While all chimney cleaners aren’t the same, they all probably carry the same kinds of tools.  One of the most essential tools of the trade is a brush. Chimney cleaners’ use these flat brushes to get into those tight spaces and scrape off the soot or creosote from the chimney’s interior. Every time you light a fire in your fireplace, the tar like substance that builds up accumulates on the walls of your chimney.  If creosote isn’t removed regularly your chimney, a fire can start in the chimney.

The first type of brush that I carry is a polypropylene brush which can be used instead of a wire brush. Polypropylene brushes are better suited for chimneys with a stainless steel chimney liner, as the brush won’t damage it. Next up are chimney cleaning rods which are attached to polypropylene brushes and enable me to cover the entire length of the chimneys interior.

Aside from the handy ladder to get to high places, a chimney sweep also needs chemical agents to remove the caked on creosote. Spray-on powders like Chimney Saver’s Cre-Away can be applied before lighting a fire to loosen the residue while reducing its flammability. Finally, the trusty hand brush can be used when I’m caught in a tight space to remove debris like ash, which often settles in the fireplace or against chimney walls.

While all tools are essential for me to do my job correctly, my experience and know-how are the most important tools that I use on the job.