I recently won azippo lighter on the bay. How do you prep these things for the first light up. I do not have fuel yet but that is easy enoughto get. I just do not want to mess this new zippo up. Any Knowledge imparted is appreciated.
Zippo
- Thread starter RatMan
- Start date
Just pull out the insert, lift the bottom felt exposing the wadding undernath, and slowly fill until the wick becomes dampened with fluid. Some say to fill till one drop of fluid drips off the wick, but I find that is too much and end up with a fireball on the first few lights, and chemical burns on your thigh when it leaks in your pocket.
Check out Utube. You should find what your looking for. If it is new just pry up the felt and fill it. What fuel you use is the question? Some will say use Zippo and others will say Ronson or? I use Zippo and if I let it burn for a second or two I don't get the taste.
some trim the wick, some don't. next, check that your flint sparks. then, pull the insides out by the chimney and remove some of the wadding and make sure the entire wick and wadding is wet with the lighter fluid then repack - do not strike the flint when the lighter is disassembled as you may set your hands on fire. you do not have to have the lighter overfull with fluid as it will probably leak out in your pocket and this stuff burns your skin (BTDT - been there done that). if the wadding is dripping then you have put too much in.
reassemble and wipe the outside of the lighter dry. go wash your hands. let the lighter set for a few minutes (5-10) then try to light.
reassemble and wipe the outside of the lighter dry. go wash your hands. let the lighter set for a few minutes (5-10) then try to light.
- Thread starter
- #5
All good stuff to know thank you for the fast reply. I love this place. YOU GUYS ROCK!
I really like my Zippo, something about flipping that cap open thats timeless. Probably the worst thing to do is overfill it, do it once and you'll get the feel about how much to fill it. Also, sometimes I struggle after putting a new flint in, tough to get the wheel to spin until the flint gets a little worn down.
simon1
Self Ignored by Vista
If it's NIB it should have instructions. Don't worry much about messing it up; they're pretty tough, I've been using them for decades. And they have a lifetime guarantee. 
Turn the flint wheel backward a few times after you put in a new flint, then forward. If it's too tough to turn try backing the screw off a bit to relieve the spring tension, then turn backward then forward to set the bevel. Then tighten the flint spring screw.
If you have trouble getting it lit after filling it try blowing a puff of air on the chimney or waiving it once or twice in the air with the lid open. Sometimes they get "vapor locked" for awhile after a fill, especially if you get it a bit too full.
Turn the flint wheel backward a few times after you put in a new flint, then forward. If it's too tough to turn try backing the screw off a bit to relieve the spring tension, then turn backward then forward to set the bevel. Then tighten the flint spring screw.
If you have trouble getting it lit after filling it try blowing a puff of air on the chimney or waiving it once or twice in the air with the lid open. Sometimes they get "vapor locked" for awhile after a fill, especially if you get it a bit too full.
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If it's NIB it should have instructions. Don't worry much about messing it up; they're pretty tough, I've been using them for decades. And they have a lifetime guarantee.
+1
They are pretty close to bulletproof, and if you manage to destroy it in some (or any) way, send them back to Bradford, PA, and bingo, repaired/replaced.
Get Zippo fluid if you can, Ronson has much more of a lighter fluid taste. Something I learned from the crowd here.
+1. Ronsonol is cheaper for a reason...
Get Zippo fluid if you can, Ronson has much more of a lighter fluid taste. Something I learned from the crowd here.
Get Zippo fluid if you can, Ronson has much more of a lighter fluid taste. Something I learned from the crowd here.
I learned that through many years of using Zippos. Zippo fluid is the only way to go. I buy the 12 oz can and it will last you a good while. No use saving a few pennies and having that nasty taste and smell.
Another tip that I don't do often because I am lazy but it works, is putting chap stick around the insert. It helps reduce the fluid evaporating so a refill will last a little longer.
There are many more efficient lighters but there is just something about a Zippo that I love.
If the lighter is well used squirt some lighter fluid on a q tip and wipe the wick a few times in an upward direction. This will wipe off some of the carbon build up, and help it out some. They are a pretty simple machine.
Keep a spare flint under the felt pad.
Keep a spare flint under the felt pad.
@ Simon1 - I used to have the exact same Zippo - the one thing I miss about smoking is that I loved the Zippo!
simon1
Self Ignored by Vista
Get Zippo fluid if you can, Ronson has much more of a lighter fluid taste. Something I learned from the crowd here.
I don't know what formulation is used for Ronson fluid, but Zippo acquired Ronson about 3 years ago and now makes all of their products. They may still use the same Ronson formula...don't know.
What a way to get rid of the competition.
- Thread starter
- #16
My New CPO ZIPPO
One tip that I picked up was to smear just a little bit of Vaseline (petroleum jelly) around the walls of the insert prior to putting it back into the case. I believe the theory is the Vaseline seals it up a little bit tighter and reduces the evaporation of the fuel. I don't know the science, but it does seem to work.
I pretty much use my Zippos exclusively. Really good bulletproof lighters, just like others have said don't overfill. I use the Ronson fuel, I'm just not convinced there's any difference in the fuels since they're the same company. I'll save the money, plus once you let it burn for a couple seconds the smell goes away.
After reading this thread I put the Bic down and filled up the Zippo
Get Zippo fluid if you can, Ronson has much more of a lighter fluid taste. Something I learned from the crowd here.
The bane of a B&B member's existence... reformulation.
Apparently, Zippo has acquired Ronson and is using their fuel formulation.
