How does a windproof lighter work?

Answer 1

The wick of the Zippo is made of non-flammable fibre and is wrapped in braided copper wire. Cotton wool, or similar, is packed around the wick in the body of the lighter. This cotton wool is impregnated with lighter fluid.

When the Zipo is struck, the wheel grinds sparks off the flint which ignites fuel that has soaked up the wick. The fuel impregnating the wick heats until it becomes a gas, at which point the environment flashes over and the gaseous fluid ignites. Heat from the flame travels down the copper braiding into the impregnated wool heating up the fuel. The fuel vapourises and improves the flow of fuel up the wick. Pressure inside the lighter also forces fluid and gasses from the inside of the lighter out through the opening.

This is partially why Zippos are so windproof.

Answer 2

Windproof lightersWindproof lighters contrary to popular myth are NOT highly pressurized. They contain no more pressure than a standard disposable butane lighter. What creates the jet of flame is a small device called a "Catalytic Coil". In lighters it is usually a small disk with holes drilled in a circle around the edge with one larger one in the center; positioned directly above the exhaust port, inside of a small chimney. When the Piezoelectric crystal is struck and the lighter is ignited, the fuel heats the coil and begins a more complete burning of the fuel in a catalytic process. This rapid and enhanced combustion is what creates the "Jet" of flame coming out of the lighter.