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There are countless valid motivations that could lead a person to buy a Zippo Windproof Lighter and even more reasons you should buy a Zippo All-In-One Kit. In this article we will discuss the top five reasons for making such a purchase and the benefits of buying the All-In-One Kit over a Zippo lighter alone.
You Are Tired Of Using Cheap Plastic Disposable Lighters
There is something about pulling a Zippo out of your pocket and striking it up to light your smoke or to lend a helping flame to a friend in need that elicits a nostalgic response, even to those formerly ignorant of Zippo lighters and the way they are designed to be used. The Zippo lighter is a tool designed to produce a flame helpful for many purposes but it is even more useful than many imagine as every consumable element of the lighter is renewable, whether that be fuel, flint, wick or wadding.
There are consequences to the production of plastic products that warrant our attention regarding the suitability of such products for use in our daily lives. Compounding the dangerous effects the production of plastics has on our environment is the fact that most modern, plastic lighters are neither refillable in regard to fuel nor repairable when their spark fails.
Zippo Windproof lighters are very easy to refill with fuel as this is a key element to their design. Zippo Lighter Fuel(and other petrol lighter fluids) is also relatively inexpensive in relation to the price of a disposable plastic butane lighter which will just end up in the trash when it fails. Zippo flints are also convenient and easy to swap out when the lighter’s original installed flint is consumed to the point of elimination.
Wick and wadding may not require the same attention for the Zippo to work properly as fuel and flint do but they too are easily and readily replaceable, whenever the need to presents itself. Typical use of a Zippo lighter can result in years worth of proper function out of a single wick and its attendant wadding but it’s always nice to know that these sort of functional maintenance projects are easily accomplished when necessary.
You Have Always Been Curious What It’s Like To Use A Zippo
I first became intrigued about using a Zippo lighter while watching the television series Sons Of Anarchy. There were romantic notions in the character Jax Teller leaning on his Harley Davidson motorcycle and reaching into a pocket for his Zippo before striking it to light up a cigarette.
When I first saw these scenes, however, I was completely ignorant to the basic principles off which a Zippo(or any other petrol) lighter functions. It may seem extremely rudimentary to many folks used to more technologically advanced forms of producing flame today but it is still very effective.
There is a trade-off in convenience for the regular maintenance that must be performed with a Zippo, not the least of which is keeping the lighter fueled with fluid. Evaporation of fuel is a real issue with most petrol lighters and Zippo is no different but the chore of refueling is not all that taxing nor bothersome once a user gets into the swing of it and can usually be limited to no more than once a week or so with constant use.
You Need A New EDC
Every Day Carry(EDC) aficionados are a growing segment among those who use Zippos and other useful items that I believe constitute a sort of hybrid category of lighter collectors who feel the need to actually use the tools they collect. I consider myself a part of this category as the function of any lighter in my collection is just as important as the presence of the lighter itself.
They are stowed away in pockets and the tactical bag I regularly carry along with a handful of other “EDC” items such as a pen, Sharpies, a hand pipe and dab straw. My bag is full of all kinds of other items as well but a Zippo can easily be carried in the watch pocket of your jeans or the buttoned pocket of your jacket.
EDC is a functional requirement for many who just desire to have the tools they need readily on hand when they need to use them. For others, it is an obsession for which they are always on the lookout for the next cool thing, that bright gadget that gets everyone’s attention and says, “look at me and the high social status I have attained!” The Zippo All-In-One Kit is an appropriate addition no matter your EDC aims.
You Are Out Of Zippo Lighter Fuel And Flint
You have heard the phrase “less is more” but sometimes the opposite is true as well. With the affordable price of the Zippo All-In-One Kit, I can very easily see some consumers(especially those addicted to collecting Zippos) who need fuel and flint to go ahead and buy the kit even if all they need are the expendables and don’t actually need another Zippo lighter.
If you collect or use Zippos then it never hurts to have extra fuel and flint around because they will be used eventually. The same could be said of having an extra Zippo around though couldn’t it, as you probably have another pocket to keep one in and if not, you never know when another need may arise where you would benefit from a dedicated Zippo for that use.
I like to keep such petrol lighter expendables like fuel, flint, wicks and wadding in the shop where I do most of my work as well as in the home where I live. I also like to have plenty of lighters readily available and fueled for use. If you are like me, then you can never go wrong with the purchase of the Zippo All-In-One Kit.
You Just Want To Add Another Zippo To Your Collection
This may be the best reason of all to purchase the All-In-One Kit. Collectors are always looking for a different model or finish to add to their accumulation and the Zippo Manufacturing Company does not disappoint in this regard.
The kit is available with a variety of different Zippo finishes included, ranging from Street Chrome and Black to the opulent Brushed Brass. Kits can also be purchased with a variety of add-ons such as an evaporation proof Zippo Fuel Canister, 12 ounce can of Ronsonol petrol fuel or a leather lighter carry pouch which could also have appeal to EDC enthusiasts.
Knowing how some enthusiasts like to cover all of the bases, I can even fathom some of the most ardent Zippo collectors to find a place in their collection to display every variation of the All-In-One Kit they can discover, unopened in the original blister pack. There are many interesting and valid methods by which one can put together a collection and unopened blister packaging is appealing to many across multiple genres of collecting.
There’s No Such Thing As A Bad Zippo Purchase
The Zippo Windproof lighter has been around for over ninety years now. Its use in everyday life and accumulation among collectors are unparalleled in regard to its contemporaries as the vast majority of competing company’s products have fallen by the wayside.
Zippo has remained relevant for all these years both through the maintaining of quality, functional fire making products and the finishes, artwork and other embellishments that adorn them. There is a Zippo out there for every person who wishes to use or collect them as well as for any purpose you can dream up to employ one!
Please leave any comments or questions at the bottom of this or any other article at DependableFlame.com. I try to answer questions asked of me across all our social media and other outlets like YouTube, Ebay and the DependableFlame.com Facebook page and group but my priority is responding to all comments left here at the website.
I hope you will also check out our YouTube channel and consider joining us every Tuesday @10am central for the YouTube Live stream Vintage Coffee And Lighters Live! where we discuss old lighters over a cup of coffee in the fellowship of our friends.
Until next time…✌️
Hey Joseph,
Great article and awesome reminders of the quality of the Zippo lighters. I had forgotten how high the quality of the Zippo lighters are and the fact they are windproof also. I was first exposed to them when living in Japan and many of my friends loved them and often talked about them. Then I forgot and have had many many cheap plastic lighters. They are exactly that – cheap, frustrating, inconsistent flame and hopeless in the wind. Not the mention bad for the environment.
My main use now is in lighting fires in our wood fire. The Zippo is tempting as even matches can be frustrating at times. Sometimes in life it’s worth investing in quality products. Zippo lighters and Ray Ban sunglasses/lenses are a couple of brands that deserve their loyalty due to sheer quality.
Thank you John for checking out the article, I appreciate you kind comment very much! It’s interesting that you bring up your friends using Zippos when you lived in Japan because there is a huge base of Zippo enthusiasts in Asia in general but they are even more popular in Japan because Zippo allows the release of many custom designs in the Japanese market. Zippos are definitely worth using and I am glad to reacquaint you with such a useful tool.
You have me ready to buy a Zippo All-In-One Kit! Great content and even better read, keep it up my friend! This kit has everything that I need to get started and even includes all the instructions a person would need to get started in using a Zippo Windproof lighter. I really like the street chrome finish and am excited to get busy using this Zippo instead of those old plastic Bics.
Thank you Jared, I really appreciate you stopping by to check out the story and also to leave such a nice comment. The street chrome finish Zippo is pretty cool because it sort of camouflages any scratches or scuff that may appear from use. Using a Zippo is definitely worth you while. Let me know how it goes for you!
The Zippo is a favourite classic lighter of mine. Although I don’t smoke myself, I still have fond memories of my uncles lighting up their cigarettes with their ever-reliable Zippo lighter. I used to have one for my own home usage unfortunately it was gone after I moved out of my parent’s house since I got married. After reading your blog here, I might just get one for nostalgic reasons and also because it is practical and sturdy. Thanks for your sharing your insight in this article.
Thank you Dominic, I appreciate you reading the article and your nice comment very much. It sounds like the Zippo All-In-One Kit would be perfect for you to get reacquainted with this ever useful tool. Lighters that get used do tend to get lost over time, so you are not alone in losing the previous Zippo that you had. I am glad the article brought back great memories of your uncles. Zippos always make me think of my Dad and uncles smoking back in the 1970s.
I love your view on the romantic and cool aspect of using a Zippo lighter, and of course, the environmentally friendly aspect is a great plus point.
I actually gave this article to my husband and advised him to try getting a Zippo lighter. We have one plastic lighter at home, which we mainly use for lighting candles and such. After reading this post, we are definitely looking for a Zippo lighter. As a newbie, I’m curious what usually comes in a Zippo All-in-One Kit, compared to just getting a standalone Zippo lighter.
Hey Miadinh, thank you for stopping by to read the article and also for sharing your insights here in the comment section! It is commendable to quit purchasing the cheap, plastic lighters and much more efficient to use a refillable Zippo.
The Zippo All-In-One Kit comes with a Zip-A-Flint dispenser of six flints and a 4 oz. can of fluid. It is everything you should need for normal use of a Zippo lighter for at least a year.
In fact, it’s a good thing to have a zippo in our pocket. because with Zippo you always have a dependable lighter!
Keep it clean: Over time, your Zippo lighter can accumulate dust and debris which can affect its performance. Regular cleaning with a soft cloth or a mild cleaner can help keep it functioning properly.
Maintain the flint: The flint in your Zippo lighter will wear down over time and need to be replaced. Make sure to keep a spare flint handy and replace it as soon as you notice the flame starting to be slow to ignite.
I agree with you one hundred percent Patron P and appreciate you stopping by the site to check out this article!
You make several good points about taking care of a Zippo lighter and I appreciate you sharing those insights here in the comment section of this article.
I would be careful about what kind of cleaners I was using around the wick though as the absorbent material is easily contaminated and a little lighter fluid is usually as good as any cleaner.
I am not a smoker, but I do often have the need for a lighter. We burn wood for heat in our home so lighting kindling with paper is necessary. I am not sure how safe it is, but when I BBQ of course I need a flame to ignite the charcoal. Again, a lighter with paper rather than a match would work well. Finally, as an avid camper I light campfires fairly often. Keeping matches dry can be a problem. Dry kindling lit with a lighter works well. I have used a plastic lighter, but they break and do run out of fuel. Thanks for the suggestion about a Zippo. I think the all in one kit is a great idea. I did get a laugh out of the EDC comment. I think that is also a good idea.
Thank you Anastazja, I appreciate your comment very much. You make some great points about alternative uses and applications for the Zippo lighter as there are way more folks out there that do not smoke than those who do. Folks can always stand to be reminded of those other uses. Matches can get wet and disposable plastic lighters run out of fuel and fail often but if a Zippo fails, you can refill it with fluid and flint and if it’s broke, then the Repair clinic can handle it.