Abstract: An igniter for acetylene torches having ignition means protectively housed in a box-like metal enclosure that has an inwardly depressible hinged wall, depression of which activates the ignition means. A guarded opening through the depressible hinged wall provides a passageway through which gas issuing from a torch may be projected into the vicinity of the ignition means, so that by positioning the nozzle of the torch to project the jet of gas issuing therefrom into the inlet of the guarded opening and, at the same time, applying inward pressure on the hinged wall, the torch is ignited. Located within the enclosure are two solenoid-actuated valves which control the admission of gas and oxygen to the torch, and an upwardly biased depressible torch supporting hook on the exterior of the enclosure holds a normally closed switch that controls energization of the solenoids of the valves, in its open condition as long as the torch is supported by said hook.