I finally switched from wire brushes to rotary tools for flue cleaning

I spent 15 years thinking rotary brushes were just a gimmick for rookies. Tried one on a heavy creosote job in an old house built in 1923 and it cut my time down by half with way less mess. Anyone else have a tool they were late to adopt?

3 comments

3 Comments

calebc401mo ago

Wait, you used a rotary brush on a 1923 house with heavy creosote and it actually worked that well? I gotta say I'm surprised because I always figured those things would just fling creosote everywhere and make a worse mess than wires. @barbara_grant4 mentioned running a shop vac while you work, which makes total sense now that I think about it. I guess I was wrong about them being only for easy jobs, sounds like they handle the tough stuff too if you know what you're doing.

valc911mo ago

Huh, do you run the vac while brushing or after?

barbara_grant41mo ago

The rotary brush is a total game changer once you figure out the right speed and pressure. I had the same hesitation for years and finally gave in on a nasty buildup job. Make sure you run the tool at a steady pace so you don't scar the liner or knock loose chunks you can't reach. Also keep a shop vac running nearby to catch the dust before it settles everywhere. It took me a couple tries to get the hang of it but now I won't go back to wires unless it's a tight spot the rotary can't fit. Big time saver for sure.