Zippo for Pipes

[lraisch]

I use a Zippo with the pipe insert on the few occasions I'm smoking outside. Zippo also makes a "low odor" fuel which is better but you should still let it burn for a few seconds to reduce the taste. Good tip, wipe some vaseline on the insert when you fill it. This reduces evaporation of the fuel substantially.

 

[Staggerlee]

Ok, so another thread called 'Show me your Zippo lighter' caught my attention and reminded me that I was given a really cool Vietnam era Zippo as a gift from my wife. It requires you to drench the inside material in lighter fluid as it's fuel. Having smoked Cigars for years, there is no way I'd ever use it to light my precious stick as cigars take a while to light properly and the thought of all that burning lighter fluid fouling it up makes me cringe. Seeing this thread though, I started wondering if anyone here uses it for a pipe? I started doing some research and was shocked to find that today's Zippos still work on the same mechanics. They have a specific pipe insert you can buy, but it still burns fluid. They also have a butane torch insert, which I'll get for cigars, but won't use it on a pipe. I can see using a Zippo for cigarettes as they light quick, but does anyone here us it for pipes? Thoughts?

I use a zippo to light my pipe. The fuel it burns isn’t an issue because it’s pretty clean burning and the amount of time spent drawing it in is minimal. It works in the wind and it is a large soft flame so it covers a lot of area for a thorough light but isn’t too hot so as to cook the tobacco.

 

[Laurent]

To better reply to this thread, I just ordered a zippo pipe lighter so I can give a honest opinion. It will be here Wednesday.

 

[AlanH]

I just bought a Kiribi I am really enjoying when there is no wind but I still love my Zippo in the wind. The wicks are always jammed way up in them from the factory that is why everyone says the fuel does not last. (pull out the cotton make sure the wick is in the middle and goes all the way to the bottom in a Z or W pattern with cotton on both sides) If you let it burn a bit before lighting it helps with the flavor. I also will put a sandwich bag on the insert slide it in and cut away the extra helps to stop evaporation. I like the whole process of the Zippo even the smell adds a free note to the initial pipe light flavor ?

 

[Michigan_Bill]

I have been using a Bic EZ-Reach which is great when there is no wind outside. However the wind outside has been driving me nuts as the Bic became just about unusable. I purchased a Zippo with the pipe insert and it is much much better. Vast improvement if there is any wind.

 

[AroEnglish]

I have been using a Bic EZ-Reach which is great when there is no wind outside. However the wind outside has been driving me nuts as the Bic became just about unusable. I purchased a Zippo with the pipe insert and it is much much better. Vast improvement if there is any wind.

Yup, this is what I've found too with the Bic.

It's been a while since I've used my Zippo with the pipe insert. How long does it take for the fuel to evaporate out of the lighter? I only smoke once every couple of weeks or so.

 

[Chasing Embers]

I have been using a Bic EZ-Reach which is great when there is no wind outside. However the wind outside has been driving me nuts as the Bic became just about unusable. I purchased a Zippo with the pipe insert and it is much much better. Vast improvement if there is any wind.

Face the wind and shield the flame with your palm over the front of the pipe.

 

[PaulTheScandinavian]

a bit of fluid odors only enhances the overall taste of Amphora Red Full .lol

 

[captpat]

I use a Zippo outdoors, a few seconds after lighting any trace of a fuel smell is gone. I don't care for Bic's as I keep burning my thumb, an Old Boy is my butane go to

 

[scout19d3]

Love my Zippos. I also keep some other options around for various reasons. I even have a bendable-neck lighter for use with some of my deeper chamber pipes. A relight, down deep in there is difficult w/my Zippo sometimes.

 

[bullet08]

Been using Ronsonol since 80s. I like it better than Zippo fuel. Then again, like mentioned, Zippo makes it now.

 

[goldenmole]

Use both a Zippo and a Kiribi. Only downside of the Zippo I constantly have to refill (do not smoke every day), and find the process messy and prone to spilling lighter fluid...

 

[Mr_houston]

I use a Zippo with the butane pipe insert from Thunderbird. Works nicely.

 

[JSPiper71]

If you don't like the zippo fluid you can get the butane insert for the Zippo and use butane.

Yes but that insert is a cigar torch no??? I haven’t seen a soft flame butane insert for pipes. Oh, oh, I see a new rookie thread coming! Haha

 

[AroEnglish]

Yes but that insert is a cigar torch no??? I haven’t seen a soft flame butane insert for pipes. Oh, oh, I see a new rookie thread coming! Haha

They make pipe inserts with a soft flame.

 

[Chasing Embers]

Yes but that insert is a cigar torch no???

Nope

 

[mso489]

Matches can be used in wind, but it takes some trial and error to learn to use trees, berms, buildings and hand or hats to shelter the flame.

 

[KaunThePiper]

I've been using a Zippo for my pipes for years. Not a butane insert regularly, but when I know I will be able to smoke indoors. I regularly use the naptha insert for outdoor conditions. If you trim your wick properly and use Zippo brand fuel you're not going to get a huge fuel flavor, but a small taste for a fraction of a second. It's also good to keep in mind the fuel vapors rise, so by placing a pipe insert in your Zippo and holding over your chamber and gently drawing you are drawing the flame downward into the chamber. The bulk of any fuel fumes will not follow.

 

[KaunThePiper]

View attachment 121331
View attachment 121332

View attachment 121333

Current collection. Just got the plain Zippo 6 months ago or so, as my new daily driver. I no longer use the pipe inserts. Being a cig smoker too, I find it easier without the pipe insert. That way if someone asks to use it, I don't have to explain where the flame comes out.

Zippo collection and a wall of Carter Hall... Love to see it??

 

[Fralphog]

The Zippo is must have for windy, outdoor smokes. Love my zippo with pipe insert!