Zippo Handwarmers

[TheRover]

I bought a Zippo recently but had trouble getting the thing to ignite first time, although when it did fire up it was extremely warm for hours. Tried lighting it again recently without success...I'm using generic lighter fuel, can't remember the name....will this thing only work properly with Zippo lighter fuel?

David

[GaryBeaner]

Hi David,
I bought one in October and at first thought I was doing something wrong because it didn't seem to want to stay lit, but after a little patience I've found that even with cheapo lighter fuel as long as you leave it to burn for 30-40 seconds before you put the first cap thing on then It's normally OK to put the big cap on.

[TheRover]

Thanks Gary, I thought I might have bought a dud but I've looked around the net and it seems that others have trouble lighting them...they may just need a good breaking in!

[Hushwing]

Hi David and Gary,
Just recently got one of these zippo handwarmers to help with the all day bird counts I do; and have had similar experiences. Like you have found on the net there seems to be a slight break-in period. But have found that after lighting it (on the wee cap - for a count of at least 5-6 secs) if you stand it with the big cap (the 'holey' one) off it gets its heat up and goes on for ages. If it appears to be cooling slightly - pull the big cap off and let the air to it (usually see a bit of a small glow) for a few seconds and it heats again. Don't however, stand it without the big cap and forget about it - because it gets roasting ie too hot to pick up!! Having worked out how to get it going I have found it superb. Nice shape. And it is so shinyyyyyy!!!!! Are Zippo lighters any good for outdoors or are there better ones to use.