I want a lighter like a zippo but not….

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Than you in advance for persevering into a badly titled thread but I couldn’t think of a better one!

I need a lighter. I don’t smoke (but 15 years after quitting I miss it badly) but with my job now and again I need to set fire to stuff in a variety of places (don’t panic, it’s all in the name of safety). I spent the better part of 30 mins trying to find shelter from a cold breeze (it wasn’t that windy) trying in vain trying to set fire to a bit plastic with a bic lighter that was getting plenty hot without doing its core job of setting fire to this bit of plastic. In the event I had to beg and borrow a friends blow torch but I’m pretty sure I’d have done the whole thing quicker with a zippo.

I used to own a zippo for years, a nicely worn chrome one – I may still do but I can’t find it. I do remember them drying out if neglected, and my fire starting activities will be sporadic so I suspect butane is the way to go. I’ve looked at some inserts and other gas lighters and they both seem to have the same problem, holding a button or something (often next to the flame) to keep the flame going rather than the zippo which will stay lit once the Flint is struck. I know the zippo will get hot after a while but not has hot or as fast as a bic or disposable. And there’s a bigger flame too which is helpful.

Are there brands of inserts that will do that job or a cheaper alternative altogether?

Thanks folks!

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