Dave Sabot

Changing the Flint in Your Lighter

One of the considerations you will need to make when you buy Zippo lighters is whether or not you know how to change the flint.

The flint in your lighter is a vital consideration, of course; without it, you have no way to light your smoke. However, changing out that flint might just pose a problem for first time users. How do you change it? The process is quite simple and youll find the steps below.

Step One: Remove the insert from the outer casing. Youll need to pull the outer casing down and away from the body of the insert in order to do this. Be careful not to damage the inner insert when doing this.

Step Two: Locate the flint tube/screw assembly and unscrew it from the inner insert. Youll need a flathead screwdriver (a very small one), or another tool that will fit the slot on the screw.

Step Three: Remove the screw from the insert and make sure that the attached spring comes free of the insert, as well. Make sure that you do not bend or damage the spring during this operation.

Step Four: Check to ensure that the old flint has been removed from the tube; if there is still a small remainder of flint, remove it from the tube now. Do not add new flint to the tube until all of the old flint has been removed.

Step Five: Put the new flint into the tube. Make sure that you do not damage the flint, the tube or the spring (the spring should be off at this point) during this part of the process.

Step Six: Put the spring back on the assembly, without damaging or bending it.

Step Seven: You should now slide the entire tube/spring assembly back into the base of the inner insert. Tighten the screw fully, but do not over tighten it. If you over tighten the retaining screw, you can damage it, preventing you from removing it in the future.

Step Eight: Replace the inner insert into the outer case. If the case does not fit properly, make sure that the flint tube screw is fully tightened.

Youve now replaced the flint in your Zippo; as you practice this process, you will find that it becomes simpler and simpler to accomplish and that you can finish it in a matter of mere minutes (or seconds, even!)

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