1. Product Overview
The Zippo Mag Strike is a reliable fire-starting tool designed for both home and outdoor use. This compact device provides a powerful shower of sparks to ignite tinder quickly and efficiently. It features a durable ferrocerium rod and a robust striker blade, ensuring consistent performance in various conditions. The included Zippo Tinder Shreds are designed to catch quickly, facilitating a crackling blaze in minimal time. The entire unit is packaged for convenience and protection.
Image 1: The Zippo Mag Strike fire starter, showcasing its compact design.
2. Safety Information
WARNING: This product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Always use in accordance with enclosed instructions and keep out of reach of children.
Always exercise caution when starting fires. Ensure a clear area free of flammable materials. Never leave a fire unattended. Store the Zippo Mag Strike in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
3. Package Contents
- Zippo Mag Strike Ferrocerium Rod and Striker
- Instruction Manual
Image 2: The Zippo Mag Strike and included components in its original blister packaging.
4. Features
- 5/16 inch Ferrocerium Rod: Provides a large surface area for generating sparks.
- Corrosion Resistant Rod Coating: Enhances durability and longevity of the ferrocerium rod.
- Snap Lock Closure: Securely holds the ferrocerium rod and striker together.
- Triangular Shape with Textured Grip: Offers improved handling and prevents rolling.
- Striker Blade with Sharpened Edge: Designed for optimal spark generation.
- Reusable ABS Plastic Construction: Ensures a lightweight yet robust design.
- Shielded Internal Chamber: Protects the ferrocerium rod when not in use.
- Molded Lanyard Hole: Allows for easy attachment to gear or a lanyard.
Image 3: Detailed view of the Zippo Mag Strike's features as described on its packaging.
5. Setup
Before first use, the ferrocerium rod may have a protective coating. To ensure optimal spark generation, scrape off a small portion of this black coating using the sharp edge of the striker blade until the shiny metal of the rod is exposed. This prepares the rod for effective use.
Image 4: The Zippo Mag Strike separated into its ferrocerium rod and striker components.
6. Operating Instructions
- Prepare Tinder: Gather dry, fine tinder (such as Zippo Tinder Shreds, cotton balls, dry grass, or wood shavings) and arrange it in a small pile.
- Separate Components: Unlatch the snap lock closure and separate the ferrocerium rod from the striker.
- Positioning: Hold the ferrocerium rod firmly at an angle (approximately 45 degrees) just above your tinder pile. Position the striker blade against the rod, near the top.
- Generate Sparks: Apply firm, downward pressure with the striker blade against the ferrocerium rod. Quickly and forcefully scrape the striker down the length of the rod, directing the shower of sparks onto your tinder. Repeat until the tinder ignites.
- Nurture Flame: Once the tinder catches fire, gently blow on the flame and add progressively larger pieces of kindling to build your fire.
- Secure Storage: After use, ensure the ferrocerium rod has cooled. Reinsert the rod into the striker and engage the snap lock closure for secure storage.
Image 5: The Zippo Mag Strike in action, producing a bright shower of sparks.
Video 1: Demonstration of the Zippo Mag Strike's spark generation and assembly. This video shows how to separate the ferrocerium rod from the striker, how to scrape the rod to produce sparks, and how to reassemble the unit. It highlights the ease of use and the quality of the sparks produced.
7. Maintenance
- Cleaning: After use, wipe any residue from the ferrocerium rod and striker with a dry cloth. Avoid using harsh chemicals.
- Storage: Store the Mag Strike in a dry environment to prevent corrosion. Ensure the snap lock closure is engaged to protect the rod and striker.
- Rod Wear: The ferrocerium rod will gradually wear down with use. Rotate the rod to utilize different surfaces and extend its lifespan. Replace the unit when the rod becomes too short for effective use.
8. Troubleshooting
- No or Weak Sparks:
- Ensure the black protective coating has been fully scraped off the ferrocerium rod.
- Apply more pressure and a faster scraping motion with the striker.
- Check the edge of the striker blade for dullness. A sharp edge is crucial for good sparks.
- Tinder Not Igniting:
- Ensure tinder is completely dry and finely shredded.
- Direct sparks precisely onto the tinder pile.
- Increase the amount of tinder.
9. Specifications
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Brand | Zippo |
| Model Name | Zippo Mag Strike |
| Part Number | 40477 |
| Material | Stainless Steel (striker), Ferrocerium (rod), ABS Plastic (housing) |
| Item Weight | 3.2 ounces |
| Product Dimensions | 1"L x 1"W x 4.3"Th |
| Country of Origin | China |
10. Warranty and Support
The Zippo Mag Strike comes with a 2-year warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. For warranty claims, product support, or general inquiries, please visit the official Zippo website or contact their customer service department.
For more information, visit the Zippo Store on Amazon.
