Handy poker

From Cornburning

To make a handy poker, take a 2 ft. piece of 3/8 " concrete re-bar and bend one end into a "J" for a handle so it looks like a candy cane. On the other end, grind it to a sharp point. You can wrap the handle end with tape or slide a short piece of tight-fitting rubber hose over the "J" so it is easy on your hand when using it. You can use the sharp point to poke a clinker to break it up or knock buildup off your stirrer if your stove has one. The rough surface of the re-bar can also be used as a sort of file to rub back and forth on the stirrer to knock buildup off the fingers. I've seen just a little buildup begin to start the last day or so. I've been able to unplug the stove, quickly poke or rub off the buildup, plug it back in and keep the fire going. Buildup seems to come off easy when its very hot.