How Does a Zippo Work?

Lighting a Zippo

The construction of a Zippo is unique in that the lighter keeps its wick wet. The user presses a wheel, which strikes a flint and lights the wick. The lighter automatically snuffs itself by flipping the lighter shut.

Filling a Zippo

Zippo lighters are cased in metal. To fill the lighter, remove the casing by sliding it off. A screw needs to be loosened to move a felt pad that insulates the fuel tank. Drip Zippo lighter fluid into the fuel tank until the wick and interior cotton is saturated. Then, reassemble the lighter to use.

The wick descends from the lighter area into the fluid tank and lighter fluid keeps the string wet at all times.

The trademark clank

Each Zippo lighter comes with a letter on the bottom of the casing. This letter corresponds to the pitch of the clanking noise made when a Zippo is opened. The trademark clanking noise is determined by the hinge lock of the lighter.