NeroWolfe
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jul 29, 2009
- Messages
- 417
- Reaction score
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I have used Zippo pipe lighters for MANY MANY years (I am a "registered Old Fart!"!); I prefer Zippos to butane lighters because they burn cooler and there is less chance of charring the top of a pipe, etc., as well as the fact that they burn well in windy conditions. This morning I did something that I never did before, and want to caution others. I filled my Zippo with lighter fluid, went outside with a pipe and a cup of coffee, and then was called into the house by my wife to do something. I left the Zippo standing upright in direct sunlight (very hot and sunny here, already 90 degrees F this morning); about 20 minutes later I went back out, picked up my unlit pipe and the Zippo; when I lit the Zippo, I literally had a flamethrower in my hand!!!! I think what happened is that I probably overfilled the Zippo, and the direct heating of the sun evaporated the fluid, such that when I clicked the striker wheel, WHOOOOSH! I have overfilled Zippos before and have had flare-ups, but never have I had this large of a flamethrower phenomenon. So, be careful with Zippos left in the direct sunlight! I will still use Zippos, and swear by them, but will exercise more caution in this regard.