Flints keep breaking

[u/LunarStrikes]

I got my first Zippo a few days ago, but I'm having an issue with this. The first flint that came with it broke after like two days. I put in another one, and I'm the third day, it's about to happen again.

What's happening is, is that every time I use it, it evidently bends bit by bit. It also becomes much harder to light it.

I can't imagine I'm "using it wrong," but what's going on here?

[u/Expert-Plantain9519]

You said it was your first Zippo but the insert looks to have some wear so I’m going to guess it wasn’t new? I wonder if the flint hole is wider than it should be, which appears to be allowing the flint to angle itself, move further up, and then snap?

ETA: or perhaps they aren’t zippo flints and a bit thinner instead? 

[u/GoodConversation5527]

looks like either the gap between the flint tube and wheel is too large, and/or the flint is too narrow?

[u/Sayne7]

That flint is too narrow, you are using a flint meant for a different lighter. It shouldn't be possible for a flint to tilt like that if it's the right diameter.

[u/No-Pomelo-36]

I’d first try getting some quality Zippo flints…available online or at most smoke shops. See if the new flints fix the issue, as older flints can get brittle or even fuse in the flint tube.

Check the flint spring to verify it’s complete (there’s a spacer on the end that looks like, but is not, a flint). Some aftermarket or non zippo springs can be longer (more pressure) or shorter (less pressure), and can also cause issues.

Lastly, if the flint tube was not pressed in correctly, it may cause too much flint to be exposed, causing extra leverage on the flint. In that case I’d send it to Zippo and they’ll replace the insert, or for $20 you could purchase another insert (and maybe upgrade to a nice brass or something).

[u/ptgoetz]

We need more and better pictures. I want to see the insert isolated. I also want to know the brand of flint.

[u/Available_Star_8926]

I think you’re missing the grommet on the flint hole

[u/NoSignificance9914]

You put cheap Chinese parts in a zippo its no longer a zippo its a cheap Chinese lighter

[u/SteelJunky]

Someone used a screw driver to release a jammed flint and messed up the flint well.

More than once....