Why Zippo Lighter Fluid?

[sm]

In answer to some pm's and e-mails, the reason I use it are as follows:

1) I use a Zippo lighter
2) It is a cleaner and degreaser
3) Does not harm nickel
4)Dries
5)It comes in a can.

-I have used Zippo Fluid for years when I had nothing else, I didn't want the fumes from other solvents.
-I can put a solvent in one, apply from can directly to patch. I don't contaiminant the solvent. If I drop it, it won't break, It I tip it over-even with spout open-I don't have solvent spilled everwhere.
-The can, works great if one were to buy in bulk/larger containers of say VMP, Acetone, Alcohol, gun oil...etc.
-Besides firearms, many of us have other hobbies. We have uses for cleaning, and degreasing.
-Pop the top, refill, replace top, and the top seals very well and doesn't leak.
-I have one with conventional automotive oil I use for general household use. I also use it to lube hinges and the like on vehicles, trailers...etc.
-Umm , fluid in the plastic container, not as effective ( imo) leaves a taste when used in a lighter ( again imo), and the plastic does not hold up to some solvents, like metal.( IME).

Just something I use, and like the container. Besides, a lot of what we buy we are paying for the container more than the fluid inside.

Just a tip/trick I use.

YMMV

 

[tiberius]

good ol' naptha in a fancy can.

 

[Hkmp5sd]

Eh. I don't smoke, yet I have a Zippo lighter and can of fluid for use around the house. It's one of those products with 1001 uses. Just can't stand those little plastic Bic type lighters.

 

[J Miller]

Another unexpected use for lighter fluid. Our old church in Phoenix used to record each service, and was always collecting used cassettes to record on. They used lighter fluid to remove the old labels and the glue residue left behind. Doesn't hurt the plastic cassette case at all.

I once saw an engraved Sterling Silver Zippo lighter. I've wanted one ever since. Don't smoke either, but a good lighter is a handy tool.

 

[Coronach]

Zippo wins hands down on style points, but the lighters can be a bit finnicky. The sealed plastic bic (which has zero style), is a better choice for 'semi-emergency fire-making' chores.

Mike

 

[Hkmp5sd]

The sealed plastic bic (which has zero style), is a better choice for 'semi-emergency fire-making' chores.

Yep. That's why have them, along with matches, candles and lanterns for hurricane season. Still use the Zippo for everything else, though.

 

[tiberius]

Agreed, I love by plain brass zippo. 100% reliable and very wind resistant, the only problem is that you do have to make sure its fueled as it will evaporate on you.

The problem with the disposable butanes is that they will not work at all in the wind.....a butane torch however....

 

[sm]

I have the Sterling Zippo, my name is hand engraved

Seriously,In the cold freezing temp I have cleaned and degreased so my gun went bang, instead of click when the greenheads were near. Remember we didn't have all the spray degreasers at one time.

One gets caught out afield, handy to have to unfreeze that firing pin, be it aduck blind or deer stand. One can leave it in a duck blind for the season. Fumes are not strong enough to spook game.

So you forgot , don't have a cleaning kit and solvent. No gun stores, around in the middle of nowhere... and there is an afternoon shoot...hit the gas station, drug store, 24 hr mart...degrease the FP, bootlace and pc of cloth will clean the chamber, cheap toothbrush ...not fancy, but will get you back in the running.

Will get the build-up from under extractor on revos too, no oil residue to attract more residue.

Bics- inside close to body will keep one warm enough to work in freezing temp.

Zippo, will give one a fuel burn if hot weather and especially re-filled, use an outside pocket ( away from skin areas).

Serious hunting, camping, I use and carry more than one way to make a fire. Zippo, a couple of bics, waterproof matches ,and tea candles.

Of course I'm one to carry a spare compass, and knife also. I have never used a GPS...but then again my compass(s) does not require batteries either.

And when the Zombies get too close...squirt 'em, light and RUN...

When the Weird Gooey Creatures are are slipping under the door, squirt that fluid all over the floor, get some distance, "Zip" that Zippo...slide across the floor ( flame will not go out) POOF...RUN...

 

[Mike Irwin]

I'm out of fluid right now but I have a Zippo and I also have two of the catalytic handwarmers that I use in the winter that are also fueled with Zippo or Ronson fuel.

 

[BerettaNut92]

And you can get Zippos in Carbon Fiber.

 

[Bowlcut]

how did i know you were goign to post something in carbon fibere

As for zippo fluid, i didnt know it had so many uses till i got into college. its ability to remove glue goo is second to none. Removing all sorts of crap its great for. i really need to replace my can of it....as it was emptied many moons ago

 

[Monkeyleg]

Skunk, is there no subject that you can't inject "tactical" into?

 

[Mike Irwin]

Another use for Zippo fuel.

It is GREAT for removing candle wax.

 

[sm]

ARRRGGHH ,NOOO ,SkunkKKKKK!!!

Ok Dude, I want to see use your Tactical Zippo as the "steel" as in flint and steel to make a fire.

Try getting rust off your Tactical shooting iron with Carbon Fiber...a Brass Zippo will.

Warning, Graphic Image to follow:

Pull someone out of the freezing river, its 30* and use your 1911 as the steel ( magnesium starter)to make a fire...hurry...hypothermia Kills...

(Just tied myself to rope , rope to tree and jumped in, lost the zippo, most everything else, I just tossed gun/wallet onto bank and went for it...)



Yep BTDT, the 1911 is a tool...gives the gun character...

 

[Standing Wolf]

I've bought two Zippo lighters within the past twelve months, and am back to throw-away plastic butane lighters. The Zippos didn't light the first time, every time.

 

[Helio]

Ronsonol Lighter Fuel(R) - Excellent for removing grease, oil stains, tar & labels.

 

[agony]

I use lighter fluid to clean my bronze brushes.

 

[Cal4D4]

Odd form of recreation re1973, but it sounds like you made someone's day a little brighter!

 

[B27]

The Zippo will light the first time if you simply blow lightly on the wick area before turning the striking wheel. This blows away excess fumes and eliminates a situation that a bit resembles vapor lock in gasoline engines.
I've been carrying and using Zippos daily for over twenty years. They are not foolproof. There is a tiny bit of art in getting them to perform up to their capability.
But that's all part of the fun.

 

[Mike Irwin]

It also helps to keep the wick at the proper level, free of carbon, and the lighter fueled.

I've had more trouble with Bic and other disposable lighters than I have with my Zippo.

 

[sm]

CAl4D4

Hiking and Camping in Winter. Adjacent to a river in flood stage. We heard screams, they had capsized their johnboat. Actually they couldn't tell which was river, wrapped that sucker around a tree like a twist tie on a loaf of bread. I pulled two fisherman out. Kept them warm, until we could get a Sheriff to transport them safely. I always carried a Combat Commander back then, just had to adapt, improvise and overcome that day.

 

[Cal4D4]

Well done re1973, jumping into real cold water is no small thing. I think I would add a bottle of Schnapps to my kit if I was going to make a habit of this.

 

[bobs1066]

If you ever find yourself in the neighborhood of Bradford, PA, stop in at the Zippo Museum/factory store. Very cool place, lighters out the whazoo!

 

[Sisco]

Ever overfill one of those babies and get that really annoying chemical burn on your leg when it leaked out in you pocket? That's the main reason I quit carrying them.

 

[22luvr]

Zippo trivia.............

Did anyone out there ever engage in the contest of how many times you could flick open your zippo, light it, close it and repeat for 60 seconds? We had guys in the military, I swear, who could do that over 100 times without getting thumb cramps or setting themselves on fire.