On Tue, 07 Feb 2006 15:23:02 +0000, "Anthony R. Gold" wrote:

Apology if this is a dumb question but is there any easy way to tell
whether a reluctant-to-strike light needs the tube or starter changed?

Tony

If it flashes on & off it's probably not the starter
If the ends glow but nothing else happens, it's the starter.
If nothing at all happens it's probably the starter but could be a tube with an open filament