How Long Does Your Zippo Last?

[nsfisher]

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]

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

 

[philip]

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]

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]

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

 

[captainprophesy]

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

 

[nsfisher]

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]

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]

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]

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! ::

 

[J. Mayo]

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]

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]

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]

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

 

[pipeinhand]

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]

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]

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

 

[lankfordjl]

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]

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]

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