Changed my mind about using wire brush wheels for flue cleaning

Old timer at the supply house told me poly abrasive brushes work way better than steel wire on clay flues, and he was right after I wrecked a liner on my third job with a wire wheel. Anyone else made the switch and seen better results?

2 comments

2 Comments

mary_martin2220d ago

That old timer knew what he was talking about, I'll give him that. I switched after I spent a whole afternoon trying to get a wire brush to stop gouging a clay liner and ended up with a pile of metal shavings in my truck. Made me feel like a real smart guy when I realized the poly brush just glides through without fighting you. How many flues did I have to wreck before I learned my lesson, you know?

the_emma20d ago

Man, I feel that in my bones. My first ever flue cleaning I used a wire brush on a terra cotta liner and ended up chipping a chunk out of it like I was mining for gold or something. Had to explain to the homeowner why their chimney suddenly had a new 'feature' that wasn't there before. You live and you learn, except I apparently need to learn the same lesson five or six times before it sticks. Poly brushes are the way to go for sure, but my stubborn streak still tells me to try the wire one again every couple years. I just remind myself that every time I do, I end up with more metal bits in my vacuum than creosote.