EFFORTLESS way to prepare these flints, for future uses!
Many would assume these components remain as they are, sitting in a tin or anywhere. Under wrong storage conditions: It takes YEARS or DECADES, to find them reduced into nothing but dusts! Why would that happen?
Understanding what they're made of
Lighter flints are made of Ferrocerium, a mixture of powdered metallic formulas formed into solids. Hot sparks are produced from this material upon frictions and scrapings by steel, such as a striker wheel.
How they degrade?
Simply put: Oxidation, is the culprit behind the powdering of Ferrocerium.
Sadly, some vintage Zippo flints haven't been spared within its packages too. Thus I figure, air may had permeated through poorly stored & compromised laminated cardboard packs.
Understanding what they're made of
Lighter flints are made of Ferrocerium, a mixture of powdered metallic formulas formed into solids. Hot sparks are produced from this material upon frictions and scrapings by steel, such as a striker wheel.
How they degrade?
Simply put: Oxidation, is the culprit behind the powdering of Ferrocerium.
Sadly, some vintage Zippo flints haven't been spared within its packages too. Thus I figure, air may had permeated through poorly stored & compromised laminated cardboard packs.
The Lucky ones in good conditions, can they still work consistently?
My answer is, yes. An Intact flint regardless of age, worked consistently as tested.
My answer is, yes. An Intact flint regardless of age, worked consistently as tested.
WHAT to DO then?
TOO SIMPLE in fact!
A technique learnt from YouTube about storage of used Ferrocerium rods, consists of coating the surfaces with Vaseline balm- thus reducing air exposure. Subsequently, placing within airtight bags/containers helps further.
Vaseline is a petroleum/wax compound, as within many forms of products out there.
A technique learnt from YouTube about storage of used Ferrocerium rods, consists of coating the surfaces with Vaseline balm- thus reducing air exposure. Subsequently, placing within airtight bags/containers helps further.
Vaseline is a petroleum/wax compound, as within many forms of products out there.
It won't take long, waxing all your loose flints lying around!
When needed for use, Just wipe it clean before loading into your lighter~
When needed for use, Just wipe it clean before loading into your lighter~