I've noticed that many people carry either a Zippo fluid lighter or a Butane powered lighter on these boards. Does one greatly outlast the other in terms of regular use? I could see where a bottle of lighter fluid might have multiple uses, whereas a butane cylinder doesn't. <br><br>(OT: Does Zippo make a tiny stand for their lighters to sit in if they were needed to perform for an extended amount of time, or is that unadvisable?)

Plls5,<br><br><br>As a reprobate smoker, I can answer this one. Refillable butane lighters last longer per refill than Zippos under normal use. Or least, all of the ones I have tried. OTH, ALL of the butane lighters I have owned eventually became impossible to refill. No problems with Zippos, they're darn near idiot-proof.<br><br>As far as a Zippo stand--no need, just light it, stand it up carefully on something, and you're in business. Be carefull when you pick it up, it'll be hot.<br><br>Take care,<br><br>Andy <br><br>

Here's a question: I love my zippo, but find that the lighter fluid dries out if left alone for a week. So if we're talking about a Zippo for long term storage, I'd think you'd have to store a bottle of fluid along with it. What about filling the lighter and storing it in an airtight container or bag?

Hi. I stopped smoking about a year ago so I have lots of experience with fire!!!! I have had them all just about. I still have my Scrimshaw Zippo but the fluid evaporates too quickly as part of a kit when not used. You have to store lighter fuel with it. The same can be said for my trench lighter. I have many butane lighters. My trusty Windmill Delta stormproof lighter is great and is part of my EDC. I also have a couple of BICs and a Prince pocket torch as part of my kits, over and above matches. I would have both just in case. Ultimately my butane Windmill is my primary "survival/emergency" firemaking tool along with my magnesium firestarting tool with metal insert. Zippos are just not stormproof and we have many storms here in SA in the Spring and Summer months.

Im in the Zippo camp. I am in the habit of topping it off every two days or so. They will work off nearly any combstible liquid you are brave (or dumb) enough to put in them. Naptha (zippo fuel) is really cheap if you go to the paint section of the harware store and buy it in bulk.

I have had some success with my Zippo fuel evaporation problem by wrapping it in 3 layers of Saran Wrap. I can get 2-3 weeks on a fill this way. Obviously, I do not use the lighter. I have a weekly fill ritual just to make sure it is ready for use if needed, and wrap it with Saran if I am going to be on a trip etc.<br><br>Has anyone used their empty Zippo to start a fire? Pulling out some of the packing cotton and sparking it should work well.<br><br>Because of the Zippos evaporation issue my PSK's only contain disposable butanes.

Randy (it is Randy, right?),<br><br><br>Actually, it can be done, but it's a mother to make it work. I tried it with one of my older ones. I refilled it, used it until it no longer lit, waited another two days and then tried to make it work. Many hours, blisters, and cuss words later, I had a fire going. Not worth the effort IMO, especially as I have adopted Tom's practice of carrying around a tiny Altoids tin full of vaseline/cotton and have a BSA hotspark on my keychain. I also carry a mini-Bic for backup when my Zippo runs out of fluid, so trying to use an empty Zippo to make fire would be a last resort.<br><br>Take care,<br><br>Andy

Grim,<br><br>See other posts on this one. The short answer is: it helps, but not much.<br><br>Take care,<br><br>Andy