Zippos are classed as windproof lighters because they can stay lit in practically any wind condition. Furthermore, Zippo lighters are recognized for their lifetime guarantee: if a Zippo breaks down, regardless of how old it is, the business will replace or repair the lighter for free. Although zippos are designed to be lightweight and easy to carry, this does not mean that they are cheap to manufacture. In fact, a Zippo is one of the most expensive lighters available. The reason for this is that Zippo manufacturers require premium quality materials for their lighters; usually brass or steel with some plastic parts. These are expensive materials to source and maintain a high quality supply chain for. Another factor which makes zippos more expensive than other lighters is the design itself. Unlike disposable lighters which are made from plastic, zinc-carbon zippos contain several parts which need to be manufactured with great care and precision. Even though these components can be bought individually, when put together they make up a highly effective fire starter and fuel gauge. Finally, while most lighters rely on petroleum products to work, zippos use pyrogallic acid, a natural product derived from wood. So not only do zippos provide long-lasting flame effects, they also reduce our dependency on oil. Overall, zippos are durable, reliable, and efficient.