Fireplace Gas Valve Problem

Our house was built in the 1970s (we’ve lived in it for 2 years now) and we recently had the chimney cleaned and a gas log system installed. The chimney/fireplace serviceman said the gas valve had a unique key (one that he had only seen one or two times). After he installed the gas log system he turned the gas valve on using a flathead screwdriver since he said the key is rare/hard to find. However, I feel like over time, using a flat head screwdriver will strip this piece of metal and make it unsafe to turn on/off. My husband and I tried to turn on the gas valve tonight and it is EXTEMELY hard to turn with a screwdriver. So I feel like something isn’t right. Does anyone know where I can find this type of key? Or was the chimney guy incorrect and this is just part of the valve that needs other pieces/adaptors? Also the floor plate to me looks weird because it has a circular hole. All the ones I’ve seen online have a square hole. I also find it strange that every single fireplace gas valve key I’ve seen online is the same. Why is my house different?

 

Welcome to the forums.

I've only ever heard of one company making those gas shut off valves and it is Dante.

Dante products

 

You could try a 12 point (standard) socket set. An 8 point socket may work even better but they are harder to find.

 

https://www.fireplacedoorsonline.com...alve-keys.html

https://www.supplyhouse.com/sh/contr...20valve%20keys

This is another sight or just google gas valve keys for fireplaces and you will see all your options,

 

Thanks Spott..... different site but look like all Dante keys.

 

Pete,
Just some options. Those were Dante's but on supply.com was another brand and even Amazon had different ones. Just in case he was looking for options. They're actually all over the place.