Reuse old zippo?

Question

I just found an old Zippo from when my grandfather was on the Roosevelt, I want to reuse it. I know it's a zippo because the inside reads "For best results use zippo flints and fluids". ANy one let me know how to refill it/replace wick? Also I think it's made of copper or whatever pennys are made of since thats what my hands smell like, so how do i clean it?

Answer 1

First, it is probably made of brass not copper.

Second, I am not sure that Zippo will cover the repairs associated with this lighter since most of them seem cosmetic. They will not replace a consumable like wick, flints, fluid, etc.

Zippos are very resillient and really need 3 things replaced to be functional again, assuming that the latch and flint wheel is good.

1. Put a new wick in it. Since the old one is probably completely charred and lost its ability to hold a flame.

2. Put new packing in it. Zippo puts 5 cotton balls in every lighter. Just standard cotton balls.

3. Put a new flint in it. This is simple, unscrew the spring from the flint chamber and drop a new one in.

And obviously fluid. Zippo sells wicks, flints, and fluid, just check your local stores.

Answer 2

IF you decide to send it to ZIPPO, INSURE IT.  I sent a keepsake lighter for them to repair and never heard another word about it.  As it was irreplaceable, I was rather disgusted.

Answer 3

Here:  http://www.zippo.com/repairs/index.aspx  click down to the guarantee.  They will fix it for FREE

Answer 4

I would allow Zippo to refurbish the lighter.

:0)

Answer 5

Get Brasso to polish the metal.  If it still has fibers in the tank, no need to replace that.  If you need a wick, head to a smoke shop, which are not all that easy to find nowadays, and ask for one, plus lighter fluid, and some flints.  All should be very inexpensive.