What is the cam for on a zippo lighter?

The cam in a Zippo lighter is a small, curved piece of metal that plays a crucial role in the lighter's ignition mechanism. It helps to create a flint-to-striker contact when the lid is opened, enabling the flint to produce a spark and ignite the lighter's wick. This design allows for a reliable and consistent ignition each time the lighter is used. The cam is essential for the signature "click" sound that Zippo lighters are known for when opened.