I ran across a Ronson Whirlwind today, new in box. Likely it was my great grandfathers as he smoked cigars and pipes. It is in perfect condition, not a single scratch.

I couldn't get it to strike so I reasoned it probably didn't have a flint. The new flint didn't go in easy and it still wouldn't strike. A little research let me know it was likely a flint was stuck in there. A little more research showed how to take it apart to access the flint. In case you're not familiar (I wasn't as I don't smoke) a Ronson has a curved flint channel unlike the straight channel in a zippo. There is a nice collection of tiny parts.

Sure enough there was a flint stuck in the tube. A small drill bit and some skillful manipulation with fingers I was able to clean out the channel so a new flint would fit.

Now the fun part, getting it back together. Remember what I said about tiny parts? On this one the gears were separate, as is the wheel and ratchet lock. Five tiny hands would have been nice. 45 minutes later it was back together, fueled and...

wait for it..


It works!

This one has the wind shield as well. I don't smoke other than the occasional cigar, but for some reason getting this to work really made me happy.

Nice. Since you seldom use one, just don't forget and store it away with a flint installed.

I served aboard 4 Navy ships and have a collection of brass and chrome ship's Zippo lighters. Hadn't even looked at them in years and when finally I did, found all the flints deteriorated, stuck and wouldn't strike. Was able to clean them up but they went from pristine to looking a little handled and used. Guess humidity got to the flints. Dunno.

Was wondering why Bic flints last longer. From the Bic site:

D. Flint – the flint supplies material for the sparks. Made of rock, mainly composed of chalcedony and quartz, it has a life cycle twice as long as the other brands’ flints, and does not easily wear down.Hi