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I still use a basic brush and rods instead of a rotary system
A lot of guys in my area push the fancy power sweepers, saying they're faster and cleaner. I had the chance to buy a used SootMaster 2000 for $800 last fall, but I stuck with my old set of 8-foot fiberglass rods. On a job with a really narrow, offset flue in an old house, I found I had more control and could feel the creosote buildup better with the hand tools. Has anyone else stuck with the old way and found it works better for certain chimneys?
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drew9347mo ago
My uncle ran a sweep business for 40 years and always said a set of good rods was like an extra hand. Those power sweepers are great for a straight shot in a new build, but try telling that SootMaster to gently feel for a hairpin turn in a 1920s brick chimney. You'll just hear a expensive grinding noise. I've saved myself from three potential masonry repairs this year alone by going slow with the brush.
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fionat557mo ago
Man, that's the kind of old-school wisdom you just can't buy.
1
harper_burns597mo ago
My first year sweeping, I was so proud of my new power whip until I found out what century-old mortar sounds like when it loses an argument with stainless steel. Let's just say my customer's face was a better diagnostic tool than any gauge. Now my fancy gear collects dust while I learn what a rod actually feels like in a tight spot.
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