Nice man! I have a ww2 veterans lighter with the 1st marine div symbol on it with his rank and initials. The wheel locked up on me. Might have to send her out but hoping they don’t have to replace the original inset
73 year old Zippo and this guy gets it to work, shows us how to fix the main problems with old Zippos and gives us a nice little hack (Which I'm sure I'll use at some point) to boot. Great video. This stuff is why I love youtube.
My boyfriend (now husband) gave me a Zippo when I was 18 (now 61). I recently found it again but since I quit smoking 40 years ago it wouldn't light. Thanks to your video my husband was able to restore it and it works perfectly now!! Thank you!
I had that exact problem. I bought an old Beattie Jet lighter and the flint had deteriated and resolidified. I used a very small drill bit by hand and I was able to clear it. Works like a charm now. Great video. 👍
Thank you!! I REALLY needed this bc I found my dad's old zippo and I wanted to restore it. Then there there this thing with the flint. I it blocked it and with your help it got out! Now it works again! Thank you so much!
I found an old Zippo lighter of my grandfather's and wanted to get it working again. Turns out it had the same problem of clogged old flint so I used a hex key like you said and it did the trick! Works like new, thanks!
I have my Dad's brass Zippo from 1942 when he was in the Navy. The bottom was flat, no indentation and had the Zippo trademarks that corresponded with that year. It is a family heirloom that I inherited when Dad died in 1994. All parts can be repaired in the insert, and the hinge can be repaired if you are good with silver bearing solder and a jewlers torch. The spring can be filed to fit if you have the recoil starter spring from a lawn mower. The flint spring can be used from a Bic lighter, just cut it to length. I had to refurbish that lighter shortly after I found that Zippo would just replace the insert with a modern equivalent - ruining the collectability of the lighter. Just be careful with the jewler's torch as you do not want to get the brass too hot and ruin the brass case. Silver bearing solder (30%) if you can find it, or use an old silver coin that is really worn down. A little skill, and some ingenuity, and you can repair anything. I once repaired the brush holders in a starter for the 1966 Dodge D-200 I own that way. Replacement starters (oem or rebuilt) are almost unobtainium for that model engine, so I had to get creative. That was almost 8 years ago, and she still starts today. Anything can be fixed if you can have the patience to do it.
Thanks, Your videos really helped me. My wheel didnt turn, put a new flit in the zippo, it turned until i screwed the flint tight, then it turned no more. after watching Your videos I took the flint out again and I noticed, that there was a little rest of the old flint blocking the wheel. Snapped it out and there You go! Stay well!
I just bought a 2001 Harley davidson gear zippo (pewter front) for $15. The wheel was stuck and the front looked like someone painted it or left it in water. It was a mess. After a couple hours of cleaning and fixing, it looks and works like new. Appreciate this video and helping me figure out what was wrong with it.
Thanks! The Zippo I carried with me during OIF in 2003 was sitting on a shelf for the last 20 years and I discovered the wheel was stuck fast. You showed me how to fix it, works great now. I appreciate the video.
I have a couple of old zips. They had been in the safe for years. I went to light and the wheel wouldn’t spin. Then it spun freely. Thanks to you I think I found my problem.
hey! Thank you for this. Following your instructions I fixed my zippo which I inherited from my Dad (stamped 1950)!! Very meaningful to see it working again. Thanks!
Thanks this was fabulously helpful. My zippo is 20 years old and this worked perfectly. I was ready to throw it , followed every step and now works perfectly. Many thanks for taking the time to do this
Great tutorial on repairing a lighter. I don’t have a zippo but I will take this knowledge and apply it to my vintage lighter and see if I can get it up and running. Before this, I would have probably thought it was toast and discarded it. Who knows, in an hour I may have a functioning vintage light. Thks for the lesson!
I just inherited my grandfathers old Zippo collection. A few great pieces, currently working on trying to restore them all. Thanks for the video really helped!
Love your zippo knowledge and expertise! Found an old zippo at an antique store with my mom’s maiden name engraved on the lid and couldn’t refuse the $1.00 price tag .Regardless of it’s potential I bought it. Thanks to your help, I was able to polish, replace,refill everything within 15 mins of purchase and a successful flame on the first spin of the wheel!
Thanks for the tip on the wick ! A friend of mine gave me his dad's old zippo to fix and I've re-wicked it and everything but a couple of months later he says it stopped lighting and I'd tried everything, new flint, cleaning, checking the wick I noticed that there wasn't much material left on top for the fluid and it was just wiring, so I trimmed thoese wirring and pulled the wick out a little bit and BOOM! Works like a charm.
Ty, man I got one from my gf but after half a year the flint was fully used and thanks to you I had the guts to replace the missing flint with one of my brothers chinese knock off zippo
I received my Zippo in 1998, brand new.. Recently I had the idea to use it.. Flint was very stucked, I had to kick a bit hard and use. A cutter as lever to push it back . Thanks
Just a note, yes you can drill out any blockages, but I prefer to do it the way I talk about in the video to prevent any damage to the lighter, of course if your handy with a drill it makes the job quick and painless, lol but if your not handy you may just ruin the lighter...
Thanks for the tutorial on repairing and maintaining Zippo lighters. I have my Dad's that he carried during the Korean Conflict and used every day. I don't think the cotton was ever replaced, although I could be wrong. I did have to replace the steel wheel, even with cleared flint channel and new flint, there was no spark. Now she's functioning like she did when I was young... Got to love a 70 year old lighter that still works. Thanks again.
Years and years ago I bought a batch of old zippo's, 50's and 60's, six or so of them are still like this, figured that was the problem just didn't care enough to investigate, might need to revisit those four inserts... Appreciate the video! As for my oldest? 1943-45 (definitely later likely 45,) black crackle, flat top round bottom and a three barrel hinge, real charmer. every once in a while I'll put it in my pocket. But it's more a shelf sitter along with my GE mini zippo and a few other novelties.
My oldest zippo was made this year. It’s my only zippo. I got a cheap knockoff and I was hooked immediately and had to get a real one. I got the street chrome zippo for $10 at Walmart and I think I’ll be expanding that into a collection pretty quickly.
Found my Grandfathers old Zippo recently and I’m doing a referb on it. Having the same problem with the flint and will try to unclog with an Allen wrench like you showed.😊
Watched your video and learned a lot. I fixed an old Zippo I paid a dollar for. Now it's as good as new. It's marked J IV on the bottom. On the case it's marked USS VREELAND FF-1068. By the way I had to drill the blockage in the tube. I tried your method with the hex key, but no go. THANK YOU for your knowledge.
I appreciate this video. I had a 2000 Elvis lighter I came across in my storage and saw that the flint was all mucked up inside. I tapped and tapped just as described in the video for over 30 minutes and couldn't get it to break free. Finally I took a drill to it as another commenter commented and after about 5 minutes later it broke free. I replaced the flint and it works perfectly now. If I had continued with the tapping method; God only knows how long that would have taken.
Good vid. I use a sharp drill bit gently turned by hand to clear the tube. I also fill with fluid over the sink carefully and gradually until i get a single drip of fluid off the wick---that way i know the wick is wet and will not burn the wick material itself. Newer wicks are glass composite and don't seem to burn up as easily as old style cotton wicks. New Zippo brand replacement wicks are cheap online or in cigar stores. Thanks for the heads up on Flitz! Ps. If you got a '43-'49, 3-barrel Zippo for $2, you got a GREAT deal! Pps. I use a gun-cleaning brass or bronze toothbrush to clean the carbon staining and crud off the chimney etc. It also burnishes the chimney and gives a great antiqued look!
I actually have my grandfather's zippo its from the early 70s it still works great nothing wrong with it and i still use it for my cigars i love the old zippos there the best lighter ever produced and they go through hell and still keep on going love them
This video is so weird, because today, I was going through my grandpas old stuff, and found an old zippo. Cool, but I also found one of those Gerber multitools he has there
Very helpful! I got 4 vintage zippos in a grab bag in a liquidation sale, couldn't figure out what was wrong with it, but it did in fact have the clogged flint dust as mentioned. Going to track down a replacement flint now, thanks for the helpful directions
Thanks for the video and tips! I never realized my problem was the old flint turned sideways (like you mentioned) and the new flint and spring jammed it up against the wheel and kept it from spinning. Cleaned it out with a hex key and my 2005 Zippo is good as new! Thanks again!
I was facing the same issue with my old used Zippo..flint not able to touch the roller bcz of blockage..I cleaned the blockage ..need lots of patients though 😃..but it is functional now thanks for giving confidence and making me believe...and it worked out for me ..Zippo is functional now 👍 thank buds 👍👍🙏🥂
I found my Zippo at a thrift shop for $5 and had to do this with it. I later found out, from your zippo dating video, that it was a 1971 zippo. I cleaned out the flint dust. Later I sent it with my brother on a road trip to the North East and he had the zippo ppl fix the hinge play. (I know you know about the warranty on zippos, just mentioning that I sent mine to the zippo ppl. lol) also worth noting that when my brother took my zippo to have it fixed, they replaced the entire insert and gave him the old one in a bag.
Had the exact problem with a 1990 Camel Zippo. Actually had to finally resort to using an electric screwdriver which I fitted with a fine drill bit. Carefully ground through the old jammed flint as it’s softer than the HSS drill and finally got the flint tube clear. Lighter now works perfectly! Useful video
Using those tiny wirebrushes for metal straws might work for this today, not sure those even existed 5 years ago but still a great video. Absolutely love my zippo and these videos have saved me so many times!
Thank you man thishelped me fixed my zippo. It is my first zippo ever and it is a bit older but never was used. Given to me from my late grandfather. Than you ao much it means a lot!
thank you thank you thank you i know this is a really old video but i was working on fixing my grandpa’s old lighter for my dad and was having this exact problem so this was super helpful!
I just bought a Zippo off of eBay and it the wheel wouldn't turn it all yours was the first video I turn to and your video help me fix my Zippo so thank you very much great video.
Totally used a safety pin that I bent at the tip to come in from the top of the flint reservoir and it was sooooo much easier! Wish I would have found this video first, but just a heads up! Plus because it’s sharp at the tip, so it can kind of carve into the stuck-on flint residue to loosen faster.
Thanks for the video! I've had a really old evans lighter that i got from my grandma that never worked but after clearing the flint tube it worked like a champ
Great lesson I found I had no flint left so i took a bic apart an used that long flint 2wice the length and it works great, So if u run out of flints u can use one from any old bic , this helped a lot to understand how zippo works 👍
Thank you! My Zippo is a circa 80s to 90s Harley Davidson "1961" edition in brass that was sitting forgotten in a drawer for at least 20 yrs. I took out the insert and then took to the dirty and tarnished outside. I cleaned it up, and then hit it with my favorite product for such things - Mothers Mag Polish. Turned out beautifully! I was ordering flints for it, when I came across the butane insert. Wow! What a piece of art! Looks exactly like what it is, a machined and polished piece of precision. And while it's fun and really cool to have an old lighter with an unexpected, beautiful, butane jet flame - I still want to show my grandson how the original works. I have the exact issue with the flint in mine and I thank you for this video. Oh, and on the warranty - it totally reminds me of the warranty on the classic Cross pens and pencils. I feel the same way about my new/old vintage revolvers. Perfectly designed pieces of American function and art. Love these American companies that have Made In America products for which they have great pride. 🇺🇲
My oldest Zippo is from the 80s. But the one I commonly use is from "I XIV", i.e. September 1998. I had the problem spoken about in the video. The old flint was canted and didn't drop out easily. I pushed it against the wheel and spent a few minutes sparking it. It fell out afterwards. :)
“I know this video is a little older now but…” I recently bought a Jack Daniels chrome zippo J 2003 that had been abused and had a broken cam spring I’ve now cleaned it thoroughly and have ordered a new cam spring myself to replace it. Im not sure if they wasn’t available 5 years ago but I can’t find any part That you can’t find to repair a zippo now?. I have even found places that sell the panel beating dolly’s for if you crush or bend them in all shapes for the insert and the case and lid. I’ve also found clamp blocks for you to remove and replace the striker wheel and cam itself. I don’t know if you have made more videos on that sort of thing as it’s my first time watching but they are all available now if you don’t want to send to zippo “I personally enjoy doing it myself and appreciate using my skill to clean and maintain them” but I really appreciate the idea for the flint tube I never thought of that wile cleaning it’s a very handy idea 👍🏻.
Just scored a 1950 Niagara Falls Zippo that had this issue! So thanks for that I used an Allen key too that happened to be on my desk while watching your video and now it works like a charm. Unfortunately I snapped the camp spring while trying to repair it.
Can I stretch the spring, I don't think it presses enough flint? I've had that lighter for 10 years, now it won't work, although I've changed everything, new and original.
I have my father's old Park Lighter. It's probably over 60 years old. I remember as a young girl my dad using it because it's one of the park lighter's that's engraved with flowers and what looks like vines. The flint spins. I found your video and honestly I wish I could repair it the way you showed but my confidence isn't there and it's too valuable because it was my dads and I don't want to ruin the lighter. Do you repair lighter's for customers? Or could you recommend a reputable business that repairs lighters. I don't think Zippo would repair a Park Lighter. Your thoughts. Thank you!
I flipped mine over, took the spring out and put a little squirt of lighter fluid in the flint hole. Let it sit a couple minutes then put the jagged end of a broken toothpick in the whole and spun it with my fingers. Afterwards I lit the toothpick and it made a mini sparkler for a few seconds 😂
Damn! I just spent £13:99 on a new brass insert, and they sent the wrong one (sent a pipe insert). So, I guess I have two. Now all I need is a pipe. Helpful video. Should have checked TH-cam last night.
Newer comment but.. When I'm using a zippo, every time I open it, the "inner" zippo loves to raise up a bit. I have to push it down after a while or the zippo lid won't close properly. The zippo I'm using isn't that old or anything but I found a video about squeezing the actual outer layer of the zippo with some pliers to prevent this but it's not really working that well. Any tips?
My flint was jammed in there. I watched this and went at it again. A small drill bit with some light pliers as a hammer did the trick. Took about 30 or 40 whacks spaced out about 30 minutes.
Instead of starting with an Allen wrench, I used a lady's hat pin. It "appeared" to work but there was still crud blocking the path of a fresh flint. I discovered the butt end of a 7/64" drill bit; simply pushing it up to the wheel from the flint entrance hole did the trick. (the hole just happens to be 7/64") Another lighter who's wheel was absolutely married to the defective flint, I put in a few drops of WD-40 and let it stand upside down over night then using the 7/64" drill bit (again butt end first so as to preserve the bit's sharp end) restored it the rest of the way.
I'm thinking just the right size sharp drill bit in a Dremel or drill at low speed would be easier to clean out the flint tube, but I could be wrong. Good point about the old flint & the guarantee.
I have a newer Zippo and since new no matter what I do I have to strike it about 10 times for a larger spark for it to light. stretched the spring and checked that the flints in contact but still doesn't seem to have much pressure on the wheel. ...even cleaned the grooves on the wheel with a wire brush. Any suggestions????
@Aaron T Thanks, Been using Zippo's better part of 38 years and this ones wheel seems too high no matter how I stretch the spring it has a light strike and not the grind it should when rolling the flint. I sent back 2 Zippo before with other past lighters and about 4 Months without my Trusty Lighter by my side, that part sucks!
I guess this is the best video about zippo, well done man i did the same all the time, it drove me crazy when i got my first old zippo, would you suggest to get the stuff out while collecting your zippos?
Yes the thing that you are referring to as a spacer which I'm a collector of many Zippos and other vintage lighters like the Penguin and others all have that.It is not to keep even pressure on the Flint its to protect the end of the spring from getting messed up when the flint wears out an you spin the flint wheel which would bend the spring and wedge it up between the Flint wheel and body of the Zippo n also it's kind of a bearing so when you screw the spring in it doesn't twist up you know cuz you can actually hold it and twist and the spring will twist around it so it won't mess it up
Although that does makes sense ive been told by Zippo employees the purpose was for the proper pressure but just because they work there doesnt mean they know what they are talking about lol...It does keep proper pressure for striking the flint but without it they could have made the spring differently to work well...
Yeah I just have lighters from the sixties and they don't even have that you know and it strikes and lights every time without it and only one Flint just got to be careful when the Flint wears out that it don't grab the spring and muff it up
Hi, this video is pretty old but, I came across an old zippo lighter and it’s missing the screw and spring part, I was wondering where I can find a new one
Very good tutorial. I had to clear blockages as you describe on 3 brand-new Zippos that I had kept in storage. The blockage was so stubborn that I had to use a dremel tool being very careful not to damage the flint-wheel as the blockage was being cleared. My current problem with the Zippo I daily use is a very lose lid hinge. I don't know if this is due to wear in the hinge pin or its braces. Is there a home repair I can do before considering returning to Zippo?
My oldest Zippo is 1962. It was given to my Grandfather as a 25 anniversary gift from his coworkers. It has the company logo and an engraving of the back. I really didn't know any of the story of the Zippo until recently. My Mother found a guy who was friends and coworkers with him who was able to give us the story behind it, it's really a treasure to me!
Thanks for this video. I had a very strange thing happen to me two days ago. I found my lost zippo that isn’t that old. I got it from Marlboro miles a few years ago. We moved it got lost for a few years. I found it and cleaned it up as best I could. I replaced the flint and filled it up with regular lighter fluid not the zippo brand and kept it in a bath robe made of terry cloth because it’s cold here and it’s all I had to keep me warm outside. I was sitting in a chair outside not even smoking at the time and my robe started to catch on fire. I was on fire! The front started with blue flames and I was able to put it out by hand but then it would start up again and went all the way around me. The flames went from front to back even as I was sitting in the chair before it hit me that new flames in different spots were starting up over and over. How in the world did it burn my robe in the back and not burn the chair. I put the flames out by hand as best I could, took it off and threw it across the yard. I didn’t get hurt/burned but I’m still so confused as to what exactly happened. I wish I could send a picture of that robe. Weirdest thing ever. I’m confused and everyone I show it to is also very puzzled as to how that happened. Now, I’m scared of my Zippo and I’m afraid to bring it in the house. Robe, flammable, zippo flammable I know but I don’t understand what exactly happened? Keeping it in my robe pocket? The fumes? Any theories as to what could have happened?
Lucky you didn't get burned! I have the same Marlboro branded Zippo and the hinge has just gone, hence I'm searching for repair tips. Looks like I'll have to return mine to Zippo. As for what happened to you, my guess is that the lighter was overfilled and leaked onto your robe. As to why it caught fire, that's a complete mystery but perhaps it could have been static electricity? I'll think twice about popping my Zippo into my robe pocket now!
Someone had to say it, ffs. If I could upvote this comment more than once, I would. Jeff, I love you man, but you aren't half as clever as you think you are if you spent half an hour chipping at the blockage with a blunt Allen wrench.
I also have a 45-1946 zippo with the 1st marine division logo and “Guadalcanal” on it. Was a ww2 vets lighter who was on the canal. Has his initials and rank on it. The wheel no longer spins and doesn’t have the space between the flint and wheel. Kinda nervous to send it out to zippo but gonna have to I think
~I have a Zippo Lighter that I bought in Vietnam in 1973 . I still use it and it works fine. I've never had to send it back to Zippo.
bought in 1973? Wow! How old are you?
WOW. awesome! Do you have fotos?
Nice man! I have a ww2 veterans lighter with the 1st marine div symbol on it with his rank and initials. The wheel locked up on me. Might have to send her out but hoping they don’t have to replace the original inset
It is impressive reading about Zippo lighters working relentlessly over many years. Thank you sir, for sharing!
Valar Morghulis someone probably had it lit for atlest 5 or 10 minutes and it warped and locked the wheel
73 year old Zippo and this guy gets it to work, shows us how to fix the main problems with old Zippos and gives us a nice little hack (Which I'm sure I'll use at some point) to boot. Great video. This stuff is why I love youtube.
yes👍
Mass production requires mass buyers who buy mass quantities.
My boyfriend (now husband) gave me a Zippo when I was 18 (now 61). I recently found it again but since I quit smoking 40 years ago it wouldn't light. Thanks to your video my husband was able to restore it and it works perfectly now!! Thank you!
Smoke up, Johnny!
Great video - had this problem with my dad's circa 1955 Zippo. Now it's working like a champ. My dad would be proud!
Bought a Zippo from a Flea Market, it’s a 1968... This was the problem, randomly stumbled across this video. Thanks, I can now use it!
I had that exact problem. I bought an old Beattie Jet lighter and the flint had deteriated and resolidified. I used a very small drill bit by hand and I was able to clear it. Works like a charm now. Great video. 👍
Thank you!! I REALLY needed this bc I found my dad's old zippo and I wanted to restore it. Then there there this thing with the flint. I it blocked it and with your help it got out! Now it works again! Thank you so much!
I found an old Zippo lighter of my grandfather's and wanted to get it working again. Turns out it had the same problem of clogged old flint so I used a hex key like you said and it did the trick! Works like new, thanks!
I have my Dad's brass Zippo from 1942 when he was in the Navy. The bottom was flat, no indentation and had the Zippo trademarks that corresponded with that year. It is a family heirloom that I inherited when Dad died in 1994. All parts can be repaired in the insert, and the hinge can be repaired if you are good with silver bearing solder and a jewlers torch. The spring can be filed to fit if you have the recoil starter spring from a lawn mower. The flint spring can be used from a Bic lighter, just cut it to length. I had to refurbish that lighter shortly after I found that Zippo would just replace the insert with a modern equivalent - ruining the collectability of the lighter. Just be careful with the jewler's torch as you do not want to get the brass too hot and ruin the brass case. Silver bearing solder (30%) if you can find it, or use an old silver coin that is really worn down. A little skill, and some ingenuity, and you can repair anything. I once repaired the brush holders in a starter for the 1966 Dodge D-200 I own that way. Replacement starters (oem or rebuilt) are almost unobtainium for that model engine, so I had to get creative. That was almost 8 years ago, and she still starts today.
Anything can be fixed if you can have the patience to do it.
Nice! I just got my grandfathers Zippo. It's 22 years old and hasn't been used in forever. This video helps me out so much. Thank you
Brilliant channel I've got zippo with a clogged flint chamber and you've just helped me salve it thank you
I have a zippo my grandpa bought in Greenland in the 50es. Thanks for the good advise
Thanks, Your videos really helped me. My wheel didnt turn, put a new flit in the zippo, it turned until i screwed the flint tight, then it turned no more. after watching Your videos I took the flint out again and I noticed, that there was a little rest of the old flint blocking the wheel. Snapped it out and there You go! Stay well!
I just bought a 2001 Harley davidson gear zippo (pewter front) for $15. The wheel was stuck and the front looked like someone painted it or left it in water. It was a mess. After a couple hours of cleaning and fixing, it looks and works like new. Appreciate this video and helping me figure out what was wrong with it.
Thanks! The Zippo I carried with me during OIF in 2003 was sitting on a shelf for the last 20 years and I discovered the wheel was stuck fast. You showed me how to fix it, works great now. I appreciate the video.
I have a couple of old zips. They had been in the safe for years. I went to light and the wheel wouldn’t spin. Then it spun freely. Thanks to you I think I found my problem.
hey! Thank you for this. Following your instructions I fixed my zippo which I inherited from my Dad (stamped 1950)!! Very meaningful to see it working again. Thanks!
I just did everything in this video and fully restored my Zippo I got for Christmas in 1990. Thank you thank you
Thanks this was fabulously helpful. My zippo is 20 years old and this worked perfectly. I was ready to throw it , followed every step and now works perfectly. Many thanks for taking the time to do this
Brilliant! Exactly what was wrong with mine which is 45 years old. I made a tool out of a paper clip and it broke the dust up perfectly! Thanks!
Great tutorial on repairing a lighter. I don’t have a zippo but I will take this knowledge and apply it to my vintage lighter and see if I can get it up and running. Before this, I would have probably thought it was toast and discarded it. Who knows, in an hour I may have a functioning vintage light. Thks for the lesson!
I just inherited my grandfathers old Zippo collection. A few great pieces, currently working on trying to restore them all. Thanks for the video really helped!
Love your zippo knowledge and expertise! Found an old zippo at an antique store with my mom’s maiden name engraved on the lid and couldn’t refuse the $1.00 price tag .Regardless of it’s potential I bought it. Thanks to your help, I was able to polish, replace,refill everything within 15 mins of purchase and a successful flame on the first spin of the wheel!
I bought an old zippo 1970 and this was the problem with it thank God for you bro bro
Thanks for the tip on the wick ! A friend of mine gave me his dad's old zippo to fix and I've re-wicked it and everything but a couple of months later he says it stopped lighting and I'd tried everything, new flint, cleaning, checking the wick I noticed that there wasn't much material left on top for the fluid and it was just wiring, so I trimmed thoese wirring and pulled the wick out a little bit and BOOM! Works like a charm.
Ty, man I got one from my gf but after half a year the flint was fully used and thanks to you I had the guts to replace the missing flint with one of my brothers chinese knock off zippo
Well done sir! I've just used your idea to fix my friends Dad's old lighter. Should have seen all the grey dust the fell out!
I received my Zippo in 1998, brand new.. Recently I had the idea to use it.. Flint was very stucked, I had to kick a bit hard and use. A cutter as lever to push it back . Thanks
Just a note, yes you can drill out any blockages, but I prefer to do it the way I talk about in the video to prevent any damage to the lighter, of course if your handy with a drill it makes the job quick and painless, lol but if your not handy you may just ruin the lighter...
Just use the drill bit without the drill. Turn the bit by hand and the point will help cutting out the flint dust.
Thanks for the tutorial on repairing and maintaining Zippo lighters. I have my Dad's that he carried during the Korean Conflict and used every day. I don't think the cotton was ever replaced, although I could be wrong. I did have to replace the steel wheel, even with cleared flint channel and new flint, there was no spark. Now she's functioning like she did when I was young... Got to love a 70 year old lighter that still works. Thanks again.
Years and years ago I bought a batch of old zippo's, 50's and 60's, six or so of them are still like this, figured that was the problem just didn't care enough to investigate, might need to revisit those four inserts... Appreciate the video! As for my oldest? 1943-45 (definitely later likely 45,) black crackle, flat top round bottom and a three barrel hinge, real charmer. every once in a while I'll put it in my pocket. But it's more a shelf sitter along with my GE mini zippo and a few other novelties.
Thank you for this tip. Had the same issue with my Zippo and now it is fixed.
My oldest zippo was made this year. It’s my only zippo. I got a cheap knockoff and I was hooked immediately and had to get a real one. I got the street chrome zippo for $10 at Walmart and I think I’ll be expanding that into a collection pretty quickly.
I bought a 10 dollar zippo too, nothing fancy but it works great, as good as the pricier ones.
Found my Grandfathers old Zippo recently and I’m doing a referb on it. Having the same problem with the flint and will try to unclog with an Allen wrench like you showed.😊
Watched your video and learned a lot. I fixed an old Zippo I paid a dollar for. Now it's as good as new. It's marked J IV on the bottom. On the case it's marked USS VREELAND FF-1068. By the way I had to drill the blockage in the tube. I tried your method with the hex key, but no go. THANK YOU for your knowledge.
That was exactly what i needed to fix my grandpas zippo he had durring the Korean war. Thank you so much for the helpful video
Thank you rhus was incredibly helpful I've finaly fixed my 1962 zippo
I appreciate this video. I had a 2000 Elvis lighter I came across in my storage and saw that the flint was all mucked up inside. I tapped and tapped just as described in the video for over 30 minutes and couldn't get it to break free. Finally I took a drill to it as another commenter commented and after about 5 minutes later it broke free. I replaced the flint and it works perfectly now. If I had continued with the tapping method; God only knows how long that would have taken.
Good vid. I use a sharp drill bit gently turned by hand to clear the tube. I also fill with fluid over the sink carefully and gradually until i get a single drip of fluid off the wick---that way i know the wick is wet and will not burn the wick material itself. Newer wicks are glass composite and don't seem to burn up as easily as old style cotton wicks. New Zippo brand replacement wicks are cheap online or in cigar stores. Thanks for the heads up on Flitz!
Ps. If you got a '43-'49, 3-barrel Zippo for $2, you got a GREAT deal!
Pps. I use a gun-cleaning brass or bronze toothbrush to clean the carbon staining and crud off the chimney etc. It also burnishes the chimney and gives a great antiqued look!
Lifesaving video. Answered all my questions!
I actually have my grandfather's zippo its from the early 70s it still works great nothing wrong with it and i still use it for my cigars i love the old zippos there the best lighter ever produced and they go through hell and still keep on going love them
Thank you for this, Great video. Its was sat in a draw for years, now back in my pocket.
This video is so weird, because today, I was going through my grandpas old stuff, and found an old zippo. Cool, but I also found one of those Gerber multitools he has there
Same😂
I found my grandpas old zippo too, it has all of my grandpa and grandmas date, dates on it
That’s family treasures. Always keep your grandpa’s stuff and pass it down the family. Of course, you do what you want to do. Lol
Very helpful! I got 4 vintage zippos in a grab bag in a liquidation sale, couldn't figure out what was wrong with it, but it did in fact have the clogged flint dust as mentioned. Going to track down a replacement flint now, thanks for the helpful directions
Thanks for the video and tips! I never realized my problem was the old flint turned sideways (like you mentioned) and the new flint and spring jammed it up against the wheel and kept it from spinning. Cleaned it out with a hex key and my 2005 Zippo is good as new! Thanks again!
Thank you for your practical approach to demonstrating how to refurbish. Newbie with my mother’s lighter so you explained how to begin. Thank you!!
no problem glad it was helpful :)
I was facing the same issue with my old used Zippo..flint not able to touch the roller bcz of blockage..I cleaned the blockage ..need lots of patients though 😃..but it is functional now thanks for giving confidence and making me believe...and it worked out for me ..Zippo is functional now 👍 thank buds 👍👍🙏🥂
I found my Zippo at a thrift shop for $5 and had to do this with it. I later found out, from your zippo dating video, that it was a 1971 zippo. I cleaned out the flint dust. Later I sent it with my brother on a road trip to the North East and he had the zippo ppl fix the hinge play. (I know you know about the warranty on zippos, just mentioning that I sent mine to the zippo ppl. lol)
also worth noting that when my brother took my zippo to have it fixed, they replaced the entire insert and gave him the old one in a bag.
Had the exact problem with a 1990 Camel Zippo. Actually had to finally resort to using an electric screwdriver which I fitted with a fine drill bit. Carefully ground through the old jammed flint as it’s softer than the HSS drill and finally got the flint tube clear. Lighter now works perfectly! Useful video
Rubbish.
Being thrifty doesn't help factory production.
Just get over your thrifty sickness.
Using those tiny wirebrushes for metal straws might work for this today, not sure those even existed 5 years ago but still a great video.
Absolutely love my zippo and these videos have saved me so many times!
Thank you man thishelped me fixed my zippo. It is my first zippo ever and it is a bit older but never was used. Given to me from my late grandfather. Than you ao much it means a lot!
Thanks for the video I just about did something stupid and threw my Zippo away it was exactly as you said and now it works great. You're the man
Very Helpful and Thank You for Sharing with Us !!!!
My Zippo's Outer Case is Marked
(C 2000 XVI).
The Inner Case is Marked (F XVI).
thank you thank you thank you i know this is a really old video but i was working on fixing my grandpa’s old lighter for my dad and was having this exact problem so this was super helpful!
Im glad to hear it helped :)
Thanks man, this video was super helpful. I am trying to fix a Zippo my dad gave me and i now know how to fix it
Great vide. I’ve got a 1956 on my hands, giving me the same failure to seat on the flint. Good info!
Did anybody else read this out loud like a proper Englishman ?
love your zippo videos. Ive had this problem before, used i think a 4mm drill bit and just drilled it out.
I just bought a Zippo off of eBay and it the wheel wouldn't turn it all yours was the first video I turn to and your video help me fix my Zippo so thank you very much great video.
Totally used a safety pin that I bent at the tip to come in from the top of the flint reservoir and it was sooooo much easier! Wish I would have found this video first, but just a heads up! Plus because it’s sharp at the tip, so it can kind of carve into the stuck-on flint residue to loosen faster.
Thanks for the video! I've had a really old evans lighter that i got from my grandma that never worked but after clearing the flint tube it worked like a champ
Great lesson I found I had no flint left so i took a bic apart an used that long flint 2wice the length and it works great,
So if u run out of flints u can use one from any old bic , this helped a lot to understand how zippo works 👍
Thank you! My Zippo is a circa 80s to 90s Harley Davidson "1961" edition in brass that was sitting forgotten in a drawer for at least 20 yrs. I took out the insert and then took to the dirty and tarnished outside. I cleaned it up, and then hit it with my favorite product for such things - Mothers Mag Polish. Turned out beautifully!
I was ordering flints for it, when I came across the butane insert. Wow! What a piece of art! Looks exactly like what it is, a machined and polished piece of precision.
And while it's fun and really cool to have an old lighter with an unexpected, beautiful, butane jet flame - I still want to show my grandson how the original works.
I have the exact issue with the flint in mine and I thank you for this video.
Oh, and on the warranty - it totally reminds me of the warranty on the classic Cross pens and pencils.
I feel the same way about my new/old vintage revolvers. Perfectly designed pieces of American function and art.
Love these American companies that have Made In America products for which they have great pride. 🇺🇲
My oldest Zippo is from the 80s. But the one I commonly use is from "I XIV", i.e. September 1998.
I had the problem spoken about in the video. The old flint was canted and didn't drop out easily. I pushed it against the wheel and spent a few minutes sparking it. It fell out afterwards. :)
I went thru 3 videos on how to fix my pipe tobacco zippo light until I found yours. Thanks for this video got it fixed.
I've got a 2003 Chevrolet belar zippo with some surface fade what's the value you think
Cam springs are the first to rust and break apart after some neglects. I pay close attention to those while refurbishing my old zippo lighters
this video was amazing it helped me fix my pop pops old lighter i just want to say thanks!
When I have bought old lighters that have a flint stuck in them, I have pushed a small drill bit up the shaft and given it a few twists., Works well.
I just bought a zippo slim at an antique shop it’s from 1962..it’s in perfect condition it still works perfectly
“I know this video is a little older now but…” I recently bought a Jack Daniels chrome zippo J 2003 that had been abused and had a broken cam spring I’ve now cleaned it thoroughly and have ordered a new cam spring myself to replace it. Im not sure if they wasn’t available 5 years ago but I can’t find any part That you can’t find to repair a zippo now?. I have even found places that sell the panel beating dolly’s for if you crush or bend them in all shapes for the insert and the case and lid. I’ve also found clamp blocks for you to remove and replace the striker wheel and cam itself. I don’t know if you have made more videos on that sort of thing as it’s my first time watching but they are all available now if you don’t want to send to zippo “I personally enjoy doing it myself and appreciate using my skill to clean and maintain them” but I really appreciate the idea for the flint tube I never thought of that wile cleaning it’s a very handy idea 👍🏻.
Just scored a 1950 Niagara Falls Zippo that had this issue! So thanks for that I used an Allen key too that happened to be on my desk while watching your video and now it works like a charm. Unfortunately I snapped the camp spring while trying to repair it.
READ THIS
An app called FIX THE ITEM has stolen audio and used it in their ad
Yep
I’ve viewed a few of these type of videos. This video by far is the best one I’ve seen. Very informative! Thanks.
Can I stretch the spring, I don't think it presses enough flint? I've had that lighter for 10 years, now it won't work, although I've changed everything, new and original.
I have my father's old Park Lighter. It's probably over 60 years old. I remember as a young girl my dad using it because it's one of the park lighter's that's engraved with flowers and what looks like vines. The flint spins. I found your video and honestly I wish I could repair it the way you showed but my confidence isn't there and it's too valuable because it was my dads and I don't want to ruin the lighter. Do you repair lighter's for customers? Or could you recommend a reputable business that repairs lighters. I don't think Zippo would repair a Park Lighter. Your thoughts. Thank you!
Hey I just got your message and replied back on IG :)
I flipped mine over, took the spring out and put a little squirt of lighter fluid in the flint hole. Let it sit a couple minutes then put the jagged end of a broken toothpick in the whole and spun it with my fingers.
Afterwards I lit the toothpick and it made a mini sparkler for a few seconds 😂
Damn! I just spent £13:99 on a new brass insert, and they sent the wrong one (sent a pipe insert).
So, I guess I have two. Now all I need is a pipe.
Helpful video. Should have checked TH-cam last night.
Newer comment but.. When I'm using a zippo, every time I open it, the "inner" zippo loves to raise up a bit. I have to push it down after a while or the zippo lid won't close properly. The zippo I'm using isn't that old or anything but I found a video about squeezing the actual outer layer of the zippo with some pliers to prevent this but it's not really working that well. Any tips?
I have one from 38 and I just repaired it thanks to your video
My flint was jammed in there. I watched this and went at it again. A small drill bit with some light pliers as a hammer did the trick. Took about 30 or 40 whacks spaced out about 30 minutes.
Thanks to this video I now have two working insets. I ended up using a drill because the flints were cemented in pretty good
Ive finger turned a small drill bit to get the bad flint out, worked like a champ
Instead of starting with an Allen wrench, I used a lady's hat pin. It "appeared" to work but there was still crud blocking the path of a fresh flint. I discovered the butt end of a 7/64" drill bit; simply pushing it up to the wheel from the flint entrance hole did the trick. (the hole just happens to be 7/64")
Another lighter who's wheel was absolutely married to the defective flint, I put in a few drops of WD-40 and let it stand upside down over night then using the 7/64" drill bit (again butt end first so as to preserve the bit's sharp end) restored it the rest of the way.
I'm thinking just the right size sharp drill bit in a Dremel or drill at low speed would be easier to clean out the flint tube, but I could be wrong. Good point about the old flint & the guarantee.
Very very wrong. When the bit hits the flint it bounces. Much easier to just use zippos lifetime warranty
Just acquired a 1938 zippo chrome is worn but still in great shape in my opinion
I have a newer Zippo and since new no matter what I do I have to strike it about 10 times for a larger spark for it to light.
stretched the spring and checked that the flints in contact but still doesn't seem to have much pressure on the wheel. ...even cleaned the grooves on the wheel with a wire brush.
Any suggestions????
@Aaron T Thanks,
Been using Zippo's better part of 38 years and this ones wheel seems too high no matter how I stretch the spring it has a light strike and not the grind it should when rolling the flint.
I sent back 2 Zippo before with other past lighters and about 4 Months without my Trusty Lighter by my side, that part sucks!
Yo thanks for the tip I got a old lighter a little bit ago and never knew this and it was completely blocked
I guess this is the best video about zippo, well done man i did the same all the time, it drove me crazy when i got my first old zippo, would you suggest to get the stuff out while collecting your zippos?
Yes the thing that you are referring to as a spacer which I'm a collector of many Zippos and other vintage lighters like the Penguin and others all have that.It is not to keep even pressure on the Flint its to protect the end of the spring from getting messed up when the flint wears out an you spin the flint wheel which would bend the spring and wedge it up between the Flint wheel and body of the Zippo n also it's kind of a bearing so when you screw the spring in it doesn't twist up you know cuz you can actually hold it and twist and the spring will twist around it so it won't mess it up
Although that does makes sense ive been told by Zippo employees the purpose was for the proper pressure but just because they work there doesnt mean they know what they are talking about lol...It does keep proper pressure for striking the flint but without it they could have made the spring differently to work well...
Yeah I just have lighters from the sixties and they don't even have that you know and it strikes and lights every time without it and only one Flint just got to be careful when the Flint wears out that it don't grab the spring and muff it up
@@troymays6300 I do appreciate the comment it does make sense and probably does play a role in that piece being in there :)
I bought a small carbide drill bit just under the tube size and chuck it in my drill and presto it's clear...
Thanks, this helped me fix an old camel lighter I picked up at a garage sale.
Hi, this video is pretty old but, I came across an old zippo lighter and it’s missing the screw and spring part, I was wondering where I can find a new one
Very good tutorial. I had to clear blockages as you describe on 3 brand-new Zippos that I had kept in storage. The blockage was so stubborn that I had to use a dremel tool being very careful not to damage the flint-wheel as the blockage was being cleared. My current problem with the Zippo I daily use is a very lose lid hinge. I don't know if this is due to wear in the hinge pin or its braces. Is there a home repair I can do before considering returning to Zippo?
My oldest Zippo is 1962. It was given to my Grandfather as a 25 anniversary gift from his coworkers. It has the company logo and an engraving of the back. I really didn't know any of the story of the Zippo until recently. My Mother found a guy who was friends and coworkers with him who was able to give us the story behind it, it's really a treasure to me!
Useful video! How often do you refuel your zippo? Want to compare it to how often I refill mine.
You're a lifesaver!
Thank you very much for this incredibly useful video!
Thanks for this video. I had a very strange thing happen to me two days ago. I found my lost zippo that isn’t that old. I got it from Marlboro miles a few years ago. We moved it got lost for a few years. I found it and cleaned it up as best I could. I replaced the flint and filled it up with regular lighter fluid not the zippo brand and kept it in a bath robe made of terry cloth because it’s cold here and it’s all I had to keep me warm outside. I was sitting in a chair outside not even smoking at the time and my robe started to catch on fire. I was on fire! The front started with blue flames and I was able to put it out by hand but then it would start up again and went all the way around me. The flames went from front to back even as I was sitting in the chair before it hit me that new flames in different spots were starting up over and over. How in the world did it burn my robe in the back and not burn the chair. I put the flames out by hand as best I could, took it off and threw it across the yard. I didn’t get hurt/burned but I’m still so confused as to what exactly happened. I wish I could send a picture of that robe. Weirdest thing ever. I’m confused and everyone I show it to is also very puzzled as to how that happened. Now, I’m scared of my Zippo and I’m afraid to bring it in the house. Robe, flammable, zippo flammable I know but I don’t understand what exactly happened? Keeping it in my robe pocket? The fumes? Any theories as to what could have happened?
Lucky you didn't get burned! I have the same Marlboro branded Zippo and the hinge has just gone, hence I'm searching for repair tips. Looks like I'll have to return mine to Zippo. As for what happened to you, my guess is that the lighter was overfilled and leaked onto your robe. As to why it caught fire, that's a complete mystery but perhaps it could have been static electricity? I'll think twice about popping my Zippo into my robe pocket now!
I drill out the flint takes seconds
Someone had to say it, ffs. If I could upvote this comment more than once, I would.
Jeff, I love you man, but you aren't half as clever as you think you are if you spent half an hour chipping at the blockage with a blunt Allen wrench.
i used just a drill bit and turned it by hand since i didnt want to hurt the tube, took maybe 30 sec but no damage done
Lookinformemarbles thanks I tried his method and I got no where, then I tried this and it worked in seconds.
I thought of it but to me it seemed kinda risky.
I was wondering if I could use a drillbit.. thanks for the comments
I also have a 45-1946 zippo with the 1st marine division logo and “Guadalcanal” on it. Was a ww2 vets lighter who was on the canal. Has his initials and rank on it. The wheel no longer spins and doesn’t have the space between the flint and wheel. Kinda nervous to send it out to zippo but gonna have to I think
thanks my flint tube was jammed up saw your video cleaned it out with a bobby pin 📍 now it works fine again thanks bro zippo ski !!