Wood burning stoves have been a reliable and cost-effective source of heat for centuries. To ensure a seamless experience with your wood stove, it’s crucial to have the right tools on hand. Among these tools, the magnesium bar with striker stands out as an essential item for lighting and maintaining your wood stove. In this article, we will explore the technical details of the magnesium bar with striker, its proper utilization, and why it is indispensable for wood stove owners.
Understanding the Magnesium Bar with Striker
The magnesium bar with striker, often referred to as a fire starter or fire steel, is a small, lightweight, and highly durable tool designed to ignite a fire with ease. It consists of two main components: the magnesium bar and the striker.
Magnesium Bar: The magnesium bar is the primary ignition source. It is made from a high-quality magnesium alloy, which is highly flammable. When shaved or scraped into small shavings, the magnesium reacts with oxygen and can ignite even in adverse conditions.
Striker: The striker, typically made of steel or another hard material, is used to create sparks. By striking the striker against the magnesium bar, sparks are generated, which ignite the magnesium shavings and, consequently, your kindling or firewood.
Using the Magnesium Bar with Striker
Properly using the magnesium bar with striker is essential for starting and maintaining a fire in your wood burning stove. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Gather Your Materials: Before you start, ensure you have dry tinder, kindling, and firewood ready to go. Having these materials prepared in advance will make the process smoother.
Prepare the Magnesium Bar: With a knife or other sharp object, scrape the magnesium bar to create a small pile of shavings. Make sure the shavings are fine and fluffy, as this will make them easier to ignite.
Position the Shavings: Place the magnesium shavings where you want to start your fire. Typically, this is on top of your tinder.
Use the Striker: Hold the striker in one hand and the magnesium bar with the other. Strike the striker against the magnesium bar in a downward and outward motion. This action should generate sparks, which will ignite the magnesium shavings.
Nurture the Flame: As the magnesium shavings catch fire, gently blow on them to encourage the flames to spread to the tinder and kindling. Once the fire is established, add more wood gradually to build your desired fire size.
Why the Magnesium Bar with Striker is Essential
Reliability: Unlike matches or lighters, the magnesium bar with striker is highly dependable, even in wet or windy conditions. It can be a lifesaver in emergency situations.
Longevity: A single magnesium bar can last for a long time since only a small amount is needed for each ignition.
Safety: It is a safer option compared to some other ignition methods since it doesn’t involve an open flame until the magnesium shavings are ignited.
Conclusion
In the world of wood burning stoves, having the right tools can make all the difference in your heating experience. The magnesium bar with striker is a simple yet indispensable tool that ensures you can reliably light and maintain your wood stove. By understanding its components, proper use, and advantages, you can keep your wood stove burning brightly, even in challenging conditions. Whether you’re a seasoned wood stove user or a beginner, the magnesium bar with striker should find a place in your toolkit.