Fireplace Gas Parts FAQs

How do I light a gas fireplace with a gas valve key?

Can I use a log lighter to convert my gas fireplace to a wood burning fireplace with a gas starter?

How are your gas valve keys universal? I'm looking for a replacement gas key for a ball valve. Will your universal key work?

How can I tell if my fireplace burner is just a fire starter for logs or designed for use with artificial logs? Is there a difference?

How do I light a gas fireplace with a gas valve key?

1. Search for a small, metal keyhole that should be located around the base of the fireplace or on a nearby wall.

2. Take your gas valve key and insert the end into the key hole until it stops. Wiggle the key around until you feel it fit into place.

3. Turn the key counterclockwise about half a turn. This releases the gas into the fireplace.

4. Take a long butane lighter, insert the end near the center of your gas logs where the gas tube should be, and ignite the gas.

5. Turn the gas valve key back and forth in the key hole to achieve the desired flame height. Again, counterclockwise increases the flames and clockwise decreases the flame. “Righty tighty, lefty loosey.”

Back to top

Can I use a log lighter to convert my gas fireplace to a wood burning fireplace with a gas starter?

No, a prefabricated, gas fireplace can not be converted to a wood burning fireplace. Wood burns much hotter than gas, and a gas fireplace is not made to withstand that extreme heat.

However, if it's a masonry fireplace with a gas log set currently being used in it, then the answer is yes. Simply remove the gas log set and make sure you have a working flue.

Back to top

How are your gas valve keys universal? I'm looking for a replacement gas key for a ball valve. Will your universal key work?

Our universal gas valve keys are designed to connect with both round (ball) and square (globe) valves, and they will fit 1/4 inch and 5/16 inch valve stems. As long as your ball valve stem is one of those two fitting, our universal gas valve key will work for you.

Back to top

How can I tell if my fireplace burner is just a fire starter for logs or designed for use with artificial logs? Is there a difference?

• Yes, there is a big difference. The log lighter can only be used to start a fire in a wood burning fireplace and is shut off as soon as the wood catches on fire. Gas logs burner can run constantly and are to be used with gas log sets only.
• All gas log burners have a black burner tray that is either covered with sand (for natural gas) or lava rock (for liquid propane).
• A log lighter is a piece of pipe underneath the log grate and is controlled buy a shut-off valve outside the fireplace opening.

Back to top