I've been using an old tool set i used for my fireplace. Now that i'm burning 24/7 it just ain't holding up. Is there a good set that wont break the bank. I've been to the local fireplace stores and they want from 250 to 400 for a set. I don't mind spending some money but that's ridiculous.
Tool Set?
- Thread starter Chief Ryan
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woodjack
Minister of Fire
See if you can find something cheap to hold you over and keep your eyes open for a good deal. It's one of those things that you can easily overpay for by a lot. I'd look for a second hand set of tools.
Yeah your right. I've been looking on E-Bay for an old set. Not so much that i think it will be really cheap, I like the antique look. As a matter of fact the older the more expensive. But it's still not as much as the new ones of very high quality. Don't get me wrong, i don't mind paying for quality it's the sets i've seen and held that are $300 buck don't feel or look that tough. There just pretty tool sets that sit next to a fireplace that don't get used.
Has anybody ever had a set made by a blacksmith
That would be really cool!
Has anybody ever had a set made by a blacksmith
That would be really cool!
LLigetfa
Minister of Fire
Even the cheap ones are fine as long as you know their limitation and don't misuse them. I think I have over 10 years of use on the cheap set I have now.
Often the threads are sloppy, so you might want to mash them a bit with a hammer to make them a tighter fit. That or wrap an thin copper wire onto the threads. Maybe adding a locking nut is an option.
Don't use the shovel as a poker to arrange the logs as it's likely to bend. You can use it in conjuction with the poker, just let the poker do the hard work.
Often the threads are sloppy, so you might want to mash them a bit with a hammer to make them a tighter fit. That or wrap an thin copper wire onto the threads. Maybe adding a locking nut is an option.
Don't use the shovel as a poker to arrange the logs as it's likely to bend. You can use it in conjuction with the poker, just let the poker do the hard work.
Yeah, the threads get sloppy. It will be tight until it heats up then starts to spin. The poker is fine. Solid steel no problem. It's the shovel that gives me the problem. Like you said, i don't use the shovel for the hard work. It just can't handle it. When i shovel coals out it's a nightmare. I try to push the shovel through the coals to the bottom to get the ash. Raise the shovel shake it and it's all ash. I'm just nervous pulling it out of the firebox in case it spins. Also the rivets are loose and the blade is bending easier and easier. The copper wire is a good idea. One strand of 18 gauge solid wire would do the trick.
I have a hooked fire poker that I bought from a blacksmith. It's made from square stock with a twist in the middle, it's very tough and it only cost $12.Chief Ryan said:Yeah your right. I've been looking on E-Bay for an old set. Not so much that i think it will be really cheap, I like the antique look. As a matter of fact the older the more expensive. But it's still not as much as the new ones of very high quality. Don't get me wrong, i don't mind paying for quality it's the sets i've seen and held that are $300 buck don't feel or look that tough. There just pretty tool sets that sit next to a fireplace that don't get used.
Has anybody ever had a set made by a blacksmith
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Go visit your local welding/sheet metal shop. Have the last set you'll ever need custom made for less money than the commercial sets out there. Keeps your money at home as well.
savageactor7
Minister of Fire
Over the years we received a lot of fireplace tools as gifts but those 2 are our most used. The bent poker and shovel are the only 2 you really need. Light weight but sturdy. HD or Lowes yeah ...either store should have what it takes.
I have a set! $45 and it's yours (+ shipping). Too short for the Mansfield. I singe the hair on my arms trying to rake coals.
This is the set...
http://www.northlineexpress.com/itemdesc.asp?ic=5PI-18019
This is the set...
http://www.northlineexpress.com/itemdesc.asp?ic=5PI-18019
woodjack
Minister of Fire
raybonz
Minister of Fire
wahoowad said:
Very nice toolset you made! Solid 1 piece welded construction is the way to go.. My set came with my stove and they are one piece wrought steel and are still in great shape.. Your set will last forever too and inexpensive to make too..
Ray
Check out Plow & Hearth. They have a web site. We got a set for Christmas; it was visually appealing and pretty well made. Not terribly cheap, about $110 for a shovel, brush, poker, coal rake and stand. However, it'll last a long, long time.
I know that there is a better and new product call Ashes To Go fireplace tray. It makes cleaning your fireplace fast, easy, and no mess. My neighbor had one, and she introduced the fireplace tray to me. I love it! All I have to do is slide it under the grate, burn my wood, and when it completely cools, pull it out. Thats it. It comes with a cover lid to prevent the ashes from blowing. The website is www.ashestogo.com. I love it!! I am going to tell everyone about thing modern fireplace product/tool. It is very affordable. I even like the name that they call it. Check it out.
savageactor7
Minister of Fire
geeez ... don't you think the ambiance of a fireplace demands ashes? I saw the video but I dunno that doesn't seem right, it's unnatural.
lexybird
Minister of Fire
the key is a good sturdy one piece poker ,thats the tool youll really use most often and heavy duty one goes a long way
dougand3
Minister of Fire
savageactor7 said:
Don't fear, Savage...At fakeashestostay.com, you can buy fake ash globules for $49.95....Ambiance restored.
The ashes in the fireplace are real. There is nothing that is unnatural about it. I have one. I use real wood. The concept of this fireplace tray is to eliminate the hassle, time consuming, and the mess of cleaning the fireplace. The fireplace will creat it's own ashes regardless if you use recycled material or real wood. AS whether or not the ashes stay, it's up to you.
Gooserider
Mod Emeritus
This is the tool set I picked up, but I got it at my local Menards store for $40. Holds more wood than I expected too if you take the time to stack it good.
http://www.woodlanddirect.com/Firep...s/Craftsman-Hearth-Center-Vintage-Iron-Finish
http://www.woodlanddirect.com/Firep...s/Craftsman-Hearth-Center-Vintage-Iron-Finish
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