I bought one and like it. If you go to the Zippo website and click on any lighter there are dimensions for the different cases near the bottom of the page. Most are 1.5 inches but two of the types, 1935 replica and Vintage, are a trace smaller at 1.437 inches. Don't know if that little bit makes a difference but it's a nice fit in my Black Ice case. Anyway, it's a good analog exercise for your brain and fingers... and you might be in little more state of wonderment when you see an octopus unscrew a mason jar. Don't worry about the hinges...that side movement isn't there if you don't push the insert in all the way leave a little bit of it exposed to catch the top.
Hey uberklokken! Thanks for the comment and the specific info on the different Zippo's. I know a few people who've had really tight fits when using these Thunderbird inserts. Knowing now what you discover, it would make sense as the lighters both looked like Vintage Zippo's. With regards to hinges, I tried what your suggested and it actually made the play a bit worse. However, if I carry my Zippo in the smaller pocket of my jeans it seems to add more tension to the hinges. Assuming this is from the tighter small pocket and the compression against my leg. Either way, It doesn’t bother me all that much as the lighter functions as it should!!! Oh and I haven't had the pleasure to see an Octopus unscrew a mason jar ... at least not yet!!
I have a sterling silver '37 replica and the Thunderbird fits perfect. Since Zippo reformulated the naptha fuel awhile back, i find no problem with imparted taste in the 107,000 handmade cigars i have smoked in the past 49+ years, and I've used an actual 1958 14k Zippo Slim for them as the soft flame size with the glass wick trimmed even with the chimney gives what i consider a perfect flame for toasting, lighting, and touching up. Geezus i will have to try the Vector in my '41 sterling silver Zippo, as the '41 is my favorite Zippo of all time. I use my '37 replica with Vector on cigar night as a loaner and no one wants to hand it back to me! You can't beat an heirloom-quality Zippo case--- don't worry about a little play in the hinge, it's basically manufactured in there. I carry my 14k 1958 in a pouch daily but keep a Bic with a brass lighter case in my pocket for SHTF, lol. Great review, thank you! Ps. just the other day, Zippo released a brand new version of the Zippo butane insert in multiple flame configurations, but i don't have one yet to comment on.
@@BenGeldreich the brushed brass are my all time favourite zippo, they look amazing out the box and only look better and better with age. a great choice. I just ordered a brushed brass armor as my previous brass zippo went AWOL at a house party unfortunately. keep up the good content, and look after that lighter
Another alternative for edc and backwoods that addresses the evaporation problem would be the Maratec (sp?) peanut. That unit is shaped like a capsule with an o ring seal. It is clearly inspired by the original WWI German and French trench lighters. It is fueled with ordinary lighter fluid. One could readily use white gas instead. If your camp stove uses white gas, then you would simplify your fueling logistics on a camping trip. They come in 3 sizes, but offer no practical wind resistance, and because of the screw down lid, don't seem practical for frequent use. Great for fire starting, not so much for a smoker.
Hey there First Name Last Name!! Thanks for the informed comment. I’ll have to check out the Maratec. Sounds like a solid lighter with a lot of history. Oh and BTW ... Great username!
@@BenGeldreich Well, Maratec is a newcommer, but they are doing some interesting and useful things... making tools that work. I think they are worth watching.
I haven't noticed it leaking. However I have found that it takes a particular type of butane fuel canister to fill up the vector. The ones I've been using tend to leak a lot when attempting to fill up the vector
Do they still make the loud, iconic Zippo ting noise when opened? Every review I've watched on these butane inserts, no one opens them one handed so you can hear them. It's a big part of why people carry a Zippo.
Hey Owen! Yeah it does. The cam that the thunderbirds come with is good and has a nice stiff spring so it makes a nice noise. I’m not sure it’s 100% the same but I don’t notice a difference and most people who’ve used the lighter weren’t aware it had a butane insert.
Hey Kermit Bob! I don't own a 1937 Replica Zippo so I can't answer that for you. Amazon has a great return policy so you could always purchase one with the intention of using it but if it doesn't fit then you can always return it. If you do end up trying it out, let us all know if it worked or not. Enjoy the day!
According to Vector it is. I havn't had any trouble yet. I'd say the only thing that does cause performance issues is the cold temperature but the normal zippo insert and fuel has the same issue!
@@BenGeldreich it fits perfect Just got it today It’s awesome But when I close it I and put it to my ear I can hear the butane leaking. I followed directions on how to fix it but it didn’t work. It leaks in the cap and when I light it a big fireball goes off
Sorry James. I must have misinterpreted your first comment. Sounds like somethings wrong with the cam mechanism. I’d try playing with that outside the zippo case to see if it still leaks. If you can’t fix it, then I’d suggest write Vector or Amazon ow whom ever you purchased it from and ask for a new one. It shouldn’t do that.
Hey Jenson! Yeah amazon isn't selling the soft flame inserts right now. Here's a link for my second choice for a Vector insert, it's designed for Pipe smoking but will still work and does look like the Zippo pipe insert. amzn.to/3ez3m93. Hope that helps!
I bought one and like it. If you go to the Zippo website and click on any lighter there are dimensions for the different cases near the bottom of the page. Most are 1.5 inches but two of the types, 1935 replica and Vintage, are a trace smaller at 1.437 inches. Don't know if that little bit makes a difference but it's a nice fit in my Black Ice case. Anyway, it's a good analog exercise for your brain and fingers... and you might be in little more state of wonderment when you see an octopus unscrew a mason jar. Don't worry about the hinges...that side movement isn't there if you don't push the insert in all the way leave a little bit of it exposed to catch the top.
Hey uberklokken! Thanks for the comment and the specific info on the different Zippo's. I know a few people who've had really tight fits when using these Thunderbird inserts. Knowing now what you discover, it would make sense as the lighters both looked like Vintage Zippo's.
With regards to hinges, I tried what your suggested and it actually made the play a bit worse. However, if I carry my Zippo in the smaller pocket of my jeans it seems to add more tension to the hinges. Assuming this is from the tighter small pocket and the compression against my leg. Either way, It doesn’t bother me all that much as the lighter functions as it should!!!
Oh and I haven't had the pleasure to see an Octopus unscrew a mason jar ... at least not yet!!
I have a sterling silver '37 replica and the Thunderbird fits perfect. Since Zippo reformulated the naptha fuel awhile back, i find no problem with imparted taste in the 107,000 handmade cigars i have smoked in the past 49+ years, and I've used an actual 1958 14k Zippo Slim for them as the soft flame size with the glass wick trimmed even with the chimney gives what i consider a perfect flame for toasting, lighting, and touching up. Geezus i will have to try the Vector in my '41 sterling silver Zippo, as the '41 is my favorite Zippo of all time. I use my '37 replica with Vector on cigar night as a loaner and no one wants to hand it back to me! You can't beat an heirloom-quality Zippo case--- don't worry about a little play in the hinge, it's basically manufactured in there. I carry my 14k 1958 in a pouch daily but keep a Bic with a brass lighter case in my pocket for SHTF, lol. Great review, thank you! Ps. just the other day, Zippo released a brand new version of the Zippo butane insert in multiple flame configurations, but i don't have one yet to comment on.
Hey Anthony!! Thanks for your comment and sharing your experience with us all about your Zippo's. Your 1958 sounds like a beautiful lighter!
@@BenGeldreich Was sold to me in beautiful condition for barely over scrap gold price long ago, couldn't go wrong.
This solves the Age-old Fluid Evaporation problem!
Yes sir, It sure does!! Now I don't have to worry about constantly carrying lighter fluid around with me when I'm in the woods or traveling!
@@BenGeldreich Thanks to you, kind Sir- for making a Video about this Insert!😊
The Zippo community is grateful.
@@DenaturedProtein You are more than welcome!
Solid brass, I see you are a man of class
Hey matt s! LOL! Well I have been know to like things that show their age, leather, copper, brass etc!
@@BenGeldreich the brushed brass are my all time favourite zippo, they look amazing out the box and only look better and better with age. a great choice. I just ordered a brushed brass armor as my previous brass zippo went AWOL at a house party unfortunately. keep up the good content, and look after that lighter
Thanks Matt! Enjoy the new classy zippo!!
Thanks for sharing give us updates
Hey Raphael! No problem. Enjoy the day!
Another alternative for edc and backwoods that addresses the evaporation problem would be the Maratec (sp?) peanut. That unit is shaped like a capsule with an o ring seal. It is clearly inspired by the original WWI German and French trench lighters. It is fueled with ordinary lighter fluid. One could readily use white gas instead. If your camp stove uses white gas, then you would simplify your fueling logistics on a camping trip. They come in 3 sizes, but offer no practical wind resistance, and because of the screw down lid, don't seem practical for frequent use. Great for fire starting, not so much for a smoker.
Hey there First Name Last Name!! Thanks for the informed comment. I’ll have to check out the Maratec. Sounds like a solid lighter with a lot of history.
Oh and BTW ... Great username!
@@BenGeldreich Well, Maratec is a newcommer, but they are doing some interesting and useful things... making tools that work. I think they are worth watching.
some people have been saying that it started leaking butane after a while, i was wondering if you ever experienced that problem with it?
I haven't noticed it leaking. However I have found that it takes a particular type of butane fuel canister to fill up the vector. The ones I've been using tend to leak a lot when attempting to fill up the vector
@@BenGeldreich ah okay, thank you for the answer, i was just pondering on if i should buy one if they leak after a while of use
Do they still make the loud, iconic Zippo ting noise when opened? Every review I've watched on these butane inserts, no one opens them one handed so you can hear them. It's a big part of why people carry a Zippo.
Hey Owen! Yeah it does. The cam that the thunderbirds come with is good and has a nice stiff spring so it makes a nice noise. I’m not sure it’s 100% the same but I don’t notice a difference and most people who’ve used the lighter weren’t aware it had a butane insert.
@@BenGeldreich Great news! And thank you for the review and the fast reply to my comment.
You are more than welcome Owen!!
Happy Hunting, Agent Owen
Will this insert fit a Zippo Windproof Vintage Street Chrome, 1937 Replica Lighter?
Hey Kermit Bob! I don't own a 1937 Replica Zippo so I can't answer that for you. Amazon has a great return policy so you could always purchase one with the intention of using it but if it doesn't fit then you can always return it. If you do end up trying it out, let us all know if it worked or not. Enjoy the day!
is the thunderbird insert windproof
According to Vector it is. I havn't had any trouble yet. I'd say the only thing that does cause performance issues is the cold temperature but the normal zippo insert and fuel has the same issue!
Mine won’t close all the way and leaks out in my zippo case
What zippo model do you own?
@@BenGeldreich I got all the replicas and the standard ones
I tried to adjust the spring tension like in directions it didn’t help
And it won’t fit in any of your zippos? That doesn’t seem right! Is the insert new?
@@BenGeldreich it fits perfect
Just got it today
It’s awesome
But when I close it I and put it to my ear I can hear the butane leaking. I followed directions on how to fix it but it didn’t work.
It leaks in the cap and when I light it a big fireball goes off
Sorry James. I must have misinterpreted your first comment. Sounds like somethings wrong with the cam mechanism. I’d try playing with that outside the zippo case to see if it still leaks. If you can’t fix it, then I’d suggest write Vector or Amazon ow whom ever you purchased it from and ask for a new one. It shouldn’t do that.
The link for vector doesn't work
Hey Jenson! Yeah amazon isn't selling the soft flame inserts right now. Here's a link for my second choice for a Vector insert, it's designed for Pipe smoking but will still work and does look like the Zippo pipe insert. amzn.to/3ez3m93. Hope that helps!
the link for vector does not work
Thanks for the heads up. I’ll update it once I find a new consistent seller.