1). Zippo's instructions on cleaning them
Wait.. WHAT ? ? ?
Seriously?
Yes, it exists! No kidding
There is proof from Zippo's guarantee leaflet from the past. (1950-60s)
Read it's full contents
Among it's pages, specific sets of tips were laid out about the care of Zippo wicks. Bearing in mind, these were traditionally built with Asbestos fibres at it's core till the 1980s.
EVEN CRAZIER, they were meant to last A LIFETIME!
Asbestos is resistant to fire and heat. This explains why it was widely used in older building's walls, ceilings and insulation panels. Furthermore explains why a traditional Zippo wick would last a lifetime.
Able to withstand prolonged burnings and less susceptible to charring, these may well be almost indestructible!
Things you'll need (Per manual):
- Lighter fluid soaked cotton, wrapped around matchstick
* I use a cotton bud as alternative. Less hassles!
- Lighter fluid soaked cotton, wrapped around matchstick
* I use a cotton bud as alternative. Less hassles!
But wait a minute.... What about the health risks?
Lets talk about it.
This material is known during later years to pose certain health effects, when airborne fibres are exposed to people via inhalation or ingestion.
*Not my words. Refer to the source below:
https://www.mesothelioma.com/asbestos-exposure/
My Concerns?
I will be worried if any strands of Asbestos fibres come loose from the wick.
As long as the wick remains intact & these fibres stay where they should be, I feel no fear using such a component.
HOWEVER, YOU should make your discretions & decide accordingly!
This material is known during later years to pose certain health effects, when airborne fibres are exposed to people via inhalation or ingestion.
*Not my words. Refer to the source below:
https://www.mesothelioma.com/asbestos-exposure/
My Concerns?
I will be worried if any strands of Asbestos fibres come loose from the wick.
As long as the wick remains intact & these fibres stay where they should be, I feel no fear using such a component.
HOWEVER, YOU should make your discretions & decide accordingly!
2). Trimming such wicks as LAST RESORT
At times: Old lighters are accompanied with chimney ends of wick, so beat-up & frayed. Unsightly, unsafe, sometimes unable to light again.
(Possibility of having outlived a lifetime?)
Dilemma of:
throwing it away
VS
Risking with trimming
Its fine, its ok. There's nothing wrong with changing out & tossing them away.
Yet considering that such a component is mostly time correct & integral to old Zippo lighters from those early years.
What then? To do about it?
You're free to hold your views & best practices.
Whereas my approach, stands upon taking the latter- While being FULLY AWARE and CAUTIOUS of what's happening.
So yea... Facing such situations, I'll TRIM the wick under controlled settings. ONCE & FOR ALL ! ! !
By now, you may have realized too:
Folks in the past did not have to trim their wicks regularly, since they can be cleaned.
(Unlike the modern copper braided ones)
*DO SO, UNDER YOUR OWN DISCRETIONS.
HOW I DO IT, PRECAUTIONS I TAKE
Knowing the risks of airborne particles:
- If indoors, turn off fans/air circulatory devises. Windows open
-Best to do outdoors (Away from people of course!)
-Wear a mask to avoid inhalation
-Prepare an airtight disposal bag
'' Kill the snake by cutting off its neck''
Dumbest thing to do, is cutting the wick where its frayed. Surely all particles come loose and raise hell!
Make sacrifices on some good part of wick, cutting slightly below the frays. Reason being to ensure ALL unwanted parts COME OFF INTACT!
Before cutting, it'll be a good idea to wet the wick with lighter fluid. Makes your work less dusty!
* After all I've shared, I'll wish to know from you~
- If indoors, turn off fans/air circulatory devises. Windows open
-Best to do outdoors (Away from people of course!)
-Wear a mask to avoid inhalation
-Prepare an airtight disposal bag
'' Kill the snake by cutting off its neck''
Dumbest thing to do, is cutting the wick where its frayed. Surely all particles come loose and raise hell!
Make sacrifices on some good part of wick, cutting slightly below the frays. Reason being to ensure ALL unwanted parts COME OFF INTACT!
Before cutting, it'll be a good idea to wet the wick with lighter fluid. Makes your work less dusty!
* After all I've shared, I'll wish to know from you~