Zippo Misch metal flint.

Trace Rinaldi

Trace Rinaldi

Joined
Oct 3, 1998
Messages
1,774
I dont know if any of you guys have done this but I thought it was pretty cool... I took a 1/8" Misch metal rod and turned it down enough to fit in a Zippo lighter.. I made it longer and thicker than a normal flint so it will last longer. It JUST fits in the hole and you cant screw the spring in all the way but you can keep tightening it as it wears. Throws a great spark and works very well so far.
 
I think it was Doc who showed us a year or so ago how to alter a Coleman/Coghlans lantern lighter to work like this. They sell for $3-5 or so and are made of brass.

r7ssxl.jpg
 
Yea it was Doc who showed this..

I've got quite a few handy and they work great for puting out good sparks, and you can get a pack of regular lighter flints for about 40 cents.. I have a few that are modded and the rest I left as is. The only thing you have to do otherwise is do a little soldering or something, because the pieces are pressed into place.. Had one come apart on me, luckily I had a spare ..

HTH
 
It would be neat if one could be modded to handle a full sized small michsteel rod. Maybe using tandem wheels?
 
I know that doing these kind of projects is fun and just plain cool but from a realistic party-pooper standpoint, why?

Were the zippo flints not throwing sparks well enough? Do you need more sparks to light the fuel? Did you have to modify the zippo fint holder at all? I'm wondering about the longterm replacement aspect of the mod. It would also be interesting to note the oxidation rate of the turned down firesteel, since the factory protective coating has been removed.

That said, the modification freak in me is all like "sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet"



Rick
 
The aforementioned mod. The purpose was to reduce size and make it fit in my mini PSK. It will light anything a Light My Fire ferro rod will, at least the Scout model.

CoghlansLanternLightermod-2.jpg


Doc
 
Magnussen said:
I know that doing these kind of projects is fun and just plain cool but from a realistic party-pooper standpoint, why?

Were the zippo flints not throwing sparks well enough? Do you need more sparks to light the fuel? Did you have to modify the zippo fint holder at all? I'm wondering about the longterm replacement aspect of the mod. It would also be interesting to note the oxidation rate of the turned down firesteel, since the factory protective coating has been removed.

That said, the modification freak in me is all like "sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet"



Rick
Click to expand...

The sparks were on the weak side, and they seemed to wear out really fast for me... Only reason I did it.. Didnt have to mod the lighter at all..
Took about 3 minutes to do, and it DID throw some sparks;)... Oxidation could be offset by coating the flint after its done, but I doubt thats going to be an issue.. A simple coating of modeling paint would do the trick..
 
I had a pack of replacement Ronson flints stored with some gear for a few years (maybe 5-7) and when I checked them, they had all turned to a gray dust.
 
Also the belt sander could be done away with Im thinking by using a piece of sandpaper backed up by something flat..Might take a few more minutes to do.. Out of one rod you could make maybe 4 extended length flints.. Stick em in your paracord boot laces and your G2G for a good long time..
 
I normally have a couple of extra flints thrown in under the felt in the bottom, but neat mod anyways. :thumbup:
 
Just an FYI, when your Bic lighter is out of fuel, bust it open and save the flint - it is oversized compared to a regular lighter flint.

Doc
 
Update on use... Its working VERY well.... In cold weather the old flints were taking several strikes to get it lit... With the new flints its one strike and bingo! Also if you slow grind it a bit, then hit it. I can see lighting a fire even if your out of fuel...;) Your mileage may vary but I'm glad I did this....
 
I'm thinking it wouldn't be something I'd run with for daily living but could be an ideal thing to keep in something like this.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top