How to maintain a Zippo Lighter

Did you know that over 600 million Zippo Lighters have been sold? And it's not for no reason! Zippo Lighters come with a lifetime guarantee and as they say themselves "it works or we fix it". In addition, the lighter works in almost all kinds of weather as it is supposed to be windproof. The Zippo can be your faithful friend for life if you take care of it! So how do we do that? 

General tips

1. You spill it, you clean it! Excess gasoline or fluid must be washed away. Lighter gasoline can damage some finishes
2. Make sure the wick is maintained! Has it turned black? Yes, then you need to trim it!
3. Be careful when you open and close the lid. Misuse and overuse can cause the hinge to break

How to change the flint on a Zippo

You need to do it regularly, but we recommend doing it about once a month if you use it often.Here's how you do it:

1. Remove the insert from the case 
2. At the bottom of the insert, unscrew the flint spring with a small screwdriver or a coin. Be careful and do it slowly 
3. Then turn it right side up again and remove any residue by gently tapping the insert on a hard surface
4. Insert a new flint into the brass-colored flint tube. Make sure you don't confuse the brass tip at the end of the flint spring. It might look like a flint, but it's not!
5. Replace the flint spring and twist clockwise until it is tight
6. If the flint wheel gets stuck after you've changed the flint, turn the wheel backwards a few times

How to trim and replace the wick on a Zippo

A brand new wick is white, but over time it will turn black from carbon buildup. This will reduce the performance of the lighter. If your Zippo isn't lighting properly and you have to light it multiple times before it ignites, it's time to trim the wick.Here's how you do it: 

1. Use tweezers and gently pull the wick up until you see it turn white
2. Then cut away the part of the wick that is black with scissors

After doing this a few times, it will run out and you will then need to replace the wick:

1. Remove all components from the insert: the flint screw, felt pad, packing material, and the old wick
2. Then insert the new wick into the chimney hole and bend the top part of the wick over the chimney to keep it in place during assembly
3. Replace the packing material in small pieces, and weave the wick between the padding in an S pattern
4. Then put the felt pad back over the flint tube and secure it with the flint spring
5. Cut the wick and insert the insert back into the cover

Fun fact:

Did you know there's a special Zippo car? It's been seen rolling down the street in various versions since 1947! Below you can see the latest model that was delivered in 1998 and now stands outside The Zippo/Case Museum & Flagship Store in Bradford, Pennsylvania.Pretty cool if you ask us!

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