Is it Me, or are Zippo Lighters Garbage?

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daberman

Starting to Get Obsessed
Mar 4, 2021
134
599
Atlanta, GA
The little top on my zippo lighter pops off, or half slips off every other light... what am I doing wrong?

I bent the two main flanges wider, ive pinched the two little tabs on the top but it still pops off....

Did I get a bum one? my thumb too fat? Im surprised it doesnt come just welded together or soemthing...

Anyhow, I really wanna love this lighter, but cant stop struggling with it...
 

FurCoat

Lifer
Sep 21, 2020
8,764
78,508
North Carolina
Mine has been performing well for years. I have the stainless and solid brass brushed. The brass is much better quality and won't slip out of your hand. That said, I have noticed quality of the stainless Zippo's has fallen over the years.
 

daberman

Starting to Get Obsessed
Mar 4, 2021
134
599
Atlanta, GA

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daberman

Starting to Get Obsessed
Mar 4, 2021
134
599
Atlanta, GA
I believe those tabs are supposed to be inside the chimney. That said, if it popped off, it probably needed some adjustment anyway. Mine has never popped off at random. But it's supposed to be removable so you can adjust the wick.
Ah, I think you are right, I may be mounting it wrong. I figured something must be wrong...
 

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daberman

Starting to Get Obsessed
Mar 4, 2021
134
599
Atlanta, GA
Ah, I think you are right, I may be mounting it wrong. I figured something must be wrong...
I believe those tabs are supposed to be inside the chimney. That said, if it popped off, it probably needed some adjustment anyway. Mine has never popped off at random. But it's supposed to be removable so you can adjust the wick.
That was it! Thanks!

@jpmcwjr - thanks feel free to delete

 

didimauw

Moderator
Staff member
Jul 28, 2013
9,894
31,619
34
Burlington WI
My Zippo lighter with the pipe insert works perfectly. It is still a piece of crap compared to any of my IM Corona Pipemasters or Old Boys. The Zippo's flame in unwieldy and a pain in the ass as you work your way down the bowl. Since I only smoke indoors now, the Zippo is never used.
I don't go anywhere without my zippo. I went years with only using it with a pipe. But I'm also a chain cig smoker. I've switched to using my old boy unless in strong winds, for my pipe. But I will use my zippo anytime without complaint. Both lighters go with me everywhere, and I like them both equally.

OP. Glad you sorted the issue out!
 

daberman

Starting to Get Obsessed
Mar 4, 2021
134
599
Atlanta, GA
My Zippo lighter with the pipe insert works perfectly. It is still a piece of crap compared to any of my IM Corona Pipemasters or Old Boys. The Zippo's flame in unwieldy and a pain in the ass as you work your way down the bowl. Since I only smoke indoors now, the Zippo is never used.
I really want an IM Corona, even though its the rona thats left me feeling uneconomically able to buy a IM Corona right now, oh the irony!
 

daberman

Starting to Get Obsessed
Mar 4, 2021
134
599
Atlanta, GA
I don't go anywhere without my zippo. I went years with only using it with a pipe. But I'm also a chain cig smoker. I've switched to using my old boy unless in strong winds, for my pipe. But I will use my zippo anytime without complaint. Both lighters go with me everywhere, and I like them both equally.

OP. Glad you sorted the issue out!
Ive got some kinda aspergery scent to me that just brings all the trolls to the yard. I honestly cant help it! its been life long 8)
 

daveinlax

Charter Member
May 5, 2009
1,989
2,651
WISCONSIN
Zippo’s are definitely are not built like they use to be. The hinge gets loose pretty quick and the insert/chimney assembly are pretty chintzy.
 

cfreud

Starting to Get Obsessed
Feb 1, 2014
256
284
I live in the central Colorado Rockies. Zippo is about as windproof as one can do for a soft flame, ergo a winner. Zippos are also, in my humble opinion, klutz-proof, which is very important for my lack of general coordination. Great lighter.