How to Replace the Flints and Wicks on Zippo Lighters

You’ve put it off long enough. It’s time. To replace the flint and/or wick onyour Zippo lighter doesn’t take an engineering degree. Both are rather simple processes. So here goes. Follow this step-by-step guide and never be flintless or wickless for too long!

How to replace the flint:

The worst-case-scenario: You go to light up and your trusty Zippo lighter fails to spark or the wheel is difficult to turn. This is the tell-tale sign that you need a new flint.

1. First, open the lid. Pull the flint wheel so that the inner case comes straight out.  Hint: Grasp the outer case firmly.
2. Now turn the inner case upside down to remove the screw at the bottom of the case. You will need a flat screwdriver or a small coin. Hint: Be careful and watch that the spring doesn’t pop out and be lost forever.
3. Once you have secured the spring, take out the old flint. Hint: To check if there are remaining pieces, simply tap the inner case on a hard surface.
4. Insert your new flint into the tube.
5. Then put back the spring and screw it back so that the lighter lid can close properly. Hint: Don’t screw so tightly, as that will make your next flint replacement difficult!
6. Finally, replace the inside case into the outer case. Give the wheel a flick and you should be good to go!

How to replace the wick:

It’s definitely time to replace the wick when you tug on for more only to find the last inch comes out. Luckily wick replacement on a Zippo is not an every day affair, as they can last for a very long time.

1. Remove the inner case and unscrew the flint spring (just like it is explained in the above description).
2. Take out the felt pad and use a pair of tweezers to get out all of the cotton packing from the fuel chamber.
3. Insert the new wick. Hint: Use the pair of tweezers to make sure the wick goes all the way down.
4. Now it’s time to put back all that packing around and between the wick. Make sure that the wick is snug and surrounded by the packing.
5. Insert the felt pad, flint spring, and screw firmly.
6. Finally, trim the wick so that it is at level with the chimney.

In spite of urban myths your Zippo lighter does need some maintenance in order to last forever. For the flint, there is no hard and fast rule about how often you should change it. Basically, when you stop getting a spark, it’s time for a new flint. As for the wick, to make it last as long as possible, simply make sure that you have enough lighter fuel in your Zippo. If not, then your wick will be dry and burn faster.

If you have more questions or need help caring for your lighter, a good source of information is the Zippo FAQ section.  Please let us know if you have any questions by posting a comment below.

-Pete

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