Note that the recommended fuel for these is standard lighter fuel which is a fairly clean burning(ish) petroleum distillate. Keep in mind these fuels will burn without a wicking material, so be careful to avoid flames and hot surfaces when refilling.
I'd recommend against using heavier fuels like kerosene and definitely not an alcohol fuel as it tends not to stay in wicks as well as an oily fuel. I know this from the delightful experience of having my hand set on fire accidentally by the special effects department of a film I was acting in. I was holding a blazing torch which they had soaked in isopropanol to give a less smoky flame and the spirit just poured down the handle followed by the flame.
The Patreon Posse have also mentioned that this style of unit can cause a skin reaction due to the contact irritation of the fuel vapour if kept in a pocket close to skin for a long time.
If you know the science behind the vapour to heat catalytic conversion then please leave a comment about it below.
If you enjoy these videos you can help support the channel with a dollar for coffee, cookies and random gadgets for disassembly at:-
http://www.bigclive.com/coffee.htm
This also keeps the channel independent of YouTube's advertising algorithms allowing it to be a bit more dangerous and naughty.
I'd recommend against using heavier fuels like kerosene and definitely not an alcohol fuel as it tends not to stay in wicks as well as an oily fuel. I know this from the delightful experience of having my hand set on fire accidentally by the special effects department of a film I was acting in. I was holding a blazing torch which they had soaked in isopropanol to give a less smoky flame and the spirit just poured down the handle followed by the flame.
The Patreon Posse have also mentioned that this style of unit can cause a skin reaction due to the contact irritation of the fuel vapour if kept in a pocket close to skin for a long time.
If you know the science behind the vapour to heat catalytic conversion then please leave a comment about it below.
If you enjoy these videos you can help support the channel with a dollar for coffee, cookies and random gadgets for disassembly at:-
http://www.bigclive.com/coffee.htm
This also keeps the channel independent of YouTube's advertising algorithms allowing it to be a bit more dangerous and naughty.
if you put the last little drop of fluid left in the little refill tank on the cat it lights really easily, just be prepared for some 2-3 inch tall flames for a few seconds.
totally unknown need/device in warm countries 😅
This is actually the hakkin peacock hand warmer is older then the zippo brand itself, but many rippoffs exist and what you have in your hand is one
Cloth ligter
I managed to find some quality platinum catalyst. I havent tried yet so can comment however reviewers say it works very well in these handwarmers. Anyway its from the US and the search term is "Platinum Bright Embers" or more fully "Advanced Catalyst Systems Platinum Bright Embers".
Would be really good as a Sausage warmer 👌
These are an absolute must if you're going to be outdoors in the cold for extended periods regularly. 24 hours of heat with just a fart of fluid. I call them pocket heaters cause they warm up your whole pocket not just your hand.
And you can see them glow, faintly.
Iirc Jon -E makes a giant version of this type of handwarmer. Not sure if those are still available though.
There was a type of handwarmer that came in a steel and asbestos box, the outside was in some coloured velvet like fabric. These were usually made in Italyor say, Bulgaria and were fuelled by some sort of proprietary charcoal sticks which were usually coated i a silvery paint like substance. If you can find then for sale, it is usually on ebay, same for the fuel sticks. Similar hazards to the zippo catalytic heaters, different mode of operation. The zippo catalytic heaters seem to work better if you are not running around but staying relatively still.
The usb versions are better in my opinion. The naptha versions go out quite often, and you have to stay away from inflammable atmospheres with one of these lit.
how do you turn it off, just take the top off?
Complete garbage. Can’t get mine to do anything so it’s going in the trash bin
I got a couple Zippo ones and they work nice but the smell of the fuel burning is to much for me
The accent was bothering me very much… until we got to part where he cited, let's put some more fluid in here… just because…
We are speaking the same language now.
I have one of these with a fine wire mesh covering the convertor, it has a hole in the cap for lighting cigarettes as well (seeing as the wire mesh glows quite hot, this makes sense)
That my friend, sorted my problems out, I have exactly the same warmer, I was putting the new catalyst pads in wrongly, I also fixed my other one. Thank you.
The sound is off!
I have a vintage one and the (wick/mantle?) on it appears to to be braided glass tube like woven fiberglass.