Zippo Pipe Lighters...Opinions Please!
- Thread starter PApiper63
- Start date
PipesMagazine Approved Sponsor
Site Sponsors
PipesMagazine Approved Sponsor
PipesMagazine Approved Sponsor
PipesMagazine Approved Sponsor
Then don’t overfill the Zippo. If you do don’t use it for a bit. Simple enough.
Gotta change my tune on the Z-Pipe insert. Once I figured out how to light it, much more reliable. You have to hold the button down just before it sparks for a moment. Then push it all the way down to spark it. This lends to it lighting far more reliably.
With this in mind, although I prefer a flint spark, the Z-Pipe is much better IMHO compared to the zippo butane pipe insert. If only the Zippo insert had a better fuel button.
Well I think I found the ultimate pipe lighter.
Clipper Mini Tube Solid Brandid Blister
with an extension much like the Bic EZ Reach but most important the Clipper is refillable and the flame is adjustable.
It costs 2 euro in Greece and I don't care if I lose or break it. It has an excellent piezo system which lights every time.
A 250 ml gas bottle costs only 1,5 euro and lasts forever.
Clipper Mini Tube Solid Brandid Blister
with an extension much like the Bic EZ Reach but most important the Clipper is refillable and the flame is adjustable.
It costs 2 euro in Greece and I don't care if I lose or break it. It has an excellent piezo system which lights every time.
A 250 ml gas bottle costs only 1,5 euro and lasts forever.
Attachments
Well after trying almost all options I finally got a wannabe old boy from AliExpress like other members here.
It's the best lighter I've ever had.
I don't care if I lose or drop it. 10 euros plus 6 for shipping who cares.
No I will not pay at least 150 for the real thing.
If the corona immitation dies I will buy another one.
It's the best lighter I've ever had.
I don't care if I lose or drop it. 10 euros plus 6 for shipping who cares.
No I will not pay at least 150 for the real thing.
If the corona immitation dies I will buy another one.
I have several, and I honestly don't use them. They have to be recharged constantly, and if you recharge them once a week, the gasoline evaporates even if you don't use them. They're beautiful objects, but not very practical, in my opinion. They're well-made, though; I've never had one break. I prefer the regular disposable lighter.
I’ve used zippos for at least 30 years & still have a couple from that era that are functional. Even if they weren’t, the factory will gladly repair anything that isn’t cosmetic. I never bothered to get a pipe insert, but I might when I send off a couple for repair. Durable, cheap, dependable, sharp looking & iconic.
My one complaint is you either have to carry fluid or another fire source just in case you use up the fluid. Easily remedied by tossing a disposable or a box of matches in your kit.
My one complaint is you either have to carry fluid or another fire source just in case you use up the fluid. Easily remedied by tossing a disposable or a box of matches in your kit.
Luckily, I live in Alaska where heat-based evaporation is not a problem. I usually have a full sized Zippo in my left front (junk) pants pocket. My cell phone lives alone in my right front pocket. I fill it on weekends and have never run out. I'll admit to not smoking as much as some here, but it also burns trash and starts BBQ's and singed thread, etc.
If I'm going dressy, I might fill a slim model. They usually last three or four days. As a durable, wind proof source of flame, a Zippo is hard to beat. Most of mine are 60+ years old.
If I'm going dressy, I might fill a slim model. They usually last three or four days. As a durable, wind proof source of flame, a Zippo is hard to beat. Most of mine are 60+ years old.
This has been my go to for over a year. I have used zippos for 8 years. Last year I bought a Corona Old Boy and got a few months out of it but the flame adjuster broke. When I get the Old Boy fixed it will be my inside lighter and my zippo will remain my outside and work lighter. 
I usually prefer matches whenever possible but in windy conditions the Zippo pipe insert have proved to be effective.
It definitely does have a tendency sometimes to drip gasoline and ruin the taste.
Yes the gasoline taste is a problem I have too. Lately I use matches more and more. Helps to count the relights also. So the less the matches I use the more successful the smoke is... I think.
I also try to smoke slow after reading the fantastic thread for slow smoking.
Less matches and slow smoking is a difficult equation for me at the moment but I see progress.
I also try to smoke slow after reading the fantastic thread for slow smoking.
Less matches and slow smoking is a difficult equation for me at the moment but I see progress.
Last edited:
Well the AliExpress old boy wannabe lasted a few days. Total junk. Stay away.10 euros plus 6 for shipping and I got what I paid for. I know other members had a better experience.
So back to the pipe Zippo and Bic ez. And to the cheap kitchen matches of course.
So back to the pipe Zippo and Bic ez. And to the cheap kitchen matches of course.
Have two Zippos with the pipe insert - the 1941 replica that I added it to and the 1935 brass. Being an exclusively outdoor smoker and Canadian outdoor winter smoker to boot, I find them essential. The butane won't work in the cold unless I keep it warm in my pocket. As to the insert- I prefer it over the regular because I find it helps me to avoid scorching my rims.
The zippo pipe insert is the pinnacle of pipe-lighting technology. It’s wind proof, reliable, and looks great.
I don’t really notice the naphtha smell/taste. Only a couple of times I’ve noticed, probably from overfilling.
Only issue is evaporation. But I’ve found that 1.5” x 0.5” rubber bands (ranger/skog bands, can buy on Amazon) makes fuel last 3x longer. They also don’t look tacky wrapped on the lighter and easy enough to remove and stretch back on. This is the only thing that will work to slow down evaporation in a zippo, and I’m surprised barely anybody talks about it.
I don’t care for butane lighters, mostly because they’re weak in any kind of wind, and usually you can’t see how much fuel is in it. You can’t top-up an old boy but you can a zippo. When not using my zippo, matches are the way.
I don’t really notice the naphtha smell/taste. Only a couple of times I’ve noticed, probably from overfilling.
Only issue is evaporation. But I’ve found that 1.5” x 0.5” rubber bands (ranger/skog bands, can buy on Amazon) makes fuel last 3x longer. They also don’t look tacky wrapped on the lighter and easy enough to remove and stretch back on. This is the only thing that will work to slow down evaporation in a zippo, and I’m surprised barely anybody talks about it.
I don’t care for butane lighters, mostly because they’re weak in any kind of wind, and usually you can’t see how much fuel is in it. You can’t top-up an old boy but you can a zippo. When not using my zippo, matches are the way.