Well, Ive been out of the loop for a bit. Got a computer up and running again and all. Was on ebay and saw a "Control Key for Optimus Stoves Svea 123 / Hunter 8r" as the listing specifically stated. I thought "wow, someones putting out keys for a Svea 123. Great, I can get a proper key rather than use the bit I cobbled together." So I bought it. The vendor is the familiar A&H. I got the key and it didnt work. After asking the vendor about it, they tell me that it is in fact meant for a 123R and not a 123. Sure wish the auction listing specifically stated that. Here's the vendor's reply "That key is for the 123 self cleaning Svea and the 8r Hunter, we do not have keys for the Svea none self cleaning, all you have to do is ,put the key on your spindle ,with a pair of pliers squeeze the end to fit your spindle, until you can turn on and off, old style keys are no longer available,Or you can return. let me know" Well, I wanted to post a note here at CCS so that others get a heads up and dont get misled like I did. BTW: if the mods feel that this post would serve better being in another forum, please by all means feel free to move it.
Hey, HF, I'm sorry you had a problem with your key. Had it been me, I would have read that the key you got was meant to be used with the 8R, and immediately known that it could not work with a regular SVEA 123. I was not confused by the wording, as I know that the older 123 keys will never fit an 8R, unless it's one of the oldest versions, the #8. I guess you did not know that. If A&H offered to accept the key back for a refund, I'd say, go for it. Please check out photos of the two different keys, and you will easily see that they are quite different. Then, when you are seeking one on the 'bay, one peek at the posted photos will tell the tale, and you will know which one on which to bid. Best of luck, and God Bless! Every Good Wish, Doc P.S. A&H were right, in that the old SVEA key has not been made, nor offered, for many years, now. Any such key will be found on a used stove, of sold as a used key for the regular 123. Anything that's offered to fit something with an "R" after the number, will not fit the earlier SVEA 123 that you have. Hope that helps.
He should specify these things in the future just to save shipping costs and hassle. but like ordering car parts you never know whats in the box till you open it. They have some ebay listings and a few are confusing.
Greetings, Nagant, I agree with you, 100%. If it t'were my business, of course, I would try to do it the way I think it should be done. But, as it's not, I still try to support Shirlene and Bob, as best I can, and that's all I can do. Agree, completely, about the confusing listings, though.... Take care, and God Bless! Every Good Wish, Doc
Old Svea/ optimus keys come up on eBay once and awhile. I have a few spares that will go up on eBay soon. Cheers Jeff
Yeah, I dont have an 8r and never have had one in my hands to learn about it. Its a hint in the wording that I would not have / didnt catch. I only know about the handful of stoves I do have. Im not mad but I am a bit annoyed by the careless wording of the listing as I found it to be. I just dont want others to make the same mistake I did. A&H has multiple listings of these and the wording remains... It is a well made key. It might need a bit of fileing for someof the spanner holes. But it should work well for the right stove- the 123R!
