How Long Does Your Zippo Last?

nsfisher · Nov 7, 2012

I find, with my Zippo, that after it is filled, if I don't use it for even a couple days it is empty. The fuel evaporates much to fast. It is not an old lighter as I bought it new and am still on the same can of fuel. Do they all evaporate this fast?

captainprophesy · Nov 7, 2012

I use mine every day and I have to fill it maybe twice a month.

philip · Nov 7, 2012

I don't use my Zippo much. I used to have the same problem when I did.
Have you seen this post on Stopping Zippo Fluid Evaporation?

tkdlaxer · Nov 7, 2012

Yeah its just part of a zippo, great as all get out, but don't hold fluid for long. I read on here that if you smear some petroleum jelly on the insert then put it in the case it will help it last longer. I just tried it and it seems true so far.

nsfisher · Nov 7, 2012

@tkdlaxer
That is a pretty good tip mate. I will give that a try. Thanks.

captainprophesy · Nov 7, 2012

I dont use petroleum jelly... But the insert fits in the case VERY snugly

nsfisher · Nov 7, 2012

I don't use my Zippo much. I used to have the same problem when I did.

Hey Phillip, how you been mate. Good to see you again. Thanks for the link, I'll look it up.

nsfisher · Nov 7, 2012

But the insert fits in the case VERY snugly

Mine does as well mate. I just don't understand why it evaporates in a day or 3

nsfisher · Nov 7, 2012

I guess this is a dumb question, but here goes........Referring to the insert, do you mean the entire outside of the insert? Does that also include the Cotton on the bottom?

waznyf · Nov 7, 2012

Depends how much I use it!
Haha but on a more serious note... Mine lasts me probably a couple weeks or so.

Hope you are able to fix the problem brother!
Happy puffin! : puffy

:

J. Mayo · Nov 8, 2012

Mine evaporates too often for me. I get annoyed constantly refilling it and find myself just reaching for a cheap corner store lighter most of the time.

fnord · Nov 8, 2012

Fish:
Smoked nails for 30+ years - at 1 to 1.5 packs a day - lit with a snug fitting Zippo. I always kept a light smear of Vaseline/petroleum jelly on the metal walled insert and I'm talking a "skim" of Vaseline. Nothing on the cotton, mate.
My Zippo was refilled every three days whether it needed it or not. YMMV.
Fnord

checotah · Nov 8, 2012

I have a newer Zippo pipe lighter model, and it needs refilling about every 3 days or so. My dad's old regular model Zippo (circa 1943) can go nearly a week before it needs refilling. Not sure why...

slownumbers39 · Nov 8, 2012

My pipe Zippo only lasts about 3 days as well, so I might give this a try. Thanks for the tip.

pipeinhand · Nov 8, 2012

I chucked the fuel and got a butane insert. It is great and it is a pipe style. No smell and no liquid and I still get a Zippo.

nsfisher · Nov 8, 2012

Ya the Butane insert is the way to go, but we, here in Canada, cannot get them sent to us from the States because of the mailing rules.

photoman13 · Nov 8, 2012

Mine lasts about a week. I don't mind refilling it.

lankfordjl · Nov 8, 2012

These little keyring fuel canisters are helpful. I have one that I bought on Amazon. It gives you enough fuel to refill completely. I also use the petroleum jelly; it's helpful, I think.

numbersix · Nov 8, 2012

Mine evaporated as well - though not quite that fast. Plus I found that I was going through flints fairly rapidly.
I switched to a colibris butane pipe lighter and love it. The flame goes straight into the bowl, no fuel odor and it lights like a champ. I still like my zippo - they're well made classics, but I rarely use it now.

instymp · Nov 8, 2012

I didn't know they made a butane insert, how do they work?

How Long Does Your Zippo Last?

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