Abstract: A piezoelectric igniter which has a piezoelectric transducer for converting mechanical into electrical energy. Said transducer is housed at the bottom of a housing of plastics material, which housing is resilient in the axial direction. The transducer cooperates with a hammer which is movable towards the transducer and is actuated by an energy storing spring, which may be compressed and torsioned by pressing on an actuating cap and which comprises a laterally protruding locking pin, co-operating with L-shaped recesses in the housing and with apertures in the actuating cap having a slant cam surface. The resiliency of the plastics housing leads to a greater efficiency of the igniter.