Zippo Pipe ligher review

[winton]

I was tired of my bic burning my fingers. Based off several posts, I decided I needed a Zippo pipe ligher. First, I tried eBay for a regular style Zippo, but I kept getting outbid. Yes, I am cheap. Zippo will change out the normal insert for a pipe insert free of charge. Finally, I decided it was cheaper / easier / faster to purchase the lighter I really wanted, the brushed crome pipe ligher, with the pipe logo, from Amazon. It came to about $13. I enjoy the thrill of the hunt as much as other guys, but I really wanted the lighter, and it was exactly the style I wanted.
Once I installed the lighter fluid, it lights on the first attemp. When I draw the flame into the bowl, it lights easier than matches. But what about a re-light at the end of the bowl? I put 1/4" of tobacco into the bottom of my deepest pipe. No problem drawing the flame 1 1/2" down into pipe to light it.
Now my life is complete, until I find something else I can't live without.
Winton
http://www.amazon.com/Zippo-200PL-Brushed-Chrome-Lighter/dp/B001OYLC6C/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1306791097&sr=8-1

 

[entz72]

I also have a Zippo Pipe lighter, it works great and never burns my bowl!

 

[jankomatic]

I recently got a zippo pipe lighter and I am not a big fan. It does not light the bottom of a bowl very easily and I don't think I get the entire layer of tobacco lit with it to begin with. I also don't care for the fuel smell on it. I have 3 of these cheap butane lighters, they are refillable and you can swap the flint. They always light on the first attempt as well. They are IMCO's from Austria. Here is a link to one:
http://www.cupojoes.com/cgi-bin/spgm?dpt=D&srch=DD&item=pro0imco

 

[james]

Love the Zippo pipe lighter. I cut the wick back a little to get a softer flame and it makes the fuel last a little bit longer as well. (Although I have to go over the chimney with 000 steel wool about once a week to get the crud off, but makes it look like new)

 

[collindow]

I too love my Zippo. Unfortunately, I lost the little top piece of the chimney. Not a big deal...but I liked to strike it by running my thumb all the way across. Can't do that as well without the top of the chimney.

 

[oldmaus]

Zippos are nice for sure

 

[winton]

Collin, if you send it to Zippo, they will fix it for free. Check out their website.
Winton

 

[loneredtree]

Jan,,,, I recently got the vector pipe lighter butane insert for the Zippo. The little I have used it it has worked well.

I was able to relight at 3/4 depth.

 

[ssjones]

I recently sent Zippo one of my favorite cigar lighters, a "White House" model with a neat history. They put the insert in and turned it around in a week. I think it works great and I love the zippo action feel. Better than a cheap Bic, maybe not, but feels proper. One of my pipes is a craggy top, Boswell freehand and the Zippo isn't perfect for that. But my other flat top pipes light fine, all the way to the bottom. I learned the secret is don't puff too had to drawn the flame down.

I have a few other, less cherished Zippo shells. I recently ordered the "Vector Butane Insert" recommended on another forum. I should have it this week. I'll use in in my travel kit, where I don't have to remember to add fuel so often. I'll report back when it arrives. Bought from this vendor:

http://compare.ebay.com/like/370362013468?var=lv&ltyp=AllFixedPriceItemTypes&var=sbar&_lwgsi=y
Here's my White House model: