What is that clicker thing that sends out a spark to light a stove?

Question

I have a very old-fashioned stove (from the 1940's I think) and instead of having either a pilot light or a spark ignition (the little thing that makes the clicking sound when you turn on a burner), it has to be lit every time. (I remember seeing this type of stove in Europe too, much more recently than they have been made in the US.) The last people who lived in my house left me a long plastic thing with a metal tip that conveniently makes a spark perfect for lighting the burner. But now it is wearing out and I need a new one but can't figure out where to find one because I don't know what to call it! I do have one of those long lighters that you can use on a barbecue and I guess I could use that but because it's filled with lighter fluid it doesn't seem to be a great idea to keep it near the stove all the time. Any help? Thanks.

Answer 1

I'd go along with JM.... and ask at the hardware store about the doodad that lights a propane torch... I think that's the same dealie....looks like a bent coat hanger with a stone on one side and a sharp point on the other end?....like this?..

http://www.tools-plus.com/aes-2001.html

Answer 2

This may be of some help:

http://www.walmart.com/search/browse-ng....

Answer 3

What you're looking for has a number of different names actually.  I've heard them called strikers, flints, sparking flints, fire steels, mischmetal fire starters and a number of other things that I don't recall off the top of my head.  *hehe*  That should be enough for you to find one you like at your local hardware or outdoors shop.  Make sure you compare prices though, some places sell them quite inexpensively while others really jack the prices up.  I do hope you find one you like soon though, good luck.  :)

Answer 4

The BBQ lighter will work, and its perfectly safe.  Have you tried going down to the hardware store with the old one and just asking "what is this and do you sell it?"  Hardware store guys have usually seen it ALL.