A PSA for Vintage Zippo Collectors

[Chasing Embers]

Upon doing some reading I found some information that Zippo used asbestos for their wicks up until the 1980s. Handle with care.

 

[AroEnglish]

Thank you very much for this info.

 

[verporchting]

The irony is almost more than I can handle but I believe it

 

[bullet08]

That's only 20% of my smoking life. I'm pretty sure I won't be dead due to Zippo wicks. But you never know. Need to update my lawyer in case this can be turned into a cash cow.

 

[kcghost]

Another reason to despise all lawyers. Blood suckers everyone.

 

[HawkeyeLinus]

Wow.

I have only one "vintage" and it's from the 60s/70s (and a favorite) - will be checking out the wick as soon as I get home today. Likely will just replace it rather than take any chances.

 

[Briarcutter]

How dare they use any carcinogen related to smoking, what were they thinking

 

[captainsousie]

Wow.

I have only one "vintage" and it's from the 60s/70s (and a favorite) - will be checking out the wick as soon as I get home today. Likely will just replace it rather than take any chances.

Careful with replacement as the fibers go airborne and cling to surfaces easily.

 

[Hillcrest]

Upon doing some reading I found some information that Zippo used asbestos for their wicks up until the 1980s. Handle with care.

Any confirmation from Zippo on that info ?? Just curious as that info does come from an asbestos claim lawfirm ... probably as trustworthy as anything else but ... what does Zippo say if you know.,
All of my zippos are pre-80s.

Any Good news on Bics ?

 

[HawkeyeLinus]

Careful with replacement as the fibers go airborne and cling to surfaces easily.

I have a few pipe inserts still in boxes I’ve purchased from Zippo and I think I’ll just get rid of the whole assembly to avoid the worry - thanks!

 

[HawkeyeLinus]

Any confirmation from Zippo on that info ?? Just curious as that info does come from an asbestos claim lawfirm ... probably as trustworthy as anything else but ... what does Zippo say if you know.,
All of my zippos are pre-80s.

Any Good news on Bics ?

It’s true and verifiable, yes - I didn’t doubt @Chasing Embers but naturally started doing some reading and checking out the date on my lighter.

 

[Hillcrest]

It’s true and verifiable, yes - I didn’t doubt @Chasing Embers but naturally started doing some reading and checking out the date on my lighter.

I never doubt @Chasing Embers but my own research did not reveal any source other than the lawfirm. But if you say its so ... good enough.

Next Question: Who makes the best replacement wicks ? (safest?). (I will have to replace 7 or 8.

 

[HawkeyeLinus]

I never doubt @Chasing Embers but my own research did not reveal any source other then the lawfirm. But if you say its so ... good enough.

Next Question: Who makes the best replacement wicks ? (safest?). (I will have to replace 7 or 8.

Would be no reason to be worried about the safety of current Zippo replacement wicks - no idea on whether anyone else makes them but I'm sure many here would know about substitutes.

 

[Hillcrest]

Would be no reason to be worried about the safety of current Zippo replacement wicks - no idea on whether anyone else makes them but I'm sure many here would know about substitutes.

Apparently some are fiber glass, hemp or cotton. Zippo says cotton core.

 

[Chasing Embers]

Just curious as that info does come from an asbestos claim lawfirm

Didn't see that. Just was reading a collectors forum.

 

[Hillcrest]

Didn't see that. Just was reading a collectors forum.

I couldn't find any source that didn't go back to the lawfirm's youtube video. Just curious. Everyone is saying its true but the video doesn't say how the truth was established ... its just their word for it... very curious. I'll keep looking in moments of extreme boredom ...

 

[Hillcrest]

I have a few pipe inserts still in boxes I’ve purchased from Zippo and I think I’ll just get rid of the whole assembly to avoid the worry - thanks!

That would be a waste. Just remove the wicks. Just 2 cents.

 

[Hillcrest]

According to this youtube video they were mostly phased out between 82-84. Ban went into effect in 1989.
New ones have copper wire wrap supposedly. Apparently no real info from Zippo though. Curiouser and Curiouser ...

 

[HawkeyeLinus]

That would be a waste. Just remove the wicks. Just 2 cents.

Too late! Nothing wrong with upgrading after 50 or so years! Old outside, new inside, looks great and no contact with asbestos.