I have an imitation Zippo and got to thinking I might be able to drill thru the insert to make it a pipe lighter. Have you folks tried this? Does it work?
no kidding!? I see their pipe lighters with the insert are around $22. and they will give you an insert for free! I might have to jump on this.If you send Zippo your case with a letter requesting a pipe-insert, they will buff said case, and return it with the requested insert (assuming, of course, it's not a knock-off, sorry OP). They also return the original insert, should you decide you don't like the pipe insert.
Check with your local B&M's too, see if anyone has a Thunderbird insert they will let you try out. Many folks complain about the off-putting flavour and aroma of Zippo fuel, the T-bird system is a butane insert that fits into a Zippo case.
is the "fuel smell" really prevalent when you use a zippo?
I have one engraved with my nickname that i bought many moons ago. I never smoked regularly I just think everyone should own a zippo. now that i'm getting in to pipes I was thinking the pipe insert would be an easy alternative to buying a pipe lighter. I have a torch lighter that i use for cigars but i heard that it burns to hot and could damage the pipe.I used to always use a Zippo when I smoked Camels because it's always a pain to light a disposable when it's breezy.
I never noticed it... but one of the guys I worked with a couple of years ago would always comment the morning after I had refilled it.
Some people it really seems to bother, others don't notice it at all.
See if you can borrow a Zippo before you buy one.
is the "fuel smell" really prevalent when you use a zippo?
nice tips! thanks!The newer Zippo fuel in the black can is a lot better than the old blue can or Ronson brand fuel, but there is a very mild undertone of naptha. It can be reduced by allowing your Zippo to burn for a few seconds before bringing it to your bowl, and even further by not allowing the flame to be drawn deep into the tobacco-chamber - it's kind of hard to explain, but if you draw the flame to around 1/4" above the leaf, it will catch.
You also have to watch that you don't overfill the lighter - that not only provides a huge kick of fuel flavour, but can cause a minor chemical burn on your leg.
but can cause a minor chemical burn on your leg.
, but can cause a minor chemical burn on your leg.
You also have to watch that you don't overfill the lighter - that not only provides a huge kick of fuel flavour, but can cause a minor chemical burn on your leg.
I have done that more than once in my life.
Being the quick study that I am, I learned that lesson after just a few dozen reminders.