I know this has been discussed before but I have yet to find a sufficient answer. I am looking to see if there there is a alternative fuel that can be used in traditional Zippo lighters.

I was thinking about 91% isophoric alcohol but I heard that when it burns it smells quite badly. Then I was thinking about denatured alcohol but the fact that it is purposely manufactured with methanol, which is very toxic, and thus I wonder if it is safe to use (despite it already being used for portable camping grills).

In conclusion, I just want to use a "Made in USA" lighter that can use a fuel that is comparable to butane. Also, I know about the ZippoBlu but I just dont like that lighter.
[Reply]

gasoline baby:-)
[Reply]

Haha I actually read a post where someone tried using gas when I did a search for this on the rest of the interwebs
[Reply]

have you looked into the vector thunderbird insert?
http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/showthread.php?t=43049
[Reply]

I have but I am wanting to use a American made lighter. Tired of all of the stuff from China. Besides, the classic Zippo design lasts for eons.
[Reply]

You use your zippo shell and just replace the guts. if i remember correctly the insert says made in USA on it. I will verify when i get home at 7am. also it comes with a lifetime warranty :-)
[Reply]

Really?! I look forward to finding out if thats true!
[Reply]

I have a Thunderbird torch flame insert but nowhere does it say where it is made - neither on the packaging, the directions, nor the product itself. You may have to contact the manufacturer/reseller directly to find out.
Try starting with www.vectorkgm.com and see if they have a contact page.
[Reply]

Have you tried the Zippo fuel in the black can? If you let the flame burn for a couple of seconds there is no detectable flavor. Zippo reformulated their fuel and couple of years ago to remove the strong smell and taste.
[Reply]

I have a Zippo Blu that is flint and butane. All made in USA, 100% Zippo, and no insert or any of that stuff. It was a gift set that came with butane, extra flints and the lighter.

On the traditional zippo question, I've watched old-timers put kerosene in their zippos. I worked at a gas station when I was a kid and they'd go to the pump and get the few drips that were in the nozzle. I thought for years that was how you were supposed to fill a zippo. :-)
[Reply]

Here's a pic of the gift set, mine is polished chrome, but you'll get the gist...

Image
[Reply]

Camp gas also works in a pinch. You know, the Coleman can of white gas for laterns and camp stoves? Yeah, that stuff.
[Reply]

We always used plain old unleaded for the coleman stuff. That was back when there was still leaded gas, and they called unleaded "white gas". I forgot all about that stuff, like "gas used to be brown".
I had no idea you could use it in a zippo, but it stands to reason.
Thanks for taking me back memory lane, Todd. :-)
[Reply]

Not a problem, I like jogging your memory - I like to see the dust come out your ears. :-) :-) :-)
[Reply]

I checked and it does not say on the insert. I shot them an email. Awaiting a reply.
[Reply]

Thanks for all the help guys
[Reply]

Yup...that stuff will work like a charm....but it does absolutely leave behind a taste almost the same as the original zippo fuel.

One thing to keep in mind - this stuff will evaporate out of the lighter in a day or two even if it's not used.
[Reply]

For the record, the *new* Zippo fuel is odorless and flavorless when burned, this I have personally verified for my pipe. The old version is no longer produced, but Zippo only made a halfhearted effort to pull the existing stock back.

The safest option is ethanol, which simply converts to carbon dioxide and water vapor during combustion. You're going to run into a handful of problems trying to use an alternative fuel though. Most fuels are designed to have a relatively low vapor point as to be easily ignited, but are mixed with other compounds to improve the ability to keep when not in a sealed container. Ethanol would evaporate too fat to have any viable keeping power.
[Reply]