How to keep fuel in your Zippo

johnniet

johnniet

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Jul 12, 1999
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Seal it with duct tape.
I've had a Zippo taped shut in my closet for a month. Took it out the other day, and it lit up without any trouble. This is a "slim" Zippo; for regular size it should work better.
What I think is going on: the vapor can't escape, so the air in the lighter becomes saturated with vapor. After that point, no more fluid can evaporate (at least not without leading to an equal amount of condensation).

I recommend real duct tape. I also tried some "clear tape" sold at camping stores for clothing repair. After a few days the adhesive was partly dissolved by the fluid vapors, and it was messy. Actual duct tape seems to work better.
The ideal thing would probably be a wide rubber band with the right diameter, but I don't know where to get one.
 
Originally posted by johnniet
The ideal thing would probably be a wide rubber band with the right diameter, but I don't know where to get one.
Click to expand...
Buy a lobster, use the ones they keep the claws together.
 
The innertube idea might work, I have some old innertubes for my mountain bike that might be the right diameter to cut and make a sleeve for it. I don't use my Zippos much but it's annoying to have to fill it up because it won't light after sitting around for a couple of weeks.
I got one of those butane Zippo MPL's....at least the fuel does not evaporate:D !
 
After last night I can vouch that Hennessy VS cognac also works as lighter fluid. However, the real stuff lasts much longer.
 
I´ve used Ranger Bands from inner tubes on my Zippo and in a similar Ronson lighter, they do last longer, like three weeks instead of the usual two, but not for a month, it may vary depending on the width and diameter on the ranger band.
 
Following up on the liquor as fuel idea. DO NOT, I repeat DO NOT use Polo or any other after-shave as fuel in your Zippo. Yes, it will work, but your smokes will taste like a** until you replace the wadding and the wick. I had a friend that did this when he was out of fuel. I broke down and fixed the lighter for him because I could not stand the smell when he used it, let alone the taste if I had to bum a light
 
Cool new Black Ice Cross Zippo that I have coming in.

ZI20195.jpg


Now to the question at hand ... can't fuel preservation be jerryrigged somehow with o-rings?

Thanks,

Ryan
 
Is there some kind of built-in coolness factor with Zippos that makes them worth this much trouble? An 89 cent disposable is lighter, more convenient, and doesn't evaporate.
 
The basic Zippo and its fuel are pretty cheap. Durability under harsh conditions, lighting in a strong wind and rain, are quite reliable. If you use it a lot, you'll burn the fuel off legitimately before it evaporates on you. And, yes, they are cool: simple, direct, tough, effective.

Once they got a foothold in peoples' imaginations, it isn't hard to see their popularity continuing. The fact that good marketing puts popular designs on a great blocky shape, and you have an item that's hard to beat.
 
I got a bright orange zippo from WalMart for 5 bucks... it's a real zippo in the camping section...
 
Originally posted by MelancholyMutt
I got a bright orange zippo from WalMart for 5 bucks... it's a real zippo in the camping section...
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It could be another thread topic: "Gear you can get at Wal-Mart" :)

$5 orange Zippos, Old Timer knives, do they sell Photons yet?
 
Originally posted by johnniet
It could be another thread topic: "Gear you can get at Wal-Mart" :)

$5 orange Zippos, Old Timer knives, do they sell Photons yet?
Click to expand...

Don't forget the Brinkmann LX, Kershaw Chive, Kershaw Vapor I/II, and a whole bunch of Gerber. A Zippo for $5? Now that's something. I'm off to Wal-mart!:D
 
I have seen small plastic fuel tanks for zippos on a German gadget site.These are very cool and I had the site in my favorites but had to do a restore and lost everything.I will try to find it again........RB
 
tristar.jpg


Here is a link from the Brits: Tristar

*Ok, I just bought one for $36, damn exchange rate & overseas shipping!!!!!!!!!!!! I'll let you know how it is.
 
You know when I saw the thread and then the tank on the other site it never dawned on me that it would be for gas but that would be pretty cool and wouldnt need filling for a while as the tank is pretty good size. Good looking out Ryan. A trick I was shown was to stick a extra flint or two right on the cotten of you zippo in case it gets used up and you are someplace and a store isnt handy.It stays just fine and the fuel has no effect on it............RB
 
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