Lighter Insets

[sparrowhawk]

Has anyone here had any experience with butane lighter inserts with a pipe modification for their Zippo? Just bought one, supposedly emits a flame like a candle, but wondering if will damage my pipe rims. Thoughts?

 

[unkleyoda]

I don't have one, they seem really neat. I have heard that the failure rate is relatively high though.

 

[alexnorth]

I have the Thunderbird insert which I've used a couple of times now. No complaints at all. Looks good and works great! The only thing questionable is windy weather but that will blow out most gas lighters..

 

[balkisobrains]

Tough to use if you use your left hand to light, and I wouldn't expect it to be as reliable as a regular Zippo/pipe over time. Depending on certain factors, even a soft-flame butane lighter can burn hotter than a Zippo petrol fluid flame, but the Thunderbird still uses the pipe-style chimney, so I would think that you should be able to focus the flame and airflow into the bowl more safely than with a 90-degree soft-flame pipe butane lighter.
Edit: Now I'm looking at them on youtube, and the Thunderbird brand insert actually seems to put out a 45-degree flame. I've always found those to be more difficult to aim than a straight 90 degree flame. So, I would say a regular 90-degree soft butane pipe lighter or a petrol pipe-zippo would probably be better for the rim than the T-Bird.

 

[tbradsim1]

I've used the Z Plus Butane insert for my Zippo, recommended by David Shain, really satisfied for over a year.

 

[balkisobrains]

The Z-Plus looks like more of a 90 degree flame in this vid, might work better than a T-bird.
(Skip to 7:05 for the Z-Flame)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Og5LtR3bLT8
T-Bird

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lxMlyNNsWaM

 

[sparrowhawk]

Should have can't with you fellows first--i prefer a 90 degree angle flame, but the amazon Tebow suggested the other insert had a softer flame.

 

[cally454]

I went through. 3 t birds off eBay. They all broke within a week. Could of been knockoffs for all I know but I gave up. Ymmv

 

[ashdigger]

Balkisobrains, you are correct about the left handed angle. They suck on that note.
I have 2 if anyone wants them.

 

[iowamike]

I have a Z plus..it works fine. It is a soft flame. Not to great in the wind.

 

[leacha]

Had a T-Bird and when it worked it was great after a number if months lighting was inconsistent and then it stopped altogether.

 

[mawnansmiff]

The Amazon UK website for these inserts has many tales of woe.
Regards,
Jay.