The Ultimate Torch? A short review with pics and video

[Sid Post]

I guess I'm missing a thing or two here. Are the various survival lighters like the Delta and Brunton Windmill's too expensive, too large and bulky, too unreliable, or too unesthetically pleasing to carry?

I have a little Solo lighter that puts out one of those really hot pencil beams. I don't know if it will melt a penny but, that is not requirement for me.

For convenience and cost, the disposable BIC's get a lot of use. Of course they don't work in a moderate breeze even if you cup your hands.

 

[grnamin]

I think the biggest advantage of the Z-Plus over the Windmills is the fact that if the Z-Plus is beyond repair, it's cheaper to replace. You still keep the lighter body, the Zippo itself, and simply stick in a new Z-Plus. With the Windmills, you have to purchase a whole new one. Of course, you don't have this problem with a good ole Bic. I did the same thing you did, Planterz, with the ignition wire. Works really well now. House flies beware! I'm ready to singe your wings should you alight close to me.

 

[geothorn]

One of the difficulties that eventually occured with one of my refillable butane lighters (a Colibri, not a Z-Plus or Windmill Delta) was that the miniscule wires above the gas jet broke. Thankfully, I'd gotten two of the same lighter, so that you can see a comparison between the dead one and one I'd never used:

I'd put the lighter through "normal use," like lighting cigarettes, over a period of about two years. Lighting a cigarette takes probably a two- to three-second burn, if those doing penny sculpting want to compare relative burn times.

I believe that the wires had become brittle, having lost whatever "temper" they had (if any), and broke. The wires are unnecessary for the ignition of the lighter, however, I believe that they keep the lighter ignited, once the spark gets the butane burning. The lighter didn't do so well after the wires were fried.

I've got a twenty-five year old Zippo still going strong (after two free hinge pin replacements, but that's another story...). If you do get a Z-Plus Zippo insert, I'd suggest keeping the original Zippo insides, just in-case.

GeoThorn

 

[Sid Post]

The biggest problem seems to be that they're not easy to find. I got mine off ebay, but not everybody likes the auction sites. Finding one in a store seems to be a matter of luck.

I found myself driving down the street when I ran into a Cigar shop. So, I stopped in and what did I find

I left with a Z-plus and some Merkur razor blades and a bottle of Butane. So, I dropped into Wally-world and got the stock chrome $10 Zippo.

I had trouble getting to light at first, now I just hit the plunger slowly instead stabbing it and I'm getting 100% lights first time. To improve the lighting, did you just stick a small screwdriver in there and bend the wire over a little?

 

[Planterz]

Basically, yeah. I was trying to use needlenose (my Leatherman) to move it, but I couldn't get it to move enough, so I stuck a small flathead in there. I freaked out at first because I thought I bent it too far, but it works fine.

 

[Size15s]

Is it normal for you guys to deface your money?
The concept is rather strange to me. I just wondered whether it was me or a cultural thing?

Anyway, I've always considered Zippo to be cool (and very American) and more desirable because there are many style options for them.

To find out there is also a "Z-Plus" option means I could find myself having to pick a Zippo I like and start carrying it (I don't smoke and know few people who do).

Thanks for starting this thread!

Al

 

[thatmguy]

Had a chance to check out and use one of the inserts at Blade. Nice equipment.

I like my Windmill, even with the need to adjust the flame setting depending on fuel level. I don't mind the trade-off, since it has never failed to light up.

Here we go again...another quest.

 

[grnamin]

To improve the lighting, did you just stick a small screwdriver in there and bend the wire over a little?

Yup, try slowly bending the ignition wire closer to where the butane exits. Should get consistent ignition that way.

Is it normal for you guys to deface your money?
The concept is rather strange to me. I just wondered whether it was me or a cultural thing?

Al, funny you should mention that. In the Philippines, particularly in the Batangas area where they make balisong (butterfly knives), they prove just how strong a balisong is by piercing the local metal currency with one.