When talking about the reliability of Zippo lighters, one cannot forget the company’s lifetime guarantee, which states, “It works or we fix it free™.” At Zippo, even lighters from decades ago can be repaired free of charge and used again.
Some Zippo users may wonder, “Can you fix this kind of damage?” or “How much will the repair cost?” In principle, Zippo offers free repairs for almost any malfunction under its lifetime repair policy. That said, the actual repair method is left to the discretion of the service center.
What the Lifetime Free Repair Policy Covers
The most common repairs are related to the hinge—the moving part that connects the lid to the body. While it is built to be durable, years of opening and closing can wear down this connection.
Other common issues include:
- The lid has come off
- The lid got bent after being dropped
- The lighter was stepped on and got dented
- The flint wheel doesn’t turn
- The lighter won’t ignite even after replacing consumable parts
- Oil is leaking
Zippo can handle many kinds of repairs like these.
How to Request a Repair
If your Zippo lighter is broken, please send it to the following address:
United States:
Zippo Repair Clinic
1932 Zippo Drive
Bradford, PA 16701 USA
Repairs are free of charge, but you are responsible for the shipping cost to the Repair Clinic.
You can download the “Windproof Lighter Repair Form” as a PDF from the official Zippo website.
Print the form and fill in your address, the area needing repair, details about the lighter(s) you’re sending, and so on. Enclose the completed form with your lighter and send it in.
If you cannot download the repair form, please include a letter with your name, address, and a description of the malfunction. Be sure not to forget your return address, as your valuable Zippo won’t be sent back without it.
Please note: used candle lighters or gas lighters cannot be mailed, as they are classified as hazardous materials. In such cases, contact Zippo via their website for further assistance.
There are other important notes as well, so be sure to read the detailed instructions below before sending your lighter for repair.
If you’re outside the U.S., repairs may be accepted by official Zippo distributors in your country. Please check with the local distributor first.
Zippo International Locator：https://www.zippo.com/pages/outside-u-s-a
Zippo’s Repair Only Covers Functional Components
Zippo’s free repair service is intended to restore the lighter to a usable condition. It is not like a full restoration of a car, where both functionality and appearance (such as bodywork and paint) are returned to their original state.
During the repair process, some parts may be replaced with new ones, which might significantly alter the appearance of your lighter. Additionally, any unique coloration or patina developed through personal use or age cannot be reproduced. The focus is purely on functionality, and the repair is carried out at the discretion of the service center.
If you have a lighter with special sentimental value and do not want its appearance altered due to parts replacement, it may be better to indicate this clearly in the repair form and request that the lighter be returned without being repaired.
For lighters with high collectible value, replacing parts may reduce their rarity and overall worth. If your lighter cannot be repaired without part replacement, consider enclosing a note requesting that it be returned unrepaired instead.
Also, if parts are replaced and you wish to keep the original components, be sure to include a request asking them to be returned along with the lighter. However, please understand that not all special requests can be accommodated.
Note: Wear and tear on consumable items such as oil, wicks, and flints is not considered a malfunction. These parts are available at Zippo retailers, major hardware stores, and online through platforms like Amazon. Please replace fuel and consumables yourself as needed.
Warranty Certificate Not Required
Zippo will accept repair requests even without a warranty certificate. For older Zippo lighters, it’s understandable that the warranty may have been lost or discarded over the decades.
However, please make sure that the lighter is a genuine Zippo product. In cases where the lighter was purchased or received second-hand without a warranty, there is a chance it may not be an authentic Zippo.
Please be cautious when purchasing second-hand lighters, as counterfeit or imitation Zippo lighters can sometimes be mixed in. If you experience issues related to auctions or private sales, please contact the seller or the platform directly, as Zippo is not responsible for such matters.
How to Package Your Lighter for Shipping
Before packaging your oil lighter, please remove the inside unit and leave it out for a few days to allow the oil to evaporate. Do this in a well-ventilated area away from any sources of ignition.
To prevent damage to your valuable Zippo lighter, wrap it in soft or cushioned packaging material and place it in a box or padded envelope for shipping.
![Water Resistant Bubble Envelope Mailers [10 Pack] 6 inch x 9 inch #0 White Poly Padded Shipping Envelopes Self Sealing Cushioned Packaging Bags](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61SbPtydQVL._SS520_.jpg)
Only send the lighter itself—do not include any cases or display boxes.
To avoid loss during shipping, we recommend using a trackable shipping method, such as registered mail or courier services with insurance.
Depending on the severity of the damage or the volume of repair requests, it may take some time for your lighter to be returned. If you have not received it within two months, please contact Zippo for assistance.
Special Notes About Gas Lighters
Repairs for gas lighters, such as Candle Lighters or Utility Lighters, may incur a service fee.
Unlike regular Zippo oil lighters, gas lighters may not be covered by the lifetime free repair guarantee, and typically have a one or two-year warranty. As for the ZIPPO BLU model, repairs may no longer be offered because the production of parts has been discontinued.
Because gas lighters are more difficult to ship by mail due to safety regulations, the repair process is different from that of oil lighters. For further details, please contact Zippo directly.
Additional Considerations
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Zippo does not repair decorative elements such as designs, engravings, special emblems, or medallions, or surface scratches. They also do not offer custom paintwork, printing, or decoration as part of the repair.
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Items other than Zippo lighters, such as fuel tanks or storage/display cases, may not be eligible for repair.
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Some Zippo retailers may offer their repair services or submit repairs to Zippo on your behalf. While Zippo guarantees free repairs, shops may charge their own fees for handling and shipping. If you’re requesting repair through a third party, be sure to confirm any associated costs beforehand.
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In some countries, licensed Zippo-branded products like outdoor gear or clothing may be sold. These items are handled by separate companies under license agreements. For warranty or repair concerns with these items, please contact the respective seller or manufacturer directly.
George G. Blaisdell and the Lifetime Guarantee
Zippo lighters are known worldwide for their lifetime guarantee. This policy was established by ZIPPO’s founder, George G. Blaisdell, and ensures that if a Zippo lighter breaks, it can be repaired and restored to working condition at no cost, no matter when it was made.
Mr. Blaisdell (1895–1978) visited the repair center daily, checking on the repair process and even reading the letters that customers sent along with their lighters.
Some of these letters were simple slips of paper briefly explaining what was broken, but others were long, heartfelt messages.
In many cases, the letters shared the personal history of how the Zippo lighter came into the customer’s possession and what it meant to them.
The fact that people were sending their Zippo lighters in for repair was, to Mr. Blaisdell, proof that there were customers who truly valued and cherished their lighters.
He also received many thank-you letters from customers expressing their gratitude after receiving their repaired ZIPPOs. Mr. Blaisdell treasured the trust people placed in his promise of free repairs.
He passed away in 1978, but his spirit and commitment to that promise live on to this day.
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