Chimney cleaning rods

[Max W]

I clean my chimney from the top. It’s a fairly steep pitch but a valley between the hip and main roofs makes for a pretty easy climb. What has been a pain is managing the rods while cleaning. I have been just tying them up in a bundle which gets real loose and easy to lose or more one when a bunch are pulled out. It’s just once a year so I haven’t given it much thought but the older I get the more motivation to look for an easier way. This morning I put the rods in an old canvas folding chair carrying bag which I could sling over my shoulder for climbing and it kept them together as I used them, a little thing that made a nice difference.

As far as easier, many swear by the Soot Eater. I got one a few years back and didn’t like it. I found chucking each rod onto the drill awkward and with a plastic bag taped on to the ceiling support I was still getting soot in the kitchen. Maybe the size and height of my cookstove added to that and maybe I didn’t give it enough of a chance. However it’s done it just feels good to start the season knowing your chimney is clean

 

[Ctwoodtick]

I clean my chimney from the top. It’s a fairly steep pitch but a valley between the hip and main roofs makes for a pretty easy climb. What has been a pain is managing the rods while cleaning. I have been just tying them up in a bundle which gets real loose and easy to lose or more one when a bunch are pulled out. It’s just once a year so I haven’t given it much thought but the older I get the more motivation to look for an easier way. This morning I put the rods in an old canvas folding chair carrying bag which I could sling over my shoulder for climbing and it kept them together as I used them, a little thing that made a nice difference.

As far as easier, many swear by the Soot Eater. I got one a few years back and didn’t like it. I found chucking each rod onto the drill awkward and with a plastic bag taped on to the ceiling support I was still getting soot in the kitchen. Maybe the size and height of my cookstove added to that and maybe I didn’t give it enough of a chance. However it’s done it just feels good to start the season knowing your chimney is clean

I agree the sooteater rods are a pain to fumble with. Not sure how high your chimney is but mine is about 14 ft and I can safely take the assembled rods up the ladder. I sweep, detach from drill and then I throw the assembled rods into the lawn. I then disassemble when on the ground.

 

[Whitenuckler]

I agree the sooteater rods are a pain to fumble with. Not sure how high your chimney is but mine is about 14 ft and I can safely take the assembled rods up the ladder. I sweep, detach from drill and then I throw the assembled rods into the lawn. I then disassemble when on the ground.

I know my Dad always dragged a metal brush though. If you do that a few times a wonder if it's as good? I will be doing that with my pellet stove vent from now on, but I don't have any creosote.