Frequently Asked Questions
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The Lighters
Do they actually work?
Yes! Every lighter I list has been tested before shipping. Petrol lighters are refilled with lighter fluid and confirmed to spark and hold a flame. Gas lighters are refilled with butane and checked for valve integrity. If it doesn't work, it doesn't ship.
Note lighters are shipped without fuel to comply with postage provider policies.
What repairs do you typically do on the lighters?
Petrol
Every lighter has its wick replaced (thus becoming 'rewicked'), cotton wadding replaced inside the chamber, flint tube cleared of old debris, new flint inserted, and its spark wheel cleaned. I then check the lighters spark, ignite, hold flame.
Gas
For gas lighters, the work always involves clearing clogged jets (so that gas makes it out of the lighter for a flame) and replacing worn rubber valve seals to hold butane without leakage. If a model has a spark wheel mechanism, those get scrubbed to spark better and flint tube is cleared of old debris and given a new flint.
How do I know the year is accurate?
The year is my best estimate, drawn from internet research, collector forums, and any visible codes on the lighter, crosschecked against manufacturers' production records. For Zippo lighters, the bottom date code system is well-documented and allows me to date most pieces accurately.
What's the difference between Petrol and Gas lighters?
Petrol
Petrol lighters are the originals. Also called fluid or naphtha lighters, they have a cotton wad inside the body soaked in fluid, a wick, and a flint wheel that catches with one roll of the thumb. Flip the lid and you get the sound everyone knows. Most use a hinged flip-top and a windproof chimney design. The fuel evaporates gradually, so they need regular topping up, and the naphtha gives off a faint odour (which some find rather enjoyable).
Gas
Gas lighters run on pressurised butane, a more sophisticated answer that came later. A clean flame, lit in an instant, with no smell and no fuel lost to evaporation as it sits. The flame is sparked by either a flint wheel or a piezo spark (the same mechanism we used to pull out of disposable lighters to shock each other with on a handshake as kids). Most have a dial to adjust the flame height. The designs are usually slimmer and more colourful than petrol lighters.
Shipping & Returns
Where do you ship?
I ship within the UK only. Shipping is a flat £3.99 per order, and free on orders over £50. Orders typically arrive in 2–3 business days, and all are sent with tracking.
How are lighters packed?
Each lighter is wrapped in tissue, placed in a padded box, and shipped in a sealed outer mailer. Lighters are shipped with fuel removed to comply with carrier regulations. In fact, every body is aired out until no trace of fuel remains, then fresh wadding and a new wick are installed afterwards, so each lighter travels as an inert collectible. I include a small card with refill instructions. Any included accessories (pouches, boxes) are packed separately.
What if it arrives damaged?
Photograph the packaging and the lighter before doing anything else, then email me at hello@rewicked.com within 48 hours of delivery. I'll arrange a replacement or full refund, your choice. I've packed hundreds of shipments without a damage claim, but I stand fully behind the ones that go wrong.
Can I return a lighter I changed my mind on?
Yes, within 14 days of delivery, unused and in the condition received. Email me first so I can confirm the return and provide the address. Buyer covers return shipping unless the item was misrepresented. Refunds are processed within 3 business days of receipt.
Care & Use
How do I refill a petrol lighter?
Flip the lighter upside down and remove the felt pad at the base (held by a small screw on most Zippos). Slowly fill the cotton wadding with naphtha-based lighter fluid, Zippo brand or equivalent. Stop before it's saturated. Replace the pad, wait 30 seconds, and light. Don't overfill; excess fluid evaporates and can cause odour.
How do I replace the flint?
Unscrew the flint spring from the base of the lighter (it's the small screw on the side of the insert). Drop in a standard 5mm flint, replace the spring, and you're done. Standard Zippo flints work in almost every petrol lighter I carry. I include a spare flint with most petrol listings.
What kind of fuel does my lighter need?
Petrol
Petrol lighters take naphtha-based lighter fluid. Zippo brand or any equivalent will do the job. Steer clear of petrol from the pump; it burns dirty and leaves an odour. A bottle lasts a long while, and topping up takes a minute (see the refill question above). Keep it handy, as the fluid evaporates gradually whether you use the lighter or not.
Gas
Gas lighters run on refined, pressurised butane, the same canisters sold for refilling any pocket lighter. Go for a well-filtered premium butane; the cheap stuff can clog the valve over time. Bleed the tank before refilling, give it a few seconds to settle, and you're set. No smell, no evaporation as it sits. Just top up when the flame starts to weaken.
Still have a question?
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