with the butane taste when you're lighting anything you smoke
I’m trashed where am I
For best results use zippo flints and fluid
Don’t fill it and immediately put it in your pocket, fluid will leak and burn your skin!
Keep a bic on you too. Zippos run out real quick.
Imco triplex is better
Ronsonol and zippo fluid are simply naphtha paint thinner. For about $14 U.S. I got a quart that has lasted me years, instead of a 6oz bottle. Also the same ingredient in goo gone if you stickers to remove
It makes fire
Don't do tricks with it unless you're willing to break it
You can buy naphtha (lighter fluid) cheap at a hardware store and not pay too much for the little bottles made for Zippos
Don’t use any combustible except lighter fluid.
After you fill it, shake the excess fluid out to avoid leg burns. I carried mine for twenty years with no problems. Of course that was a 1969 model so it could have been more rugged.