Making a zippo even better
- Thread starter Commander McBragg
- Start date
SmokingPipes.com Updates
Watch for Updates Twice a Week
PipesMagazine Approved Sponsor
Site Sponsors
PipesMagazine Approved Sponsor
PipesMagazine Approved Sponsor
PipesMagazine Approved Sponsor
PipesMagazine Approved Sponsor
I've always been drawn to Zippo's of plain designs; Polished Chrome, Brass, etc., but after my Polished Brass Armor became tarnished, I'd buff it back to a lustrous shine again, but it continued to dull from handling. I eventually gave up on trying to keep it shiny and decided to go the other direction and further antique it. Because it is brass, all you need is household vinegar and salt and a container to capture the vapors that will do the antiquing.
I removed the insert so that I was only working with the outer case and suspended it on some bent pipe cleaners inside a Pyrex bowl that I had a lid for. I put vinegar in the bowl, about a half inch deep so that it wasn't touching the suspended case, and then added some salt with a shaker and put the lid on. I waited a couple of hours and when I came back it was covered in patina and salty grit. I used WD-40 and steel wool to clean the surface smooth again and I think it produced a well worn and weathered brass look.
I removed the insert so that I was only working with the outer case and suspended it on some bent pipe cleaners inside a Pyrex bowl that I had a lid for. I put vinegar in the bowl, about a half inch deep so that it wasn't touching the suspended case, and then added some salt with a shaker and put the lid on. I waited a couple of hours and when I came back it was covered in patina and salty grit. I used WD-40 and steel wool to clean the surface smooth again and I think it produced a well worn and weathered brass look.
Attachments
I love these bangers. When I was working as a truck driver, I had a few, I gave them as gifts to my friends and brothers. I went a lot of years without them, until our dear friend, BurleyBreath, sent me this second hand one, in perfect condition and with that old touch that I love. It sounds amazing. Before the end of the year, I will try to buy some, here in the neighborhood tobacconists, they still have a variety. I don't think I'll ever be lucky enough to have one like this mythical zippo again.
Last edited:
I've never had a Copper one. Zippo released a limited edition of them earlier this year in fact, with a first time ever Black insert which looked beautiful next to the copper. They were out of my price range, of course.
In my youth there was nothing cooler than having a Zippo. The day I got my first one I laid in bed all night, opening and closing it again and again. I still have a regular brushed chrome one but never really use it.
I did always like the taste from it, I should try it with a pipe once.
My regular is this old Spirit of St. Louis gas lighter. Brass and leather, nice.
It also has a very nice, soft flame and a filling of gas lasts astonishingly long despite its small size.
It's older than I am, my father bought it long before I was born. And I do nothing to it, I don't even clean it.
I like a rustic and rugged look. Especially for something that served well every single day for many, many years.
I did always like the taste from it, I should try it with a pipe once.
My regular is this old Spirit of St. Louis gas lighter. Brass and leather, nice.
It also has a very nice, soft flame and a filling of gas lasts astonishingly long despite its small size.
It's older than I am, my father bought it long before I was born. And I do nothing to it, I don't even clean it.
I like a rustic and rugged look. Especially for something that served well every single day for many, many years.
I just bought a brushed chrome Armor Zippo for $16.45.
There is no excuse to not use the best lighter in the world.
There is no excuse to not use the best lighter in the world.
Nice work, CDR McBragg. I love Zippos and their link to American culture and important historical events. When my dad passed I was lucky enough to find his Viet Nam war Zippo issued to him in 1965. I recently went on a Zippo binge on ebay. Lots of very unusual Zippos out there in e-commerce land. The multi-hued cross is real mother of pearl and abalone. Here's some of what I found:
Is that a soft-flame "bic" like insert? Is it the official Zippo brand I have recently seen or an off brand? How do you like it?
It’s a Thunderbird butane insert and works relatively well. Two caveats:
1) The ribs on the side of the clear plastic insert must be shaved down, otherwise the fit in the Zippo case will be too snug.
2) With this version, you must hold down the ignition button the whole time you’re using the flame, so it can get uncomfortably hot having your thumb there—I recently purchased a new version with a wheel and am hoping that will be an improvement.
1) The ribs on the side of the clear plastic insert must be shaved down, otherwise the fit in the Zippo case will be too snug.
2) With this version, you must hold down the ignition button the whole time you’re using the flame, so it can get uncomfortably hot having your thumb there—I recently purchased a new version with a wheel and am hoping that will be an improvement.
Use it from time to time.
The problem with Zippo is that it can destroy pipe rime and loose the gasoline every single day.
So,to prevent it,and to make the pipe smoking process more easy,using simple Clipper ligher with side flame
Low price,zero maintenance,average quality.
The problem with Zippo is that it can destroy pipe rime and loose the gasoline every single day.
So,to prevent it,and to make the pipe smoking process more easy,using simple Clipper ligher with side flame
Low price,zero maintenance,average quality.
Attachments
Here's a copper one at $30
Zippo Antique Copper Lighter - TobaccoPipes.com
You can send the regular insert to Zippo and exchange it for a pipe insert, and they'll send both back. I've done that several times. It'll turn black as you use it!
Here's a cheaper one at $23, but I've never used or heard of this retailer:
Zippo Lighter # 301FB Antique Copper – Perfume Cosmetics World
My Zippo is copper also. I don't recall paying too much for it. Those prices seem fair.
The current limited edition copper Zippo is $75, and I think they've discontinued the copper ones that we have, though some retailers still have some
Classic Solid Copper
Zippo’s first solid-copper prototype was introduced in 1969 and has made several surprise appearances – and generated widespread demand – ever since. Now, we’re reintroducing this premium fan favorite on an exclusive trial basis. This limited, pre-production model features a...
www.zippo.com
How disappointing.......The current limited edition copper Zippo is $75, and I think they've discontinued the copper ones that we have.
Classic Solid Copper
Zippo’s first solid-copper prototype was introduced in 1969 and has made several surprise appearances – and generated widespread demand – ever since. Now, we’re reintroducing this premium fan favorite on an exclusive trial basis. This limited, pre-production model features a...
I like the idea of a Zippo, but no it's function.
I do appreciate the customization of these ones though
I do appreciate the customization of these ones though
