I filled this lighter up with Zippo fluid, and it worked fine. However after about a month when I wanted to use it again, it had no fuel inside! I have another similar lighter and it has the exact same problem. Do the liquid fuel really evaporate so fast? I have butane gas fuelled lighters and they work much longer, although their fuel chambers are smaller. I filled this lighter up with Zippo fluid, and it worked fine. However after about a month when I wanted to use it again, it had no fuel inside! I have another similar lighter and it has the exact... » Read More I filled this lighter up with Zippo fluid, and it worked fine. However after about a month when I wanted to use it again, it had no fuel inside! I have another similar lighter and it has the exact same problem. Do the liquid fuel really evaporate so fast? I have butane gas fuelled lighters and they work much longer, although their fuel chambers are smaller. « Show Less
213681
Yes, they do evaporate that fast. If you don't smoke everyday, plan on filling up your lighter almost everytime you want to use it. Normally the fluid will last up to a couple weeks setting around, but that is about the max. Normally I fill mine up part way since I know it will likely evaporate before I use it again.
213682
It does the same for me as well. Since I use it nearly daily it isn't as much of a problem for me. I find that I have to fill it weekly to get consistent fire. I'm sure the environment you store it in will effect the evaporation as well, I'm currently experimenting with this as I store both my Zippos and my misc pipe/cigar tools in a small sealed kitchen jar my wife donated to the cause. So far good results.
213683
I've experienced the same thing, I think it just evaporates after a while. I suppose you don't notice it if you're using it every day versus every now and then.
213684
Lighter fluid evaporates fast so if you don't use the Zippo for a while, it probably evaporated. I fill my lighter to overflowing, shake "free" fluid off for safety, and use it. Be sure to lift the felt flap when refueling. And be careful!
213685
Lighter is a fluid burner, but I use it everyday two to ten times, and find it is exactly what I needed to light a pipe quickly and on first try most of the time. Have had a large can of fluid for six months and it is still half full, so no complaints.
213686
Some zippo tricks to keep the fluid in longer during periods of non-user: put a small amount of vaseline where the outer body meets the inner body to make it airtight. Cut a small section of bicycle tubing and place it around outside of zippo near the seam, like a tube top shirt. Both of these together will make the zippo lose fluid at a sigificantly lower rate!
213687
Yes, the Zippo lighters are not air right so the fuel does evaporate a lot quicker. You can buy the liquid fuel pretty cheap so I just try to keep some handy. Even with having to refill often, it is still my favorite lighter for pipes.
213688
Ive always wondered if "sealing" around the edges with a wax or something similar would work. Or does the majority evaporate from the wick? Im going to try it with mine and see how it works... will report back.
213689
I have the same problem. If I fill it up I usually have enough fluid for about 3 weeks. This is normal.
1269735
You fill it in the bottom of the handle. I use Ronson butane fuel. It's not a liquid fuel like a Zippo lighter.
122960
Sorry its took me this long to answer ur question. I used Zippo lighter fluid with mine. I don't think it really matters. I just grew up with Zippo bc that's what my Mother & Father used & that's what I could get @ the time of purchase. Zippo it's my #1 pick.
35462
I had the same problem. I solved it by replacing the charcoal "bowl" with something that was much better ventilated. This allowed the charcoal to burn much better and not get smothered due to lack of oxygen. Since then, I've found other people solved this same problem by drilling holes in the charcoal "bowl".
1917462
I've heard about this before. The lighters are often manufactured to operate at a modest elevation above sea level. Around 8000 is where some start to fail because the amount of gas released is not calibrated for the reduced amount of oxygen at higher levels. You might also say that because there is less pressure, the gas expels slightly too quickly and blows itself out. A heavier mixture of gas would solve this. If you bought them directly from ZIPPO (through Amazon), and they're not working, then definitely your altitude may be contributing. If you can, venture to an area around you near 2500-3000 ft. and see if you still have the problem. I've heard about this before. The lighters are often manufactured to operate at a modest elevation above sea level. Around 8000 is where some start to fail because the amount of gas released is not calibrated for the reduced amount of oxygen at higher levels. You might also say that because there is less pressure, the gas expels slightly too quickly and blows itself out. A heavier mixture of gas would solve this. If you bought them directly from ZIPPO (through Amazon), and they're not working, then definitely your altitude may be contributing. If you can, venture to an area around you near... » Read More I've heard about this before. The lighters are often manufactured to operate at a modest elevation above sea level. Around 8000 is where some start to fail because the amount of gas released is not calibrated for the reduced amount of oxygen at higher levels. You might also say that because there is less pressure, the gas expels slightly too quickly and blows itself out. A heavier mixture of gas would solve this. If you bought them directly from ZIPPO (through Amazon), and they're not working, then definitely your altitude may be contributing. If you can, venture to an area around you near 2500-3000 ft. and see if you still have the problem. « Show Less
2278736
I cannot say for sure if the fuel level is low, but these lighters last a very long time. I have only used two since buying the package months ago. (And am still using those two).
219832
Yes, we have experienced a few times that we were not able to light it. It seems to be similar to our Bar-b-que in terms of our inability to light it up. Which usually points to one of two things: either bad lighters or bad operator. I'm afraid it may be more of the latter! I know it's frustrating but we keep a lighter near the unit in case it doesn't light.
1634549
Mine did that too. I figured out its because it was a bit overfilled. Empty a bit out by apply pressure on the nozzle on the bottom of your torch (where it fills up from). Should do the trick.Sometimes I let it do the flamethrower thing, on and off for a while it goes back to normal. If there's a bit too much emptying slightly from the bottom is best.Hope it helps...
2127078
It will last a LOT LONGER than a Zippo.There is enough air trapped inside the cap, when sealed to allow the loss of fluid via evaporation.But the evap that happens inside the pill is greatly minimized due to pressure.The fluid will last over a month. Heat may accelerate the evaporation.I am VERY happy with this purchase!I love the smell, even though I quit smoking in 1995, I still like to light incense with this little jewel.Note: I will refill mine right now to time it and be sure.
1133140
Just use the felt pouch to pull the burner off, it will go out really quickly. Note that whatever fuel is still in the reservoir will probably evaporate before you use it again. But after some use you can get a good idea of how long a certain amount of fuel will last. It doesn't take much to run for several hours.
1115905
I've never had a problem with mine. It is entirely possible the mantle is alite but it will not flame or may not even glow. The technology used in manufacturing the mantle is quite unique,mthere is no flame involved. The mantle might flame at first after lighting it, let it flame for a few second then blow it out. Replace the lid, if it lights the case of the unit will be warm. My zippo hand warmer is great, it stays warm all day.
1003006
I did. I was just not as "forceful" with it. I just went over the burner lightly, removing as much of the gunk as I could. It didn't seem to affect it at all. Of course, I did end up getting the "sparker" wet, but once it dried (I just sparked it a few times) it lit right up. Haven't had any issues with any of it at all.
1114967
I prefer the regular lighter fluid for its ease of refill, economy, reliability, and soft flame. If you let the regular lighter 'breathe' for a moment, you won't draw a fuel taste into the pipe. A disposable butane or a match is sometimes easier to use for the initial char if you pack the bowl too tightly, but you are less likely to burn the bowl rim or your fingers with the regular Zippo. My liquid Zippo is 50 years old and lights every time. I've had expensive butane lighters that became frustratingly unreliable in less than a year.
2020996
It didn't for me. Had to pass the Uruguayan Costumes where fuel just as a personal import is not allowed just like that. Besides there is no reason to ship it with fuel. Fuel "No Zippo", generic, evaporates from 7-10 days.
205693
Mine doesn't light up. Any suggestions? Also, how would I refill it with lighter fluid? thank you
127524
Butane (gas) lighters will not light below freezing temps, you need to warm it up in your hands of inside pocket to above freezing to light it. Your propane stove will keep working in -40F degrees, but how will you light it? Oil lighters like Zippos and this "peanut" lighter will continue to work down to extremely cold temperatures. Unfortunately Zippos don't seal air/water tight so after long-term storage the fuel in it will have evaporated. The O-ring on this one will keep the fuel from evaporating and will always be ready for use. For those reasons, these "peanut" lighters are the only ones I've found suitable for emergencies. Butane (gas) lighters will not light below freezing temps, you need to warm it up in your hands of inside pocket to above freezing to light it. Your propane stove will keep working in -40F degrees, but how will you light it? Oil lighters like Zippos and this "peanut" lighter will continue to work down to extremely cold temperatures. Unfortunately Zippos don't seal air/water tight so after long-term storage the fuel in it will have evaporated. The O-ring on this one will keep the fuel from evaporating and will always be ready for use. For those reasons, these "peanut"... » Read More Butane (gas) lighters will not light below freezing temps, you need to warm it up in your hands of inside pocket to above freezing to light it. Your propane stove will keep working in -40F degrees, but how will you light it? Oil lighters like Zippos and this "peanut" lighter will continue to work down to extremely cold temperatures. Unfortunately Zippos don't seal air/water tight so after long-term storage the fuel in it will have evaporated. The O-ring on this one will keep the fuel from evaporating and will always be ready for use. For those reasons, these "peanut" lighters are the only ones I've found suitable for emergencies. « Show Less
2008131
I guess I did not read the instructions very well, because I did use it in my RV and I also used it at home when my pipes froze during the polar vortex and I was without water for 3 weeks. When i initially ignited this there was a loud poof and a flame shot out the vent, It only happened one time and I believe it is because I did something wrong. It did not do it again and it has been used alot. My advice would be to exercise precaution when using propane in an RV, know how to start and stop the equipment so you dont have propane gas flowing freely, make sure you have adequate ventilation, and use a carbon monoxide detector. I guess I did not read the instructions very well, because I did use it in my RV and I also used it at home when my pipes froze during the polar vortex and I was without water for 3 weeks. When i initially ignited this there was a loud poof and a flame shot out the vent, It only happened one time and I believe it is because I did something wrong. It did not do it again and it has been used alot. My advice would be to exercise precaution when using propane in an RV, know how to start and stop the equipment so you dont have propane gas flowing freely, make sure you have adequate ventilation,... » Read More I guess I did not read the instructions very well, because I did use it in my RV and I also used it at home when my pipes froze during the polar vortex and I was without water for 3 weeks. When i initially ignited this there was a loud poof and a flame shot out the vent, It only happened one time and I believe it is because I did something wrong. It did not do it again and it has been used alot. My advice would be to exercise precaution when using propane in an RV, know how to start and stop the equipment so you dont have propane gas flowing freely, make sure you have adequate ventilation, and use a carbon monoxide detector. « Show Less