Regular Zippo Lighter in Backpack - Possible Leaking??

I'll give the Zippo full marks for style, but I'll take a Bic over one any day. Cleaner and more reliable, imo.
 
Seriously--give the Thunderbird insert a try. It's the closest thing to a refillable bic that I've found so far.
 
FortyTwoBlades said:
Seriously--give the Thunderbird insert a try. It's the closest thing to a refillable bic that I've found so far.
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Not trying to be a smart-alec, but there's nothing more Bic-like than a Bic. Why not just use one? I don't really see any practical advantage of a Zippo over a Bic... YMMV, of course.
 
If TSHTF or TEOTWAKI happens, the Zippo will outlast the BIC simply because you can use almost any fuel in it.
But as long as the "end of days" is still a way off, and you can buy butane in a can from most shops, I'd stick with a refillable BIC.
 
Don't get me wrong, BIC's are durable and reliable, but they can get damaged easily and/or leak when trigger is depressed accidentally. Zippo lasts forever.
Are refillable BICs similar to standard BICs?
 
parbajtor said:
If TSHTF or TEOTWAKI happens, the Zippo will outlast the BIC simply because you can use almost any fuel in it.
But as long as the "end of days" is still a way off, and you can buy butane in a can from most shops, I'd stick with a refillable BIC.
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I came back to the zippo because I hate disposable gear. A zippo can also store an extra flint and some tinder which to me makes it a more complete package. Really the only downside to a Zippo that I can see is the evaporation issue. Fill it before you go out and it's a non-issue.
 
timberweasel said:
Not trying to be a smart-alec, but there's nothing more Bic-like than a Bic. Why not just use one? I don't really see any practical advantage of a Zippo over a Bic... YMMV, of course.
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It's not a regular Zippo. It's a third-party insert that goes in a Zippo shell. It uses butane, but has a candle flame (rather than torch) and has a flint ignition. The advantage over a Bic is that it's refillable and has an adjustable flame.
 
FortyTwoBlades said:
It's not a regular Zippo. It's a third-party insert that goes in a Zippo shell. It uses butane, but has a candle flame (rather than torch) and has a flint ignition. The advantage over a Bic is that it's refillable and has an adjustable flame.
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Ah, gotcha! I'd not heard of it before... learning something new every day! Thanks! :):thumbup:
 
Lots of great information in this thread! I'm definitely getting a Thunderbird flint/butane insert for my Zippo. I'm also going to try and find a decent peanut lighter as a backup. Any links to a nice quality peanut lighter would be appreciated!
 
I mainly use and carry zippos, but also have "BIC - like" lighters (different name brands) that I also stash in gear for convenience sake. I have found that these evaporate also, but it's over a period of months and years rather than days and weeks. It's a lot easier to replace a $1 lighter than a zippo for $10 - $20 when they don't work, go dry, whatever. I generally carry extra lighter fluid with me when I'm carrying my zippo, good for tinder on wet days....

So my preference is definitely for the zippo, but others have their place as well. I've learned that I have to check either one before moving out into the woods. Use what works best for you!
 
I really want to like and use my Zippo, but the damn thing is always dry when I need it. I ought to look into those butane conversions.
 
No problem! I was just psyched to have finally found a flint ignition butane lighter you could actually refill! I was excited about the Zippo Blu series until I saw them in-person and was just really underwhelmed with the mechanism, bulk, and cost. The Thunderbird inserts are inexpensive and have a lifetime warranty. One review of the insert I found had a fellow describing a defective one he got. Thunderbird sent him a brand new one without any hassle. If I run into any trouble with mine I'll report it but so far performance has been flawless. :thumbup:
 
Tye Possum said:
I carry a zippo in my pocket every day and I've never had a burn or rash or any leaking that I'm aware of from it. When you fill it only put enough fluid in to saturate the cotton ball things inside, if you see it filling up with fluid that's too much and it'll leak.
A bit of rubber tubing around the case wouldn't hurt though and it would help prevent it evaporating too fast.
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I agree, it will not leak if it is filled properly (not too much)
 
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