I give up on 'thunderbird Inserts"

hooboy · Feb 18, 2017

I have read good and not so good reports on thunderbird inserts for Zippos .

It seems that they have a hatred for me lol, as I have tried 3 ,

2 with flint and 1 with electric spark only one of the flint bothered to light

that is after probably a dozen attempts for each LIGHT.

The others never bothered to even to try to light even after wearing my thumb out

in the attempt.

I have a few Zippos with regular inserts but I don't like the fluid smell

( I understand other don't mind)

Now that I have given up on the thunderbird IS there another brand that anyone

has had success with?

hoo

shutterbugg · Feb 18, 2017

Basically those inserts use technology from a $1 Chinese BIC knockoff to give the same lack of functionality to a Zippo. Zippos have their drawbacks but for outdoor use are arguably unbeatable. Using Zippo fuel, not overfilling, and allowing the flame to burn one second before lighting up eradicates all traces of fuel odor.

cossackjack · Feb 18, 2017

I have never had problems with either the Thunderbird flint or the Z-Plus piezo-electric ignitions, even at my elevation of 8100 feet. I always hold the lighter horizontally, as one would to light a pipe, which allows enough butane to accumulate in the combustion chamber to ignite. Proper adjustment of the gas flow is critical for best performance (stating the obvious).

Neither are very useful in anything more than a very light wind.

ashdigger · Feb 18, 2017

I've tried both Thunderbird and Z-plus and found both to be worthless.
I use my trusty that has never failed me.

rblood · Feb 18, 2017

Those inserts are the best way to turn the worlds most reliable lighter into the least reliable.

drwatson · Feb 18, 2017

The thunderbird's are horrible junk. Now the "Stanwell" "Hearth and Home" lighters from P&C which has the same type of insert are top notch. Buy one throw the case out (they are junk) and put the insert in Zippo. Much better design, I have been using one for about two years now and no problems.

hooboy · Feb 18, 2017

Thanks shutterbug , I have NEVER tried your suggestion but I will soon.

If I can reduce the fluid smell ... Well I will never need another type but the zippo!

again thinks

hoo

alexnorth · Feb 18, 2017

I've had zero problems with my Thunderbird. I haven't tried it in a hurricane though... : puffy

:

warren · Feb 18, 2017

Never tried an insert. Never felt the need to alter near perfection. They do as designed, with a lifetime guarantee, I can't ask more than that.

shaintiques · Feb 18, 2017

The z-pipe is awesome. I've been using mine for a year and it is still going strong, way better than a thunderbird.

ssjones · Feb 19, 2017

Guess I have been lucky. I bought my two T-bird inserts six years ago and have never had an issue with either. I do purge the air before refilling, but I think that only aids in getting a full fill.

hooboy · Mar 2, 2017

Tried a can of the Black zippo fluid to check out ... My findings...
Hot dang , I am Back to using my favorite lighter!!!

I Put the others in storage ..
Thanks for the heads up!

hoo

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