(yes, I'm late posting to this thread, but I'm a noob to the board  )
I have been smoking since I was 9 years old (bad influences), and have been smoking every since, about 31 years now. 
However, when I was in the Navy I served on Submarines for 9 years, and one of the restrictions they had (have?) is that you cannot bring any type of compress fuel lighters on board because of the explosion danger from the changing pressure on board the ship as we go deep in the water. So for years and years, I used a zippo, or more accurately, 2 of them.
Someone mentioned earlier about filling the reservoir and letting it set for a bit so it doesn't leak out - that's great advice. I also recommend putting the top (lighting part) of the lighter inside the outer case while filling, so if it drips thru the wick while filiing, it will just go into the case bottom. Make sure you don't remove the little flap of cotten that's right inder the flint screw! - that's where you store your extra flints so you don't run out while out and about! The second one is, of course, so you can let the first one "cure" while using it, so you don't have that annoying "pocket burn" if the fluid leaks out. Also, left that flap up when you fill it up, and stop when the fluid reaches the top of the stuffing under the flap. When you put the flap back down and put it in the case again, it will absorb what overfill there is and keep it from leaking out.
The standard flip-top zippos ARE wind resistant - if you aren't sure which one to get, make sure you ask the person at the store where you are buying it and they can probably help you out. I have personally used a zippo underway, standing up in the sail (conning tower) of a submarine at sea going in excess of 20 knots without a problem - just a little hand-cupping to keep the direct wind from blowing the spark the wrong way.
Another of quick hints, and I'll shut up (on this topic at least)
DO NOT tighting the screw for the flint down all the way, especially when you first put in a brand new flint. If you notice it isn't sparking good, just pop it out of the case and use the edge of the lid or case to tighten it down just a teeny bit so it hits the striker wheel. This will greatly extend the life of the flint for you.
Keeping the flint in the bottom of the lighter under the "flap" will also help, as the flint will absorb some of the fluid while being stored, helping it "spark" better while lighting the lighter.
Lastly, experiment with the length of the wick that is showing above the top of the hole that it pokes through from the bottom of the lighter. Too much coming through, and it will not light well, as the fluid will soak up from below and evaporate, leaving it dry and difficult to light. Trim it too short, and there won't be enough to catch the spark and light. I suggest starting out with a brand new lighter by pulling the wick down from the underside until it's about 1/8" from the top of the "frame" around the wick on top, or trim it with a very sharp pair of small, pointy scissors. Expiriment by trimming a [b]small[b/] amount from the wick a little at a time. Eventually, with a little bit of trial and error, you'll find just right height to make your lighter work best for you under any wind conditions.
FYI, I currently use Bics mostly, because I carry my smokes & lighter in my shirt pocket for convenience, and the zippo is just too darned heavy.  However, even when smoking 2 packs a day or more right now (I said I wasn't working, and I spend a lot of time here on the computer), using the methods I described above, I can get a zippo with a single flint to last me at least a month or more with a fluid refill about once a week.
Hope this helps someone!
The "other" Bob |
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CalabasasRenter
Newbie
Joined: Apr 10, 2008
Posts: 10
Location: Calabasas, CA
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