How to Put Lighter Fluid in Your Zippo

Refilling a Zippo

For over 75 years, the Zippo Company has produced refillable lighters that are easily serviced with a minimal amount of time and effort. Over time, the ability to refill and re-use the same lighter year after year can mean significant cost savings versus disposables. The satisfaction of maintaining a smoothly operating lighter is also just as rewarding. New Zippo owners can be shy to tinker with their lighter, but learning how to put lighter fluid in your Zippo is quick and easy.

Things You'll Need

• Needle nose pliers
• Lighter fluid
• Paper towel

Instructions

1. Open the Zippo lid and grip the lighter firmly in one hand. Use the needle nose pliers to grip the perforated cage that protects the wick and pull straight outward. The guts of a Zippo are designed to fit firmly in the decorative shell, so expect some resistance.

2. Turn over the removed inner mechanism and lift one side of the quarter-inch-thick cotton batting from the bottom. This thick cotton plug is secured in place by a flint screw and covers the lighter fluid reservoir, which is filled with softer, looser cotton.

3. Invert the lighter fluid bottle so the tip is resting in the cotton reservoir area. Squeeze and release the bottle for three or four seconds at a time so the fluid has time to be absorbed into the cotton. Continue filling the Zippo until the cotton is fully saturated. Depending upon the Zippo style and reservoir size, this may take up to five applications.

4. Push the thick cotton plug back into place and reinsert the guts into the Zippo's decorative outer casing. Blow onto the wick and flint striker area to help any residual fluid to evaporate. Wipe off any residual lighter fluid from the body of the lighter and wash your hands.

Tips & Warnings

• Never refill a Zippo with anything other than lighter fluid.

References

• Zippo Company