1958 Zippo lighter - need help

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Pablo

Pablo

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Oct 28, 2002
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Everson WA - Pacific NW USA
I inherited a 1958 Zippo lighter. Unused. But it doesn't work. Problem is the flint somehow corrosion bonded to the brass cylinder sleeve right before the striker wheel, so there is a hunk of immobile flint stuck. I've tried chemical agents (penetrants), force, tapping - pretty much all my options short of heat (that's next) and drilling. I may try the hot wax method.

I don't smoke, but I would like to get it working. Anyone have a clue? TIA.
 
I had a similar issue with an old Zippo. Go on line to their website. There are instructions for sending in old lighters to be repaired FREE! And they do a wonderful job.
 
Yep, there was an article about Zippo recently in the WSJ:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703362904576218650845017800.html

and they will let you know if it is counterfeit too
smile.gif
 
Here's an off the top of my sick head idea in case sending it in for repair isn't a viable option because you want to keep it as original as possible:

Take the guts part of the lighter and put it in a new zippo you don't care about. They're usually under $10 new for a very plain one. Tape the lighter shut with electrical tape. Go to a bar and drink with strangers for a couple of hours. Get into a friendly argument and when the time is right inform the other party that he is a communist and his mother is a hamster. Throw the Zippo as hard as you can at the floor aiming for an inch or two away from the wall. Check to see if the flint has freed up. If it has, thank the communist for fixing your lighter and also for the services of his girlfriend or mother (your choice) the previous night.

Try immersing the lighter in vinegar for two or three minutes and rinsing with water.

Keep in mind I'vwe had a couple of beers, so these ideas might need a bit of tweaking.
 
I would imagine that mori would have a way...

No real help from here, but if you take the flint and spring out of a dead lighter, stretch the spring a little so that it holds the flint securely, then heat the flint up over the flame of another lighter 'till it glows red...then throw the flint/spring at a concrete surface, you'll get a nice show.

That's got to help here somewhere to get the flint out of a lighter.
 
I have a great 1942 replica. Don't use it much unfortunately. The naphta evaporates in the cupboard and couldn't be bothered refilling the darn think every time I break out the BBQ. Great lighter though. Always wanted one and my lovely wife gave me one.
 
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