Pipe Lighters
- Thread starter stumpyds8
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From my experience any inexpensive butane lighter with an angled flame for pipes will do for a while.
You may need to spend some money if you want it to last a long time.
You may need to spend some money if you want it to last a long time.
I have two lighters, a Zippo for outdoors (butane lighters blow out very easily and they don't like the cold) and a Xikar Pipeline for indoors. If you only want one lighter, then go for a Zippo. About as cheap, simple and reliable as they come.
A note on the Pipeline: unlike other butane lighters I've used this one fires every time, but it has an annoying, out-of-the-box assembly flaw. The post that holds the flint assembly to the lighter body loosens up after a week or so of use. The only way to fix it is to disassemble the lighter and tighten the screw from the inside. My new lighter loosened up within a week, so I sent it to Xikar for repair. I got a new one that did the same thing after about a week. I love the lighter otherwise, so I decided to take it apart myself and put a dab of Guntite (Loctite formulated for gunsmiths) on the screw. Problem solved. I call it an assembly flaw because they apparently don't use any thread locking compound at the factory. Considering that I had two different lighters loosen up on me right away, they must see this all the time, but somehow they don't seem to get the hint.
A note on the Pipeline: unlike other butane lighters I've used this one fires every time, but it has an annoying, out-of-the-box assembly flaw. The post that holds the flint assembly to the lighter body loosens up after a week or so of use. The only way to fix it is to disassemble the lighter and tighten the screw from the inside. My new lighter loosened up within a week, so I sent it to Xikar for repair. I got a new one that did the same thing after about a week. I love the lighter otherwise, so I decided to take it apart myself and put a dab of Guntite (Loctite formulated for gunsmiths) on the screw. Problem solved. I call it an assembly flaw because they apparently don't use any thread locking compound at the factory. Considering that I had two different lighters loosen up on me right away, they must see this all the time, but somehow they don't seem to get the hint.
As I detest matches I have several pipe lighters, from disposable jet flames to the classic Corona. This one works best for me:
Piezo spark so no need to carry flints around, smooth shape so it doesn't snag on pockets or whatever, and best of all: it has never let me down.
Piezo spark so no need to carry flints around, smooth shape so it doesn't snag on pockets or whatever, and best of all: it has never let me down.
Had a Zippo for a while now ( ship emblem scrimshaw )and get on fine with it,fill it with lighter fuel once a week and no problems.Took Smokeys advice and sent to Zippo UK and got a pipe insert.
I'm satisfied with a butane JOBON from Ebay that has a horizontal nozzle that can fit right inside a bowl. It cost a buy-it-now $12 shipped. On its back are 3 pipe tools. As with any soft-flame, it is not for windy days. The redeeming quality is its ability to reach down to light the very last dottle. Mine had a weak flint spring which was easily remedied. (see the thread "pipe lighter quick fix")
My trusty zippo still gets first preference for outdoor service.
My trusty zippo still gets first preference for outdoor service.
I'm also a Zippo fan. It's rare to find an American made product at a decent price that works as well as a Zippo. You can buy Zippos with the pipe lighter insert already installed and two or three different pipe designs on the cover. Lots of E-tailers carry them or you can get them direct from Zippo or your local B&M. The lighter fluid taste issue has never bothered me, particularly when I use the new Zippo Black fuel. Probably the biggest disadvantage to a Zippo is that they do need refilling every few days. Once you do it a few times, it doesn't take very long. Zippo also has a lot of history behind it, how would the troops make it through WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm, the Iraq and Afghanistan wars without Zippos?
Smokey
Smokey
The Corona is just the best out there. And they look great in an exotic leather case from Whitewood Leather.
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