REVIEW – A folding knife is a common everyday carry item. Lighters aren’t unusual. But what if you need a screwdriver and you don’t have a multitool? Enter the Zippo Bit Safe lighter insert, a clever and compact way to unscrew your way out of a jam.
⬇︎ Jump to summary (pros/cons)
Price: $19.95 (insert only)
Where to buy: Zippo | Amazon (Black Friday Deal -38% $11.21 List Price: $17.95)
What is it?
The iconic Zippo lighter is incredibly pocketable. The Bit Safe is an insert that holds four bits and slips inside an empty Zippo lighter case.
What’s included?
- The Bit Safe insert
- Four bits (#1 Phillips, #2 Phillips, ¼” Slotted and T20 Torx heads)
Tech specs
- Bit Safe insert: solid zinc
- Magnetic bit holder; fits most ¼” hex shank screwdriver bits
- Dimensions: 2.14″ x 1.43″ x 0.48″
- Weight: 0.11 lbs.
- Made in the USA with Lifetime guarantee that “it works or we fix it free™”
Design and features
You can purchase the Bit Safe by itself, or with a case. Here it is with a yellow case.
The box is ideal for gift-giving. Inside lists some of the key features. “Made in USA” caught my attention!
The Bit Safe itself is made of solid zinc which carries four bits (included).
Each bit slot has a magnet inside for bit retention.
Here’s an everyday Zippo lighter insert (left) alongside the Bit Safe (right). With a bit inserted, the Bit Safe is just as tall as the lighter insert.
Assembly, Installation, Setup
Just like any Zippo lighter, the Bit Safe slides right into the case. The fit is perfectly snug.
Maybe you have a Zippo lighter case you really like. If not, there are countless other designs. 
I was also sent the Zippo Tactical Pouch, another Made in USA accessory. Slips right in, clips onto your belt or a strap with ease.
Performance
The form-factor is really neat, but how well does it work? At first I gave it a try with the case on. The lid kind of gets in the way. All of Zippo’s promotional photos show the Bit Safe in use WITHOUT the case. Yes, it was much easier to grab.
Because the top of the Bit Safe is a standard 1/4″ hex shank, you’re not just limited to Philips heads!
I discovered that when installed, the bits rest fairly low into the body. Because the magnets are freakishly stronger than they need to be, pulling them out is a bit of a task. I would sometimes reach for a set of multitool pliers to remove the bits, which is ironic- If I had a multitool with me, I probably wouldn’t need the Bit Safe! The bits are far easier to remove if you store the three bits at the bottom head-first. Unfortunately, if you insert a bit backwards in the top, the lid can’t close all the way.
This means you can’t store bits that are too long. I found this out when I tried to use some double-ended bits that would fit slip in the shank, but you’d be unable to store the Bit Safe in a Zippo case.
Final thoughts
This is the most clever EDC item I’ve seen in a while. Maybe you already have a multitool, but not all of them carry more than a Phillips or slotted tip. With the Zippo Bit Safe lighter insert, you can carry four of your favorite 1/4″ hex bits that maybe your multitool doesn’t have, in the most hidden-in-plain-sight tool that slips in your pocket.
What I like about X
- Clever use of the Zippo form factor.
- Works with any 1/4″ hex bit.
- Fits into countless Zippo cases.
What needs to be improved?
- The magnets hold onto the bits a little too well.
Price: $19.95 (insert only)
Where to buy: Zippo | Amazon (Black Friday Deal -38% $11.21 List Price: $17.95)
Source: The sample of this product was provided for free by Zippo. Zippo did not have a final say on the review and did not preview the review before it was published.
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$34.90 (as of November 27, 2025 03:19 GMT -05:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
