You don't know how to operate a Zippo lighter, for one reason or another? Here are some simple steps on how to do a simple thing.
Steps
Step 1. Find a Zippo lighter
They are usually easily found by looking in the right places.
Step 2. First make sure that the lighter is full
- Buy a refill, of the liquid ones in rectangular cans. They are found in most gas stations or tobacconists.
- Remove the 'bottom' of the lighter by holding it from the wrapper and extracting it from above.
- Lift the felt.
- Open the refill, and spray the liquid on the material under the felt. Do this until you see a couple of droplets come out from above.
- Leave it standing for a minute, then put it back in the wrapper.
Step 3. Make sure the lighter is closed
Step 4. Hold the lighter between your index finger and thumb, so that the hinge is facing your index finger
Step 5. Supporting the bottom of the lighter with your middle finger, slide your thumb on the side of the lighter to open the lid
Step 6. Firmly turn the lighter wheel downwards with your thumb
Step 7. Congratulations, you have lit your Zippo lighter; have fun
But wait… that's not all.
Step 8. Now, the icing on the cake - to really know how to operate the Zippo, like in the movies - you must first be able to snap your fingers
You are there? Great. Here comes the best.
- First turn off the Zippo. You can do this by blowing on the wick. You can also simply snap the lighter shut, blocking access to the air. But then you have to reopen it.
- Now, snap your fingers.
- The trick is to snap your fingers in such a way as to hit with the middle finger (the one that usually creates the "snap") the Zippo wheel instead of your hand. So if you hear the snap, you are doing something wrong. The true pop it should be the sound of the stone hitting the firing pin … because if you did it right -
-
BA-GIVE! You just operated a Zippo like a real gangster.
NOTE: You can also use any surface to turn on your Zippo, and not just your middle finger. Try the wall, the table, the arm of your best friend … You will be surprised to discover all the things that can activate that strange object