Investing in a high quality lighter is a great way to ensure that you have the ability to smoke when you would like. However, over time, it's quite possible that your lighter will become damaged. While uncommon, you might find that you need to replace your flint wheel, either due to wear and tear or damage. This is where it pays dividends to purchase Zippo lighters, as they come with a lifetime warranty. If your flint wheel becomes damaged, you only need to send the lighter to the company and they will repair the lighter at no cost to you.
However, if your lighter does not have a warranty, you'll need to know how to go about replacing that flint wheel. The first step is to locate the serial number or other identifying number on your lighter. Common locations for this number include the bottom of the outer case, the inside of the outer case or even on the interior insert. The number is usually stamped into the metal though you will find some lighters that use other methods. Once you have located the serial number, you will have to contact the manufacturer or visit their website to order your replacement part.
You also have the option of finding a donor lighter. Quite a few lighters make use of the same size flint wheel and the same mounting method. Inspect the donor lighter to ensure that the flint wheel is the same diameter and thickness, as well as checking the mounting method used. If they are the same, then you can simply transfer the wheel from the donor lighter to your own.
However, you will find that the process of flint wheel removal and installation vary considerably throughout the industry. Some common types of mounting include plastic bars, metal bars and rivets, though other methods do exist, as well. You will need to find out if you have the required tools to remove and mount the flint wheel before beginning the job.
The most common means of affixing flint wheels is a rivet. If you have a pair of needle-nose pliers and a pop rivet gun, as well as a replacement rivet, you can take the flint wheel from your donor lighter and put it on yours without much trouble. If you do not have these tools or the replacement rivet, don't attempt the installation. Instead, find or borrow the required tools to ensure that the replacement is done correctly. Incorrect installation can result in damage.
However, if your lighter does not have a warranty, you'll need to know how to go about replacing that flint wheel. The first step is to locate the serial number or other identifying number on your lighter. Common locations for this number include the bottom of the outer case, the inside of the outer case or even on the interior insert. The number is usually stamped into the metal though you will find some lighters that use other methods. Once you have located the serial number, you will have to contact the manufacturer or visit their website to order your replacement part.
You also have the option of finding a donor lighter. Quite a few lighters make use of the same size flint wheel and the same mounting method. Inspect the donor lighter to ensure that the flint wheel is the same diameter and thickness, as well as checking the mounting method used. If they are the same, then you can simply transfer the wheel from the donor lighter to your own.
However, you will find that the process of flint wheel removal and installation vary considerably throughout the industry. Some common types of mounting include plastic bars, metal bars and rivets, though other methods do exist, as well. You will need to find out if you have the required tools to remove and mount the flint wheel before beginning the job.
The most common means of affixing flint wheels is a rivet. If you have a pair of needle-nose pliers and a pop rivet gun, as well as a replacement rivet, you can take the flint wheel from your donor lighter and put it on yours without much trouble. If you do not have these tools or the replacement rivet, don't attempt the installation. Instead, find or borrow the required tools to ensure that the replacement is done correctly. Incorrect installation can result in damage.
About the Author:
Dave Sabot is the owner of specialty lighters store. With expert knowledge of cigar accessories, including lotus lighters, Dave also authors a highly rated blog featuring lighter repair.
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