A thumb lighter, often known as a flint lighter or a Zippo lighter, is a conveyable machine that produces a flame for ignition. It consists of a steel or plastic physique containing a gas reservoir, a flint striker, and a wick. To make use of a thumb lighter, maintain it upright and flick the flint striker towards the serrated wheel to create sparks, which ignite the gas vapor and lightweight the wick.
Thumb lighters are generally used for lighting cigarettes, candles, and campfires. They’re additionally standard amongst collectors and lovers resulting from their sturdiness, reliability, and iconic design. The primary thumb lighter was invented in 1823 by Johann Wolfgang Dobereiner, a German chemist. Dobereiner’s lighter used hydrogen and platinum to provide a flame. Over time, thumb lighters have developed in design and performance, however the fundamental precept of operation stays the identical.