Zippo

Zippo Styles & Inserts Available at Headshop.com

Our Zippo collection breaks down into a few clear categories so you can zero in on exactly what you need:

• Classic Zippo Lighters — The original windproof flip-top design in finishes like brushed chrome and black matte. These are the everyday workhorses: reliable, refillable with standard Zippo lighter fluid, and guaranteed for life by the manufacturer.
• Art & Graphic Zippos — Designs from Pulsar and Headshop exclusives like the Weed Bum black matte, Psychedelic Ocean, Busy Bees flat sand, and Lovecraft Monster. These double as collectibles without sacrificing function.
• Butane Insert (Dual Torch) — Drop a butane torch insert into your existing Zippo case and instantly upgrade to a hotter, wind-resistant dual-torch flame. Perfect for torching bowls or cigars when a soft flame just won't cut it.
• Arc Rechargeable Insert (200 mAh) — The Zippo Arc insert turns any standard Zippo case into an electric plasma lighter. No fuel, no flame — just a rechargeable arc via USB. Great for travel or situations where carrying fuel is inconvenient.

What to Look for When Buying a Zippo

Finish & Case Material

Brushed chrome is the classic choice — it develops a natural patina over time and hides fingerprints reasonably well. Black matte offers a stealthier look with a slightly grippy texture. Flat sand finishes like the Pulsar Busy Bees are a newer matte option with a warmer tone. All standard Zippo cases accept aftermarket inserts, so your case choice doesn't lock you into a single flame type.

Insert Type: Fluid vs. Butane vs. Arc

The stock Zippo insert runs on naphtha lighter fluid — inexpensive, easy to find, and delivers the iconic soft yellow flame that lights reliably in wind. The butane dual-torch insert runs hotter and produces a jet flame better suited for certain smoking applications. The arc rechargeable insert eliminates fuel entirely and recharges via USB — ideal if you hate running out of fluid at the wrong moment. You can swap inserts in seconds, so many smokers own more than one.

Collectibility & Artwork

Zippos have a long history as collectibles, and graphic designs from brands like Pulsar push that further with detailed psychedelic and nature-inspired artwork. If you're buying a graphic Zippo, check that the print finish is a deep etching or high-quality surface print rather than a simple decal — ours are designed to hold up to real-world use.

Top Brands in Our Zippo Collection

Zippo — The Bradford, PA original. Every lighter and insert in this collection is genuine Zippo, covered by the brand's lifetime guarantee. Authentic Zippos are assembled in the USA and built to a standard that decades of imitators have never matched.

Pulsar — Known throughout the smoking world for vivid, psychedelic designs on glass, silicone, and accessories, Pulsar brings that same aesthetic energy to their Zippo collaborations. The Psychedelic Ocean and Busy Bees lighters are standout pieces that look as good sitting on a shelf as they do in your hand. Browse more Pulsar accessories in our full Pulsar collection.

How to Use & Maintain Your Zippo

Fluid Zippos are straightforward: lift the insert, drip Zippo lighter fluid onto the cotton packing until saturated (don't overfill), replace the insert, and flick. Refill roughly every 1–2 weeks with regular use. For the butane insert, fill the valve at the bottom like any torch lighter. The arc insert charges via micro-USB and typically delivers 100+ lights per charge from its 200 mAh battery. All inserts benefit from occasional wick trimming and flint replacement — both are cheap and widely available.

Looking for fuel and accessories to keep your lighter running? Check out our full lighters collection for torch lighters, soft flame options, and more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a butane insert in any Zippo case?

Yes — the butane dual-torch insert and the arc rechargeable insert are both designed to fit any standard-size Zippo case. Simply remove the existing insert and drop the new one in. No tools required. Note that the slim (1/2" slim) Zippo cases use different inserts, so double-check your case size before ordering.

What's the difference between the arc insert and a regular Zippo?

The arc insert uses an electric plasma beam instead of a combustion flame. There's no fuel to carry, no flint to replace, and the arc is completely windproof. It recharges via USB (200 mAh battery) and is a great travel option. The trade-off is that it's not ideal for lighting candles or anything that needs a traditional flame shape.

Are the Pulsar graphic Zippos genuine Zippo lighters?

Yes. Pulsar graphic Zippos are built on authentic Zippo cases and covered by Zippo's lifetime guarantee. The artwork is applied to real Zippo hardware — you're not buying a knockoff with a sticker on it.

How long does Zippo fluid last before evaporating?

A fully fueled Zippo will evaporate noticeably within 1–2 weeks even without being lit, because the case isn't perfectly sealed. This is normal. If you don't use your lighter daily, fill it just before you need it, or switch to the arc rechargeable insert to avoid the evaporation issue altogether.

Do you carry replacement flints and wicks for Zippos?

Check our lighters and accessories section for available maintenance items. Zippo flints and wicks are also widely available at hardware and convenience stores — any genuine Zippo flint will work in a standard insert.