Refill a Zippo Lighter

The quality and durability of Zippo lighters are what make the product appealing to many users. In addition to periodically replacing the flint and cleaning the lighter, it's essential to refuel a Zippo when it runs low on lighter fluid. Use the following information to learn how to refill a Zippo lighter.

Steps

1. Purchase lighter fluid. You can use any type of lighter fluid, but do not use lighter fluid intended for charcoal of barbecuing.
   • Lighter fluid can be obtained at most drug stores and home improvement stores. High-quality Zippo brand lighter fluid is suggested for optimal performance.
2. Open the lid of the Zippo and extract the insert. Firmly grip either side of the flint wheel with 2 fingers. Hold the bottom of the Zippo lighter with your other hand and pull up on the metal to free the insert of the lighter from its case.
   • The flint wheel is the grooved circle that you turn with your thumb to create a flame.
   • The metal box should come out fairly easily, but if you've never removed the insert from the case before you may have to tug a bit.
3. Set aside the Zippo's outer case. Put it somewhere safe for the time being.
4. Turn the metal box of the insert upside down to reveal the felt bottom. It should read "Lift to fuel."
5. Lift the felt backing with a paperclip to expose the loose cotton underneath. A simple, unbent paperclip, lodged in the tiny hole, will easily lift up the backing.
6. Squeeze the lighter fluid can once into the loose cotton. If you've purchased a large lighter fluid canister, you may want to transfer some to a smaller squirt bottle in order to control how much fluid you release into the lighter.
7. Wait 5 seconds, then squeeze the can twice more into the cotton. Repeat this step for as many times as needed to completely saturate the cotton.
8. Close the felt protector. Place the metal box back into its case.
   • Push down on the metal. Apply gentle pressure to ensure it's secure.
9. Let the Zippo sit and absorb the fluid for 1 to 2 minutes. Wash your hands in the meantime to ensure that no more lighter fluid remains on your hands.
10. Light the Zippo. Add more lighter fluid to the cotton if the Zippo does not light after three tries.

Tips

• The best location to refill a Zippo is over the sink where cleanup is easy.
• Refilling your Zippo might also be a good opportunity to clean the lighter since you've already taken it apart.

Warnings

• Be careful not to crush the flint wheel or windscreen when pulling the lighter from its case.
• Do not squeeze all the lighter fluid onto the cotton at once. The cotton takes a couple seconds to absorb the fluid. If you release it at one time, you will make a mess.
• Do not refill your Zippo lighter over finished wood surfaces or other surfaces that could be damaged by contact with lighter fluid.

Things You'll Need

• Zippo lighter
• Lighter fluid
• Sink (optional)

Related Articles

• Flip a Zippo Closed
• Put Lighter Fluid in a Lighter
• Make a Lighter Shoot a Huge Flame
• Use Bic Flints in Your Zippo

See also

• Change the Wheel That Strikes the Flint in a Zippo Lighter
• Flick a Zippo Lighter
• Use a Lighter
• Light a Zippo and Look Cool
• Refill a Lighter
• Put Lighter Fluid in a Lighter
• Replace a Zippo Wick
• Flick a Bic Lighter
• Remove a Safety Band from a Bic Lighter
• Fix a Lighter

Read more ...

What links here

• Fix a Lighter
• Put Lighter Fluid in a Lighter