Once you learn this secret, you’ll never throw away an empty lighter again!
Many times when a lighter runs out of gas, we throw it away thinking that it is no longer good for anything. But this video demonstrates how you can transform a disposable lighter into a reusable Zippo-type one, with simple materials that you can get at home. Ideal for those who like to reuse, avoid waste and create useful tools with ingenuity. We have helped ourselves with the information in the following video:
Materials needed:
- An empty lighter (not refillable)
- Extendable metal antenna (like an old radio)
- Cotton
- Syringe
- Ethanol
- Pincers
- Drill
- Absorbent paper
- Scissors or saw to cut the pipe
- Replacement lighter to compare
Step by step to convert the lighter:
- Disassemble the igniter: remove the top cap and remove the gas tube with tweezers.
- Adjust the hole: drill the bottom and top hole of the lighter to fit the new tube.
- Prepare the new tube: cut a segment of metal antenna that fits right inside the lighter.
- Insert cotton: Place cotton inside the tube, spreading it out to function as a wick.
- Loading with ethanol: Using a syringe to inject ethanol into the lighter.
- Close and test: put the lid back on, turn it on and off by blowing it like a Zippo.
Tips and recommendations:
- Make sure the ethanol doesn’t spill and dry thoroughly before lighting.
- Use only ethanol or isopropyl alcohol to avoid toxic or explosive residues.
- The cotton acts as a wick: don’t press it too hard to make it work well.
- If you don’t have an antenna, you can use another thin metal tube, such as a metal pen.
- This trick is for personal use only and should be done with caution.
- Do not leave the modified lighter within reach of children or use it near flammable sources.
- Try it in a ventilated place for added safety.
Conclusion:
This technique not only saves money, but also promotes the creative reuse of everyday objects. Converting a disposable lighter into a Zippo-type lighter is a simple and practical way to make the most of what you already have at home, avoiding waste and encouraging manual creativity. In addition, it serves as a DIY exercise that can inspire you to look at other objects from a perspective of reuse and ingenuity.