Another KISS-centric Brewing Gadget

So there you are, trying to light your burner on a windy morning. You've got your trusty fireplace lighter, the kind with a trigger and a long handle for the flame. You press the button. Click!

Nothing.

Again, Click... Nothing.

Click Click Click.. aha! Flame!

Then, the wind gusts, and your trusty lighter goes out. Foul language commences.

You try again Click. Click. Click. Clickclickclick WHOOMP!

After you brush the singed ash that used to be your eyebrows off your face, you wonder if there isn't a better way to light your burner. There is.

Did you ever notice that welders and metalworkers never use a match or lighter to light an oxy torch? They figured out the better solution years ago -- the lowly torch striker. Flint, steel, and a handy holder that makes showers of sparks wherever you want them. I switched over to a torch striker for lighting my burner a while ago, and it works perfectly. Fast, Cheap, Effective -- The KISS-centric brewer's mantra is satisfied.

So, stop by your local Home Depot / Lowe's / Welding supplier, and pick up a torch striker and some spare flints. For the cost of that crummy fireplace lighter that goes out in the wind, you get a never-fail way to light your burner. Afterward, stop by the drugstore.

I hear Rogaine works on eyebrows, too.