How to Fill a Zippo Lighter

The Zippo Manufacturing Co. has been producing windproof lighters since the 1930s. The lighters are now sold in more than 120 countries around the world, with Japan being the largest market outside of the United States. When your Zippo lighter stops producing a flame, it's time to refill it, which is a very simple process.

Things You'll Need

• Lighter fluid
• Rag

Instructions

1. Pull the lighter out of the case and turn it upside down.

2. Open and turn upside down the can of lighter fluid with the nozzle touching the packing material inside that absorbs the fluid. Squeeze the can and force some fluid from the can. Stop when you see fluid saturating the packing material.

3. Insert it back into the case with the lighter still upside down. Turn it right side up.

4. Wipe off the lighter with a rag and wash your hands to make sure there is no lingering lighter fluid.

Tips & Warnings

• If you spilled fluid on the flint, you may have to wait a few minutes before you fire it up.

• The Zippo Manufacturing Co. recommends the use of Zippo brand lighter fluid.

• If you over fill the lighter, that is, put all the fluid you can get into the lighter, you will probably have the entire lighter in flame when you first start it. No one is likely to get hurt if this happens, but accidentally dropping it while lit into a trash can full of paper might not be good.

• Another punishment for over filling a lighter, especially in the hot months, if you carry the lighter in a pocket, is slightly burned skin similar to a mild sun burn.

References

• Zippo Click: Care Instructions and Tips
• Zippo: Then and Now