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Zippo Lighter Recall

October 20, 2004
Zippo is recalling more than 100,000 multi-purpose utility lighters. The lighters may spill fuel from the nozzle when first used, causing a potential fire hazard through a secondary source of ignition.

There have been 27 reports that the butane fuel spills out of the nozzle when first used. There have been no reports that the product ignited or caused any injury.

Description: The Zippo MPL (Multi-Purpose Lighter) uses refillable butane fuel, is child resistant, and measures 8 inches long and 1 inch wide. The utility lighter is finished in black metal or silver metal with a chrome nozzle. The black unit is packaged in a blister pack with black and red graphics and the silver unit is in a silver gift box. Only utility lighters with these date codes are recalled: G03, H03, I03, ZH03. The date code is on the black adjuster knob on the bottom of the lighter.

The Zippo Multi-Purpose Lighters were sold at Lowes, Bed Bath & Beyond, select Yankee Candle stores, Barbeque Galore, Harrington and Hammacher Schlemmer Catalog, select Wal-Mart stores and other convenience, hardware and home, hearth and patio stores from October 2003 to September 1, 2004.

Remedy: Free replacement multi-purpose lighter when consumer sends to the company the black adjuster knob from the bottom of the lighter.

Consumer Contact: Consumers should visit www.zippomplrecall.com or call Zippo toll-free at (888) 670-2940 between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. ET Monday through Friday to get the address to which the black adjuster knob must be sent.

Return Procedures: Consumers who own the Zippo MPL (Multi-Purpose Lighter) with date codes G03, H03, I03, ZH03 should immediately stop using this product and remove the black adjuster knob with the date code. Pull the knob straight downward with your fingers or use pliers to remove the knob. Keep the knob to be returned to Zippo Manufacturing Company. Consumers should dispose of the lighter in a manner that is in compliance with state or local requirements. Do not incinerate or puncture the lighter. Do not return this lighter to the store where purchased or to Zippo.

The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

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