My apologies if this has been discussed or done before, or worse yet, is already a commercial product.
I was wondering about long-term storage for emergency purposes of a Zippo lighter. I like Zippos because of their simplicity and reliability. Their "wind-proof" design is more reliable than all those by Colibri and Windmill et al. And being refiliable with a liquid fuel, they are a little simpler and more versatile than butane based lighters. BTW, I have so far had good results with Zippo fuel (Naptha), shellite and petrol (though the low octane stuff burns with far too much soot). I've found that methylated spirits work but not so great (less heat, more susceptable to wind) and evaporates too fast. Ditto for rubbing alcohol. Has anyone tried other fuels like kerosene, thinner, mineral turpentine or diesel?
Anyway, on to my idea. The problem with long term storage of Zippo lighters has always been that the fuel in the lighter itself would evaporate. You could store the fuel in little air-tight containers, but what about in micro survival kits, or for carry on your person?
I would like to propose small, sealed sachets to carry the fuel. For a commercial manufacturer with the capabilities, a disposable dropper could be employed, similar in form to those currently in use for eye drops. These are small, single-use, crush-resistant, disposable plastic things. They could easily contain the 20ml or so required in each refill and I have seen bigger ones that go to 150ml (for holding injecting drugs and sterile washes), so I'm sure the volume can be adjusted to suit.
Or how about sachets as used to hold sauces, like ketchup, soya sauce (from the takeaway sushi places), or similar? As I recall, some sushi places give you the soya sauce in small bottles that look like a fish. It has a small replaceable cap. Although a little small, it would suit the purpose, I think. 2 of those would probably completely refill the Zippo.
But what about the home hobbyist without the manufacturing capabilities or a store of those disposable soya sauce bottles? Can we use plastic straws such as those found in MacDonalds? Cut them to half the length, seal one end, fill it up and seal the other end. Would it resist crushing when carried on person? Can it withstand being left in a car on a hot summer's day without blowing up or melting and leaking fuel all over? Are there any better ideas?
I appreciate any input any of you have. Thanks in advance.
I was wondering about long-term storage for emergency purposes of a Zippo lighter. I like Zippos because of their simplicity and reliability. Their "wind-proof" design is more reliable than all those by Colibri and Windmill et al. And being refiliable with a liquid fuel, they are a little simpler and more versatile than butane based lighters. BTW, I have so far had good results with Zippo fuel (Naptha), shellite and petrol (though the low octane stuff burns with far too much soot). I've found that methylated spirits work but not so great (less heat, more susceptable to wind) and evaporates too fast. Ditto for rubbing alcohol. Has anyone tried other fuels like kerosene, thinner, mineral turpentine or diesel?
Anyway, on to my idea. The problem with long term storage of Zippo lighters has always been that the fuel in the lighter itself would evaporate. You could store the fuel in little air-tight containers, but what about in micro survival kits, or for carry on your person?
I would like to propose small, sealed sachets to carry the fuel. For a commercial manufacturer with the capabilities, a disposable dropper could be employed, similar in form to those currently in use for eye drops. These are small, single-use, crush-resistant, disposable plastic things. They could easily contain the 20ml or so required in each refill and I have seen bigger ones that go to 150ml (for holding injecting drugs and sterile washes), so I'm sure the volume can be adjusted to suit.
Or how about sachets as used to hold sauces, like ketchup, soya sauce (from the takeaway sushi places), or similar? As I recall, some sushi places give you the soya sauce in small bottles that look like a fish. It has a small replaceable cap. Although a little small, it would suit the purpose, I think. 2 of those would probably completely refill the Zippo.
But what about the home hobbyist without the manufacturing capabilities or a store of those disposable soya sauce bottles? Can we use plastic straws such as those found in MacDonalds? Cut them to half the length, seal one end, fill it up and seal the other end. Would it resist crushing when carried on person? Can it withstand being left in a car on a hot summer's day without blowing up or melting and leaking fuel all over? Are there any better ideas?
I appreciate any input any of you have. Thanks in advance.