Articles

A catalytic hand warmer gives off heat without an open flame. Fuel vapour oxidises on the platinum-coated mesh of the burner and releases heat. The warmer heats evenly and runs for 6 or 12 hours on one fill, depending on the model.

Filling

1. Take the burner out of the warmer.
2. Use the measuring cup from the set to take the right amount of fuel — it is marked for 6 and 12 hours.
3. Pour the fluid slowly into the filling hole. It soaks into the filler inside, so there is no need to rush.
4. Wipe off any excess and put the burner back.

Use Zippo lighter fluid only.

Lighting it

Hold a flame to the burner mesh for about 5 seconds, then take it away. No open flame appears — the mesh glows faintly, which means the reaction has started. Then put the warmer into the pouch from the set.

Using it

Carry the warmer in a pocket or in its pouch. Do not put it straight against bare skin and do not wrap it in thick layers — the burner needs air.

Switching it off

The warmer goes out by itself once the fuel runs out. To stop it earlier, take out the burner and put the warmer into an airtight bag — without air the reaction stops.

Safety

• Do not refill a hot warmer — wait until it cools down.
• Fill it away from open flame, in a ventilated place.
• Do not use it while sleeping and do not give it to children.
• Take care if skin sensitivity is reduced — prolonged contact can cause a burn.

Catalytic warmers are in the hand warmers section, fuel is in the lighter fuel section.

A Zippo windproof lighter can last for decades if you refill it in time and check the flint and wick regularly. Here are the basics.

Refilling

Use Zippo lighter fluid only. Other liquids damage the insert.

1. Pull the insert out of the case.
2. Turn the insert over and lift the felt pad at the bottom.
3. Slowly pour fluid onto the packing until it is saturated. Do not overfill.
4. Put the pad back, wipe your hands and the case, and only then light it.

With moderate use, a refill is needed roughly every two weeks.

Replacing the flint

If the wheel spins but there are almost no sparks, the flint is worn out.

1. Pull the insert out of the case.
2. Unscrew the screw at the bottom and remove the spring.
3. Shake out the old flint, drop in a new one and screw the spring back.

A spare flint usually sits under the felt pad.

Wick care

Over time the tip of the wick turns black and the flame weakens. Pull the wick up with tweezers, trim the charred part and level the tip with the top of the chimney.

Cleaning and storage

Wipe the case with a dry soft cloth. Never wash the insert with water. If you are not going to use the lighter for a long time, let the fluid evaporate — storing it dry does no harm.

Safety

• Refill away from open flame, in a ventilated place.
• Do not light the lighter until the fluid has evaporated from your hands and the case.
• Never leave a lit lighter unattended and keep it away from children.

Guarantee

Zippo windproof lighters carry the manufacturer’s lifetime guarantee on the mechanism. Consumables — flint, wick and fluid — are not covered and are replaced by the owner.

Fluid, flints and wicks are in the lighter fuel and flints and wicks sections.