warning zippo lighter

terry stewart · #1 11/05/10, 03:01 PM

A few days ago I filled my lighter with fluid after placeing it in my pocket the fluid had leakedout and my leg started to burn I now have a 2nd* burn on my leg from the fluid if you do this make sure its not leaking 1st

oth47 · #2 11/05/10, 05:19 PM

Been there,done that..I learned to put a little dab in every day or 2 at night,wipe it down good and let it set thru the night before putting it back in my pocket.Seems you don't notice the burn till it's already burnt.

PD-Riverman · #3 11/05/10, 07:37 PM

You over filled it which caused the extra to leak out. I carried a Zippo for 30 years and yes I got a burn once or twice. I always fill with a good squezze and when you see the fluid wet the cotton the first time Stop and don't add anymore. If its running out the wick hole its overfilled so don't put it in your pocket until you let it dry out some. Good Luck

.

Quote:

Originally Posted by terry stewart

A few days ago I filled my lighter with fluid after placeing it in my pocket the fluid had leakedout and my leg started to burn I now have a 2nd* burn on my leg from the fluid if you do this make sure its not leaking 1st

Txrider · #4 11/05/10, 07:49 PM

Yup learned the hard way not to overfill a zippo long ago...

Ouch...

Oldcountryboy · #5 11/05/10, 07:57 PM

Been there, done that!

Learned it the hard way too! After a few burns I decided to carry book matches instead. My friend Telly Savalas taught me how to light book matches when lighting a cigarette.(watched him do it on the Johnny Carson show)

**Roadking** · #6 11/05/10, 08:41 PM

Have zippos that were gifts, I prefer a bic because of the above mentioned reason.
Matt

paintboy · #7 11/05/10, 09:03 PM

yep done it. Seems it's the only way to learn.

geo in mi · #8 11/07/10, 09:07 AM

Can anyone still use one hand to light it? Can anyone flick it on their jeans and light it?

Saw some Zippos while waiting in line at the grocery store last week. Didn't know they still made 'em. I remember the Japanese knock-offs many years ago.... throw aways, at best. Now I bet they're all made overseas.

geo

Pat · #9 11/07/10, 10:30 AM

I light mine all the time with one hand (unless I need something to cup around it for wind).

They are still made in the US (Bradford, PA), ( http://www.zippo.com ) and still repair them for free (forever). I've even bought some old ones at an Estate Sale, and sent them off to be repaired (only cost is what it costs to ship it to them).

Other than the problem with over filling (yes, I've been burned a couple of times also lol), they are the most reliable lighter. I've carried one for more than 40 years, and have several now. The thing (at least for me) that breaks the most is the clip in the hinge (I've also had the weld holding the hinge break once or twice)... but, every time I've ever sent one in, it's sent back like new, and they usually replace the innards of the lighter returning the old innards.

I also had a problem once with buying the wrong flints for them. For some reason zippo flints work much better than ronson flints... When I talked with the guy at the pipe shop (where I bought it) he said to always use Zippo brand flints, and I've never had a problem with it since.

I promise, if I ever buy another lighter (some unique as I have "enough" lighters) I'll [B]only[B] buy Zippo!

Pat

columbia,sc · #10 11/07/10, 11:31 PM

I re-filled one when I was about 11 years old, the fluid ran down my hand and arm. I was proud of my job and flicked it, my hand and arm caught on fire! There I was in Grandpa's shop,, totaly freaking out, arm on fire! I was wearing my 'new' fake leather coat on.... All I could think about is how much trouble I was going to be in if the coat got burnt. so I took it off smothering out the flames. Oh man I was in pain! I went in the house and told Grandma 'ahem', the truth.
Grandma,, I mashed my hand out in the shop. She got out the big medical book and it said 'run HOT water over a crush injury'. She held my had and did it, I almost pooped myself! I had to tell 'ahem' the truth forgive me here. Grandma, I burnt myself playing with the torch! please stop! They never knew what I had done to myself,,I thank 'God' that he looks out for stupid people and little kids! I was both that day!

**Shrek** · #11 11/07/10, 11:36 PM

When my father gave me my first zippo lighter he taught me to fold back the cotton pad and back soak the fuel pad to avoid that problem.

Txrider · #12 11/08/10, 08:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by geo in mi

Can anyone still use one hand to light it? Can anyone flick it on their jeans and light it?

Saw some Zippos while waiting in line at the grocery store last week. Didn't know they still made 'em. I remember the Japanese knock-offs many years ago.... throw aways, at best. Now I bet they're all made overseas.

geo

Yup but popping them open like many do by squeezing them is a bit hard on the hinge.