Here’s What You Should Know About Zippos and Lighter Fuel

zippos lighter

Zippo lighters are known everywhere for how badass they appear when used to light a cigar for the main actor in a movie.

For preppers, they are also becoming known for how useful they are in a SHTF scenario. Here's a brief history lesson on Zippo lighters, which aids in our discussion as to why they're so helpful for survivalists today.

man holding zippo lighter

Zippo (brand) lighters were patented in 1936 and saw their heyday with the GI’s of World War II. Zippos used liquid fuel (white gas). Zippo’s reign as king of the lighters ended in 1973 when Bic introduced disposable butane lighters that could provide 3,000 lights before wearing out.
Judging by the Internet, people born after 1970 may have never seen a Zippo-style lighter. They sincerely believe that butane is the one and only fuel ever used in cigarette lighters.

After the break, learn about Zippos and charcoal lighter fluid. This information cleared up a lot for me in regards to what fuel works best for Zippos. 

Then, continue to unmask just how beneficial it may be for you to own a Zippo so that you can add it to your survival arsenal and have one on hand during a SHTF situation. 

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128 Comments

  1. Steven Nelson said:

    a zippo would be my last resort they suck i use and carry ferro rod and also flint and steel everywhere i go i have not built a fire with a lighter in 20 years i only use flint and steel and i spend alot of time in the backcountry year round and always have a fire

  2. David Lyons said:

    Good advise. I have a zippo. It seems I have to refuel it every time I want to use it. These days it usually just takes up space in a drawer.

  3. Cean Ogrady said:

    While I agree with all that is said, lol I don’t think the author has ever goofed and put one upside down in pocket. The resulting chemical burn sux.

  4. Theo Dimos said:

    Well even if you don’t overfill it. If you put it in your pocket the fuel can leak out and cause a irritated skin problem

  5. Laura Anderson said:

    Be careful if you own too many of them! The police call that drug paraphernalia!

  6. Armando Delgado said:

    This is my Zippo, its great but not something I’d rely on in an emergency. Zippo’s tend to dry out in a relatively short period of time, I prefer my ferro rod.

  7. Armando Delgado said:

    This is my Zippo, its great but not something I’d rely on in an emergency. Zippo’s tend to dry out in a relatively short period of time.

  8. Don Rusler said:

    Not to mention the benefit that you can change the Flint when it wears out and keep on using it ….

  9. Anonymous said:

    While I like my Zippo, it’s really a terrible design in that the fuel evaporates really easily

  10. Harold DeGreen said:

    They might not tell u this but u can run white gas pump gas or tire buffing compound

  11. Matthew Negrete said:

    To help with the leaking fuel problem, I use a ranger band on mine. It help to prevent lot of leaking, and it also extends the life of the fuel a little bit. Been carrying my grandpa’s lighter now for years.

  12. Riley Schuster said:

    I have that same one. I have a leather pouch so I can carry it on my belt and not worry about it leaking.

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