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FAQ Frequently Asked Questions - and our answers
There are countless funny stories associated with Zippo, and we get a lot of questions from people interested in the lighters and all the other Zippo products. Here we have collected some of the most common questions and answers.
Who invented the Zippo lighter?
It was George Grant Blaisdell from the small town of Bradford, Pennsylvania. One night he was having dinner at the local country club and the men went out on the patio for a smoke. One of the friends was using an old oval lighter with a loose cap. "Why don't you get a decent lighter," Blaisdell teased and the answer came promptly: "Because this one works". Blaisdell, a mechanical whiz, secured the rights to the lighter and went home and improved it considerably, including making it larger and more manageable and attaching the lid to the outer lighter case.
Where is the Zippo Museum located?
The Zippo Museum is located right next to the Zippo factory, in the small town of Bradford, Pennsylvania, in the northern United States. It's close to the Canadian border and only about an hour's drive from Niagara Falls.
Why is a Zippo called a Zippo?
When George G. Blaisdell invented his lighter, it had to have a catchy name that said it was a groundbreaking innovation. And at the time, another small town in Pennsylvania had just invented the clever zipper, known in American as a "zipper". So, in another moment of brilliance, Blaisdell came up with the "twin name" Zippo, which is also reminiscent of the sound of the lighter lid being snapped off with a "zap."
How many Zippos have been manufactured in total?
Today, over 500 million Zippos have rolled out of the Bradford factory. If you put them side by side, they would reach over halfway around the world.
What is a year lighter?
Every year since 1933, Zippo has released a special annual lighter. They are only produced in limited numbers, and most year lighters quickly become coveted collector's items.
What is Swap Meet?
Swap means to swap, and every summer lots of Zippomaniacs meet in Bradford to buy, sell and admire lighters as well as enjoy lots of fun activities. It's free to visit the Swap Meet.
Classic Lighters
How do I refuel my Zippo lighter?
Remember to keep a good distance from fire or flames
.- Remove the insert from the lighter. Lift the corner of the felt on the bottom of the insert to access the fuel chamber.
- Fill slowly with Zippo lighter fluid. Stop filling when fuel reaches the top of the gasket. Never overfill. Overfilling will cause the lighter to leak fuel. Avoid getting lighter fluid on your skin as it is irritating to the skin. If skin contact occurs, wash the affected area immediately with mild soap and water. If the irritation persists or worsens, contact your doctor.
- Put the insert back into the lighter and make sure to wipe off excess liquid from the lighter and your hands before lighting the lighter. Make sure the gas can is closed and there is no spilled fuel nearby before ignition. This is a flammable liquid.
If the Zippo lighter is stored in your pocket, Zippo recommends that it should be placed bottom down in case you overfill it.
Why does Zippo Lighter Fuel have a different smell than before?
Zippo Premium lighter fluid has a new formula that has a slight odor. It is clean burning, fast igniting, and less irritating to the skin.
Why does Zippo lighter fluid evaporate so quickly?
Zippo lighter fluid is an oil distillate and will evaporate even when the lighter is not in use. Keep the lid closed. Keep the lighter away from strong sunlight or heat such as a radiator to reduce evaporation.
How do I change the wick in my Zippo lighter?
When the wick turns black with soot, pull it out with pliers. Evenly cut the top of the wick and straighten the wick. Trimming the wick can be done twice before the wick needs to be replaced.
To replace the wick, use tweezers to remove all material from the insert. Insert a new wick down through the chimney, pull it through with a pointed rod.
How often should I change the wick in my lighter?
It depends on your usage pattern. Change the wick when the lighter does not light properly or when you have trimmed the wick twice.
Should I change the stones on my lighter?
Yes, stones should be replaced regularly/monthly for an average user.
- Remove the insert from your lighter.
- Unscrew the spring with a small screwdriver or coin (be careful not to let the spring fly off).
- Remove the remaining piece of rock (if any) by gently tapping the insert on a hard surface.
- Insert a new Zippo stone into the long tube from which you removed the spring (the brass tip on the end is not a stone)
- Screw on the spring. Insert the insert into the lighter.
Does it make a difference if I use original Zippo accessories for my lighter?
Yes, definitely! Zippo gasoline, gas, stones and wicks are all specially manufactured for optimal performance of our products. This means that the products last longer.
Can I bring my Zippo lighter on my flight?
Always check local regulations with the airport you are traveling to and from, often they have a website. New, unused Zippo lighters can often be packed directly into checked baggage.
Butane Lighters
What makes a Butane lighter so different from my traditional Zippo lighter?
It's a butane torch lighter with patented flint-wheel technology. It has a very hot, blue flame. It is powered by butane gas. A special feature of the Zippo butane lighter is its comfortable shape. The lighter is powered by butane gas that will not vaporize. The lighter has a "Z" pattern on the chimney.
Do I need to refill my butane lighter with Zippo lighter gas right after I get it?
Yes. Zippo Butane lighters, like our classic lighters, come without fuel. Fill with Zippo Premium Butane gas for best performance.
Which fuel should I use for my Butane Lighter?
We recommend Zippo Premium butane lighter gas. It's easy to find in stores - just look for the blue cap on the butane bottle.
If you can't find Zippo premium butane lighter gas in your local store, you can get it at www.zippo.dk
Fill your butane lighter in a well-ventilated area away from open flames or heat source/sparks. Hold the lighter down so that the filling valve (located in the center of the black knob at the bottom) is facing upwards. Do not shake the canister. Place the gas nozzle in the filling valve and press the canister several times with a firm, even pressure. Make sure the gas nozzle is correctly seated in the valve.
Lighter gas is not only highly flammable, it is freezing cold when it escapes into the air during refueling, so be careful to avoid contact with skin. Wait at least 2 minutes after refueling before using your lighter.
How often should I refill my Butane lighter?
Refill frequency varies with use, but one refill will last for approximately 300-400 ignitions.
How do I light my Butane® lighter?
Lighting a Butane lighter gives a different sensation than a traditional classic Zippo lighter. Press down on the flint mechanism with your thumb and rotate the wheel to create sparks. Hold down the gas release button to maintain the flame. Release to extinguish. Be careful, the blue flame is very hot.
I have filled my Butane lighter with lighter gas - Why is it not working?
Make sure your lighter has gas on it. If in doubt, refill by following the instructions above. Make sure the flint wheel module is inserted correctly. Make sure the screw is tightened on the flint wheel module. Follow the instructions for use.
My Butane lighter only works if I hold down the gas "button". Is this normal?
Yes, this is completely normal. The butane lighter is designed to extinguish unless the gas release button (black) is held down.
How do I empty my Butane lighter of gas?
Do this in a well-ventilated area away from any source of flame. Hold the lighter upside down and away from your face and any ignition sources. Press the filling valve with the tip of a small screwdriver or other pointed object. Be careful when emptying the lighter - lighter gas is highly flammable, but it is also freezing cold when being emptied out of a lighter.
Does my Butane lighter need a new stone?
Yes, stones should be replaced about once a month for an average user.
How often and how do I change the stones in my Butane lighter?
The stone should be replaced when it no longer creates a spark. Usually, you can refuel several times before replacing the stone. For average use, stones are replaced once a month.
Do not try to remove the inner unit. Pull the flint wheel module straight up. Turn the cartridge upside down and remove the screw with a thin coin or a small screwdriver and remove any remaining old stone debris. Insert a new stone into the tube. Place the screw in the flint wheel module and tighten the screw. Place the flint wheel module in the lighter and press down firmly.
Does it really make a big difference if I use original Zippo accessories for my lighter?
Yes definitely! Zippo premium lighter gas and stones are specially manufactured for optimal performance in our products. This means that the products last longer.
Is there a data stamp at the bottom of the Butane lighter?
Yes. There is a date code on the lighter bottom, just like our classic lighters.
Can I bring my Butane lighter on my flight?
Always check with your airline/airport.
Mini MPL
What type of fuel should I use in my MPL Lighter?
We recommend that you only use Zippo Premium Butane lighter gas to avoid damage or malfunction
How do I refill my MPL lighter?
Fill your MPL lighter in a well-ventilated area away from open flames or heat sources/sparks. Place the lighter gas nozzle in the filling valve and squeeze the container several times with a firm, even pressure. Do not shake the container before filling. Make sure the gas nozzle is correctly seated in the valve before filling. Lighter gas is not only highly flammable, it is very cold when it escapes into the air during refueling, so be careful to avoid contact with skin. Wait at least 2 minutes after refueling before using your lighter.
How do I adjust the flame on my MPL lighter?
The flame adjustment knob is located at the bottom of the lighter. The adjustment knob can be turned in the direction of the arrows on the bottom to increase or decrease the flame height. Set the knob in the center, then adjust the flame height up or down as desired.
Should I use stones for my MPL lighter?
No, the MPL lighter does not use stones. It has an advanced Piezo igniter function that will last for around 15,000 ignitions. How long is that? If you used your MPL three times a day, it would last you every day for almost fourteen years.
Why can't I ignite my MPL lighter?
Make sure the adjustment flame knob at the bottom is set to the middle setting, then press the igniter button. If this does not help, a vacuum may have occurred in the lighter. Vacuum occurs when air enters the sealed gas container of the lighter. This can occur if the lighter and gas canister are not facing downwards during the filling process.
How to remove the vacuum:
Do this in a well-ventilated area away from any source of flames. Turn the lighter upside down. Drain excess air/gas from the gas canister by pressing the filler valve with a pointed object e.g. a small screwdriver. Continue until you can't hear any more air coming out, you can press several times. Be careful when emptying the lighter. When finished, point the lighter away from your face and any ignition source and fill with Zippo Premium lighter gas.
FlexNeck and OUL lighters
Why does FlexNeck take longer to ignite?
When lighting the lighter, the gas flows to the burner and due to the longer neck, the fuel may take a little longer to reach the burner.
How do I adjust the flame?
The flame adjustment knob is located at the bottom of the lighter. The adjustment knob can be turned in the direction of the arrows on the bottom to increase or decrease the flame height. Set the knob in the center and light, then adjust the flame height up or down as desired.
What type of fuel should I use for my FlexNeck or OUL lighter?
We recommend using only Zippo Premium Butane lighter gas to avoid damage or malfunction.
How do I refuel the FlexNeck or OUL?
Fuel your lighter in a well-ventilated area away from open flames or heat sources/sparks. Place the lighter gas nozzle in the filling valve and squeeze the canister several times with a firm, even pressure. Do not shake the container before filling. Make sure the gas nozzle is correctly seated in the valve before filling. Lighter gas is not only highly flammable, it is very cold when it escapes into the air during refueling, so be careful to avoid contact with skin. Wait at least 2 minutes after refueling before using your lighter.
Why won't my FlexNeck or OUL ignite?
Make sure the adjustment flame knob at the bottom is set to the middle setting, then press the igniter button. If this does not help, a vacuum may have occurred in the lighter. Vacuum occurs when air enters the sealed gas container of the lighter. This can occur if the lighter and gas canister are not facing downwards during the filling process.
How to remove a vapor lock:
Do this in a well-ventilated area away from any source of flame. Turn the lighter upside down. Drain excess air/gas from the gas canister by pressing the filler valve with a pointed object e.g. a small screwdriver. Continue until you can't hear any more air coming out, you can press several times. Be careful when emptying the lighter. When finished, point the lighter away from your face and any ignition source and fill with Zippo Premium lighter gas.
Should I use rocks for my FlexNeck or OUL lighter?
No, the lighter does not use stones. It has an advanced Piezo igniter function that will last for around 15,000 ignitions. How long is that? If you used your lighter three times a day, they would last for almost fourteen years.
Zippo Hand Warmers
Is there lighter fluid on my Hand Warmer from the start?
No, hand warmers are delivered without lighter fluid. Please refill lighter fluid before use. We recommend Zippo lighter fluid for best performance.
How do I ignite my hand warmer?
Please refer to the hand warmer user guide PDF. Take the lid off the hand warmer and hold the base unit with one hand and ignite the catalytic burner for approximately 15 to 30 seconds. Keep hands and clothing away from any flame. After ignition is complete, attach the hand warmer lid, let the device heat for 1- 2 minutes (NO LONGER!) Then carefully place the hand warmer in the supplied bag. The hand warmer should always be placed in the supplied bag to prevent overheating. Your Zippo hand warmer will now provide comfortable warmth. After ignition, the heat will be generated from a catalytic process without fire. Once the hand warmer is ignited there is no way to stop the heating. If necessary, place the hand warmer in the bag and place on a fireproof surface until the fuel is exhausted and the hand warmer is cold to the touch.
I've lost my filler cup, how much fuel should I add?
Models before year 2010 - approx. 12 ml. Models later than year 20110 - approx. 20 ml.
Will the fuel evaporate from my hand warmer when not in use?
Yes. All lighter fluid will evaporate over time. Please refill before using the hand warmer.
How long is the burn time for one refill?
If you fill the refill cup to the bottom line, the hand warmer will keep warm for up to 6 hours. If you fill the refill cup to the top line, the hand warmer will keep warm for up to 12 hours. However, this may vary.
Does my hand warmer need stones?
No, hand warmers generate heat when an external fire source is applied to the burner to begin the catalytic process.
Does my hand warmer need oxygen to burn?
Yes. The Zippo hand warmer requires oxygen for the heating process. The bag regulates the amount of oxygen. Do not use without the included bag because it can get too hot. If you store your warm hand warmer in a windproof jacket/mitten, you may need to take it out and air it out occasionally (still in the bag)
How do I turn off the hand warmer?
Once the hand warmer ignites there is no way to stop it. If necessary, place the hand warmer on a fireproof surface until the fuel is exhausted and the hand warmer is cold to the touch.
My hand warmer is not getting very hot - what do I do?
Check the burner carefully. It should fit tightly. The burner may not have ignited correctly. Repeat the instructions. Make sure there is enough lighter fluid in the hand warmer. Lighter fluid will evaporate even when the hand warmer is not in use. The burner may need to be replaced. Burners should be replaced after approximately 70 uses.
How long does the burner last?
Burner lifespan varies with use, but you can expect approximately 70 uses.
Campfire Starter
Should I use the whole puck at once?
The Zippo Campfire Starter is made to be broken apart and used to build up to four campfires. Place the unused portion in a resealable bag to keep your backpack tidy.
Can I buy them individually?
Zippo Campfire Starters are available individually.
The Emergency Fire starter looks like a Zippo lighter. Does it require fuel?
The Emergency Fire Starter may look like a lighter, but it's not. Because it's designed to work without lighter fluid and it's always ready. It uses waxed Tinder Sticks as fuel. Keep it handy so you're ready for emergencies.
How do I light my fire with the Fire Starter Kit?
Take a waxed Tinder Stick and expand it. You should have kindling (small, dry sticks) and other small pieces of wood ready. Turn the Emegency Fire Starter so that it sparks, make the sparks hit the tinder stick and a fire will start, make sure the kindling catches the fire.