How to Maintain your zippo

This is an instructable on how to fill, change the flint, and change the wick on your zippo.
i might make another ible on how to clear a clogged flint tube, or tighten the case so your insert doesn't ride so much.
Anyway, if you like it please rate and comment, and even if you dont like it rate and comment, it doesnt matter to me if you violate the be nice policy, i would still like to know your opinion.

Step 1 1.What is a zippo

incase you dont know what a zippo is,but for some reason you own one, its a lighter that uses lighter fluid, the company first started in the 1930s, from what i remember.They are collected by alot of people because they have been made almost the same since the company started, they will almost never not work, because they are so simple, and even though you have to fill them alot because the fuel evaporates, they are a good investment.
There are alot of different kinds/designs of zippos, and this ible will show you how to care for your zippo.

Comments

[gitemstevedave]

To prevent spills, when you fill, invert the insert into the lighter case. If it drips through, it gets contained in the lighter.

[Mrcheese15]

yeah thats what i usually do, or fill it over a rag

[BigCommieNat]

Sent my zippo back for service last year (lifetime warranty for the win!) and received an informational pamphlet with it. In the pamphlet they specified NOT to fill through that hole in the felt, it's for storing an extra flint in.

That being said, I have never met with tragedy using that hole to fill the lighter, AND I've lost a few flints stored in that hole when i refilled them, never lost a flint stored under the felt.

From what I've heard zippo isn't including the hole anymore, so perhaps it's all moot anyway

[Ranie-K]

A tip on wick maintenance: To avoid fraying, tie a few loops of cotton sewing thread around the top of the wick and it will last longer and light easier!

[Bongmaster]

i think Swan may make a lighter fluid too. cant remember. i just got zippo brand atm
and ronsonol gas (for butane soldering iron)