Bic or Zippo?

[I'm Still Bison]

I want one of their rope lighters...

Me too

There normal lighters are top notch The only thing with mine is it does use flint faster than my zippo does.

Why is that? Is the spark wheel coarser,more aggressive than Zippo's? Or is the spring that advances the flint stronger?

[Spork, Lord of Lime Jello!]

I think it might be because the wheel is attached to the cover and it is spun more uniformly than on a Zippo. You get consistent moderately heavy sparkage with the IMCO.

Just had an ideal...making an adapter to convert an IMCO into a rope lighter... I'll have to rummage around for some tubing when I get home.
'

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

I want one of their rope lighters...

Me too

There normal lighters are top notch The only thing with mine is it does use flint faster than my zippo does.

Why is that? Is the spark wheel coarser,more aggressive than Zippo's? Or is the spring that advances the flint stronger?

I think it is a little coarser yes

[SoDak]

I've been carrying one bic for about a year(not a smoker) to replace the one before it and I hve been happy with it. I've tried the zippo, but hated having to refill it and I found out hat they suck for lighting fireworks(you have to close it to put the flame out everytime, gets old). I do like the look of those imcos though.

[ringzero]

Hey guys.  I am not a smoker, but see the value of having a lighter on your person, for those "just in case" moments that life throws at us from time to time.  Now, lately I have been carrying a small Bic lighter, but am thinking about getting something a little more traditional, like a Zippo.  I have been talking to some smokers at work, and they tell me that the Zippos require a bit more maintenance then the Bics.  The fluid evaporates rather quickly if it isn't used regularly, and it needs to be kept clean.  They all say the Bics are pretty much idiout proof, don't need much of anything, the lighter fluid lasts for ever, and if it gets wet, just let it dry and it's good to go.  So, I ask you guys, which should I carry?  I need your pros and cons for both.  Like I said, I am not a smoker, so usages will be few and far between.  However, I love tradition.
Ok, begin the discussion.

Zippos are decent lighters for smokers who use them multiple times per day and will notice (smaller flame and difficulty of ignition) when they need refilling.

For non-smokers who don't use them daily, Zippos just aren't worth the aggravation of frequent re-fueling and flint replacement IMO.  Fuel evaporates fast and will probably leave you without a light when you really need it.

A much better option is Scripto VuLighter - the very best liquid fuel lighter IMO.  No longer made, but readily available on the interwebs.  Fuel reservoir is transparent for quick fuel level verification.  Fuel NEVER evaporates - still good to go after years.  In an emergency some fuel can be poured out of the reservoir to aid fire starting.  Very reliable lighter that is superb for outdoor use.

IMCO is a decent lighter, better than Zippo for outdoor fire starting IMO.  But, it suffers from fuel evaporation just like the Zippo.

BIC (and the smaller MiniBIC) tend to be quite reliable in my experience.  You'd be better off carrying two MiniBICs than one regular BIC.

.

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

I think it might be because the wheel is attached to the cover and it is spun more uniformly than on a Zippo. You get consistent moderately heavy sparkage with the IMCO.

Just had an ideal...making an adapter to convert an IMCO into a rope lighter... I'll have to rummage around for some tubing when I get home.
'

Keep us updated mate

[Benner]

Just looked up the Scripto VuLighter and it looks really sweet.  

I wonder if they are still available at a sensible price.

[Spork, Lord of Lime Jello!]

I think it might be because the wheel is attached to the cover and it is spun more uniformly than on a Zippo. You get consistent moderately heavy sparkage with the IMCO.

Just had an ideal...making an adapter to convert an IMCO into a rope lighter... I'll have to rummage around for some tubing when I get home.
'

Keep us updated mate

Already made a mock-up with copper tubing. Works much better than the rope lighter I bought recently...much more reliable lighting on the first strike.

[Benner]

Just looked up the Scripto VuLighter and it looks really sweet.  

I wonder if they are still available at a sensible price.

Now I've seen a few more, didn't someone get one of these on here recently?

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

I think it might be because the wheel is attached to the cover and it is spun more uniformly than on a Zippo. You get consistent moderately heavy sparkage with the IMCO.

Just had an ideal...making an adapter to convert an IMCO into a rope lighter... I'll have to rummage around for some tubing when I get home.
'

Keep us updated mate

Already made a mock-up with copper tubing. Works much better than the rope lighter I bought recently...much more reliable lighting on the first strike.

Sound's promising mate

I'll look forward to some pics soon then

[american lockpicker]

Does anyone know of a site that sells lighter parts? I think I'm going to try to make one. The only thing that would be hard is the flint and wheel assembly so I'll use an pre made one.

[Spork, Lord of Lime Jello!]

Does anyone know of a site that sells lighter parts? I think I'm going to try to make one. The only thing that would be hard is the flint and wheel assembly so I'll use an pre made one.

How about this? - Tadgear

[ringzero]

Just looked up the Scripto VuLighter and it looks really sweet.  

I wonder if they are still available at a sensible price.

I've seen non-collectable VuLighters for $10 or less on the interwebs.  Some of the collectable ones sell for hundreds of dollars.

VuLighter is far superior to Zippo or IMCO for outdoors use, and is also better for EDC by nonsmokers.  Well worth the price if find one you like for $20 or so.

Hoghead and I both ordered VuLighters a year or so back after we found a source for them on the interwebs.

.
 

[american lockpicker]

Does anyone know of a site that sells lighter parts? I think I'm going to try to make one. The only thing that would be hard is the flint and wheel assembly so I'll use an pre made one.

How about this? - Tadgear

Thats perfect.

[Sea Monster]

People will steal a Zippo in a heartbeat,and generally leave a Bic alone.

Oh I don't know about that, I own about 40 BICs, but only three zippos I didn't pay for 


I carry a zippo to maintain my exceptionally cool image first, and to start fires second.

I carry matches to start fires

If you just want something that'll make heat when you need it, get a Cricket (or, I suppose BIC, if you have nothing resembling class), they'll generally never fail you when you need them.