Wire brush on metal chimney -- how bad to use once more?

[fleenshop]

We moved into a house with a woodstove three years ago. We've had a chimney sweep come twice, and I'd like to try taking that on myself this year. The chimney is metal (shown in photos), and I've read here that a wire brush isn't recommended for metal chimneys (and that a SootEater is). But I'm thinking it might make sense to use a wire brush this time because...
- I have one that the prior owner left behind. Presumably, he used it, though I don't know how many times. So I'm wondering whether whatever additional damage I might cause would be insignificant.
- I've never DIYed this before, and depending how it goes, I'll decide whether to do it repeatedly or to go back to using a pro. I'd rather not buy a tool to use just once. If I am going to DIY going forward, I'd buy a SootEater then.

What do you think? Is it a bad idea to use the wire brush even in this case?

 

[begreen]

It'll be ok. The metal chimney is a lot tougher than most flex-liners in a chimney. Bottom-up cleaning is easy and straightforward. Be sure to also clean the connector pipe.

 

[Rob_Red]

I can get a plastic brush at the hardware store for 20-30 bucks that will attach to standard rods . Why not just use the right tool?

 

[begreen]

The wire brush is fine for rigid chimney pipes. He is not going to damage it and he already has the brush. Poly is fine too.

Poly or Wire Chimney Brush?

This year will be my first time cleaning the chimney on my own. I have 6-in. steel double wall piping. Would it be better to use a poly or wire brush? Thanks

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