Openers

• Openers are tricks that open the Zippo in a flashy and unique way. One common beginner opener is called the squeeze. Accomplish the squeeze by holding the lighter between your thumb, index and middle fingers. Squeeze your fingers until the index and middle fingers begin to slide down the side, snapping the lighter outward. Catch the lighter at the base and grip it with your index middle finger and thumb. The momentum of the lighter snapping outward causes the top to unhinge instantly.
  
  

Lighting Tricks

• Some of the most common types of tricks involve igniting a Zippo. Two great beginner tricks to light a Zippo are the "pants slide" and the "snap." The pants slide requires jeans or other pants made of rough material. Open the lighter and slide the flint wheel down the leg of your pants. The friction will cause it to ignite. For the snap, open the lighter and place your middle finger on the flint wheel, then snap your fingers. Your middle finger will drag the flint wheel and ignite the lighter.
  
  

Spins and Other Flourishes

• Many great tricks require spinning the Zippo between your fingers. Before learning these complex tricks, a beginner should learn that skill. To begin, open the lighter and hold it by the hinge with the index finger and thumb. Bring the middle finger in front of the lighter and grip it by the hinge, so that the lighter is held between the index and middle fingers. Repeat this motion with each subsequent finger. Practice building up speed before moving on to more complex tricks.
  
  

Other Tricks

• There are many Zippo tricks that aren't just impressive to look at, but also have an element of illusion to them. One trick for beginners is called the "twilight zone." To do the twilight zone, bend the wick at a 90 degree angle. Light your lighter, and cover the flame so that it only burns on the underside of the wick. By flicking, blowing, or moving the lighter, the flame will spring back to full size.