As a young kid and you’re over at your grandparents house playing in the den. Well, in the den, there is a fireplace. Right beside the fireplace was a set of tools that looked interesting and cool to play with. Below are descriptions of each tool in the set. Reminder, each set does not include all six pieces; some have less while others have seven or more.
Tools & Purpose
- Spade – Appears similar to a flat shovel. It is associated with digging, mainly meant to pick up ashes, hot coals, and burning embers. Moving around the ashes and providing a cleaner burn, there will be a decrease in smoke production. Typically, use to clean ashes and coals once they are cooled by scooping them into the ash dump door.
- Tongs – Similar to the ones for cooking, but these are much larger. These are large enough to grab logs, pieces of wood, and breaking up burnt wood to provide more oxygen. More oxygen creates more flames and less smoke.
- Fireplace Broom – A tiny/small broom that is to sweep out ashes from the fireplace once a fire has been extinguished. This is important to have because all fires create ash and it fits in the fireplace to clean.
- Bellows – Not one of the more commonly known tools, but meant to blow a controlled gust of oxygen into the fire to increase the flames. There is a valve on the end to direct the wave of air. It is to help start the fire by increasing the flame size and heat. Typically used to light the kindling.
- Fireplace Poker – A long metal extended rod with a pointed end, similar to a Philips screwdriver. Can move wood in the fire.
- Andiron – A rarer tool and known as a ‘log-dog’. It is a horizontal bar that is used to hold/support logs that are fed to the flames. It allows more air to pass through, producing a cleaner burn.
Never play with these tools or let the younger generations play with these. The tools are solid metal and quiet a few pieces have sharp ends. Keep in mind to have the tool set hidden while small children are visiting. Hiding the toolset will lower the risk of a baby or toddler getting hurt. Also, Allstar Chimney Sweep technicians are here to answer any questions you may have about these tools and anything to do with your fireplace or chimney.