subject: How To Refill A Zippo [print this page] Some individuals maintain that liquid-fueled lighters impart an unpleasant taste to any tobacco product with which they come into contact. This is entirely a matter of opinion but, to remedy the situation, there are several different grades of lighter fluid on the market that advertise themselves as being free of any unpleasant flavor. For those who aren't ready to move to a high-end butane lighter, such as a Nibo, these fluids can help mitigate any risk of ruining a good cigar or pipe.
The insert within the lighter's case contains cotton covered by felt. Though there is a hole in this felt, the lighter is best filled by pulling it back to expose the cotton. This helps prevent over-saturating the cotton with fluid. Hold the lighter upside down, preferably over a sink and definitely not over a finished surface which may be damaged by the fluid. In most cases, some fluid will drip down the wick during refueling so expect there to be a bit of a mess.
To eliminate any taste, one should either quickly exhale the first few puffs of a cigar or a pipe or not inhale the first drag of a cigarette. Most smokers who use Zippos habitually are familiar with this compromise. The reliability, durability and style of the lighters is oftentimes more than enough to compensate for this minor inconvenience. The higher quality fuels will usually be available at high-end tobacconists and lighter dealers. They cost a bit more than the discount types but offer a superior smoking experience, according to many aficionados. Lighter fluid, of course, must be handled with care.
Zippos are enormously durable and reliable lighters and they offer a nice alternative to the wasteful, unreliable and cheap disposable lighters that crowd the market. There are butane lighters, however, such as Nibo lighters, which offer a nice, mess-free alternative to liquid-fueled lighters. Which one is best depends upon the user.
After refueling, give the lighter a while to sit before putting it into a pocket. Some fluid may leech out of the lighter after it's filled and this can irritate the skin and damage clothing and, of course, poses a fire hazard. Once the lighter has been allowed to sit, test it for proper operation to make sure all is well.
