quote:

A short piece of bicycle tube works well to keep the fluid from evaporating.

Can you elaborate on this? About 5-6 years ago I bought a Zippo, just because every American needs a Zippo I use it occasionally to light the paper for the charcoal chimney. I keep it in THAT kitchen drawer, you know the one, it houses the short pieces of twine you cut without measuring but don't want to throw away , pens that have no ink (or perhaps the one you took from that cool hotel you'll never go back to), orphaned screws from past projects, miscellaneous thumb tacks that poke you when you reach in and the book of stamps that you forgot you had. Well anyway I have found that after two or three weeks the fuel has evaporated and I need to refill it. So I am curious how a piece of bicycle tube works.

Also thanks for the heads up on the butane inserts. Never knew they existed. I might pick one up if they keep fuel longer. Might even get a new Zippo for it to go in.

I have boxes of strike anywhere matches vac sealed with a descant around just for emergencies and one of the reasons I picked up a Zippo was to make fire if I ever needed it. Figured it was easier than matches. Not being a smoker I didn't realize they needed a little more attention than the average Bic. FYI I have the brushed chrome '1941' model.

I thought that butane doesn't work in very cold temps. Might have to warm that type up with your body heat before using.

I have a strong memory with zippos. My dad died when I was 9. Any memories of him always include his zippo. It was kind of like the "spinner" of that time period. As a smoker, he often maintained it.

I don't smoke, and have very little reason to own one, but I broke down and now own three.
Two were the made in the years that my dad might have owned. The third was just too good of a deak to pass up.

I'd like to get an Armor version, but can't get myself convinced to do so.

I forgot to mention....
If you don't have a storage tin for your zippos, I found that one fits snug inside a Cracker Barrel restaurant mints tin and two fit inside a standard altoids tin.

What wrecks the flints, humidity?

The Ronson I rebuilt had clearly never been used, the wick was brand new. I'm guessing it was a gift that ended up in a drawer and forgotten. It didn't look like it had ever been fueled so I'm pretty sure I can rule that out of that one. The flint was 1/2 power and half locked in the flint holder.

quote:

Originally posted by mbinky:

quote:

A short piece of bicycle tube works well to keep the fluid from evaporating.

Can you elaborate on this?

It goes around where the lid meets the body of the lighter. It’s a lot more durable than a rubber band and you can cut it wide enough to ensure a good seal. Makes it watertight too.

Interesting thread. I always thought Zippo lighters were indestructible. Probably for no other reason than they were ubiquitous in WW2. In my 72 hour kit, I have a BSA flint and steel kit together with a Zip Lock baggy of lint from the dryer for tinder. As a Scout I got really good at using flint and steel and natural material to start a fire. But, I’ve always thought I should get a Zippo or one of those fire starting torches Cabela’s and other outdoor gear places sell. After reading this thread, I’ll probably stay with the flint and steel.

quote:

Originally posted by ASKSmith:
My brother passed away in 1994, and I have his Zippo. I’m not a smoker, so it sat in the safe up until about 3 months ago.

I filled it up with lighter fluid, and it lit up almost immediately. Now I don’t know what to do with it. So back in the safe she goes...

If I were in you I'd buy a fine cigar and light it up with your brother's lighter, and enjoy it slowly in honor of your brother's memory. But, I like a good cigar, though I shouldn't smoke them very often these days. Either way that's a nice thing to have in his memory.

My flame game is slackin hard dawg. Recently took up puffin a Cigar once every other month or so. Good reason to buy a nice Zippo. Always liked em.

I also picked up a butane insert for my Zippo. I don’t smoke so mine is only so that I have fire in my pocket. I use it to light candles is all. 6 months now with no refills at all.

I’ve carried a zippo in my pocket everyday for over 25 years and this is by far the greatest upgrade you can do.

quote:

Originally posted by TRIO:
I thought that butane doesn't work in very cold temps. Might have to warm that type up with your body heat before using.

It doesn't work at all in cold weather, or after a refill (the butane freezes the lighter). I keep mine in my pocket all the time, so it works in cold weather due to body heat keeping it warm.

Got the zippo butane single insert today. So far so good. Definitely think it will last a lot longer without a refill.

After being made aware of this thread by friends, I checked on an old Zippo that just sat in my jewelry box for 40 years. Found it missing the spring and screw that holds the flint in position against the wheel striker, also the wick is completely gone.
Called Zippo this morning, they said to just send it in to them and they will replace the the whole insert free of charge, return it to me good as new, along with the old insert if I so desire.

Lifetime warranty. Great American Company.

Thanks for the heads up on the butane inserts guys !!! Every boy should have fire and a fine edge in his pocket. Today is a copper, steel and bone kind of day.
Solid copper Zippo with a Zippo single torch butane insert. KA-BAR Dog Head Coppersmith Barlow, made by Canal Street Cutlery for KA-BAR.
Jig Root Beer bone handle with worm groove. Groovy