I came apon this when i found myself toasting my fingers instead of lighting my pipe.
step one- get your regular zippo.
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step two- remove the insert and clamp to a table or drill press stand
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step three- Use a 1/4 inch drill bit to drill a small hole in the flame guard. (go very slow)
step four- Use increasingly larger bits intill you get to the size hole you would like. You can drill both sides if you want but i only did one side as i am right handed and light my pipe that way. Also If you drill borth sides it may not be symetrical or have the wind resistance zippos are known for. (today i lit up in 10+ MPH winds no prob)
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step five- re assemble the zippo and light the lighter... wait a few secconds to let chemicals dissapate the hold the lighter perpendicular to the bowl of your pipe. While you are puffing the flame will take a right angle and go straight into your bowl.
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I thought this would be better suited in an actual pipe subforum
Mark
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good idea mark-i've done the same to mine, then used a grinding bit in a dremel to make the hole the size i want-i also made a slot in the opposite side to allow an easier draw-zippo will switch the cig insert out for ya free (just pay S&H) but i was too impatient
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Uh...heh...you can buy an insert that's like that and not have to go to all of the trouble off breaking out clamps, drill presses and bits, and it's even sealed across the top...but nuthin' wrong with the one you made...
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Great minds thinking alike!
I performed the same mod on a zippo a long time ago. It works pretty well, too!
Great post and pix.
C
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