About Zippos

Identification

• Zippos have a unique form and look that make them easy to distinguish among other lighters. The body is rectangular and divided into two main parts, almost in half, with the top part being slightly smaller. The base of the lighter holds the fuel and most of the wick. The top part is a flip cover that clicks when opened to reveal a rough wheel, the top of the wick, a wind shield and a flint piece. Zippos come usually in silver or black, and have a variety of logos, pictures or engravings.

Features

• Zippos have some unique features that aren't often seen on other lighters. One is the fact that Zippos use wicks to light a flame. Most other lighters use a stream of gas, but the fuel in a Zippo simply soaks a wick. Another important feature on a Zippo is the wind shield, which was important in leading to the lighter's popularity. Zippos also have a spring mechanism in the top that allows them to stay closed and open without hassles. This makes the telltale clicking sound attributed to a Zippo opening or closing.

Function

• Zippos have 22 parts in all, but the way they work is actually pretty simple. To fill a Zippo lighter, the interior body slides out of the outer casing. There is a felt flap on the bottom that is lifted, and then lighter fluid is put into the opening. When the lighter is put back together, the Zippo's wick becomes soaked in lighter fluid. To light the lighter, a rough wheel is spun with a finger. This rubs against the flint piece under the wheel, which creates a spark that ignites the wick. When the top of the wick is burnt away, it can be pulled out to reveal more of the wick that is coiled inside the lighter. The flame is extinguished by closing the lid of the lighter.

History

• The first Zippo was made in 1933 by the Zippo Manufacturing Company, which was founded by George G. Blaisdell in the previous year. During World War II, Zippo stopped sales of the lighter to anyone except for the military, who requested the lighter because of its ability to stay lit even in adverse conditions. After the war, Zippos continued mass production and were popular in advertising in the 1960s. Since then, Zippos have not changed much, though recent additions to the brand include Zippo butane lighters, called the OUL or the Zippo Blu, both of which use butane as a source o fuel instead of traditional lighter fluid.

Benefits

• Zippos are incredibly popular and reliable because of their lifetime warranty and proven ability to stay lit in adverse conditions. The wind shield allows the flame to stay lit outdoors even when the wind is strong. However, blowing down onto the flame from above will still put it out quickly. Even in light rain, the Zippo will stay lit because of the shield and the adequate fuel dispersion. This is the reason why the United States military loved the Zippo lighter, and why it is used by outdoor enthusiasts to this day.