It’s time to nail down the vernacular on your fireplace tools because after all, you don’t want to show up at a fireplace and hearth store asking for what you casually nicknamed a metal stick. A fireplace tool set is a culmination of different tools you need to effectively manage your fireplace and maintain its health over the course of its usage.
However, not all of them are needed. As we have advanced in our lifestyles and modes of living over time, we’ve found better ways to do things, and the fireplace is no exception. We’ve progressed, and some of the traditional tools people used decades—and even centuries—ago no longer apply to the modern fireplace. So, what tools do you really need for your fireplace?
Fireplace Poker
Also called a stoker, the fireplace poker is a must-have for any fireplace tool set. It’s simple: an iron, fireproof rod, some hooked on one end, used for raking, prodding, and pushing logs, debris, and other burning supplies to better stoke your fire.
New fireplace pokers have insulated handles and some are available in longer lengths. Depending on your personal preference, you can opt for a longer poker, or something shorter for closer management.
Fireplace Tongs
That stubborn log isn’t sitting right! Oh, no—a charred log rolled off of its grate and slammed against the screen! If you just moved that piece there, then the fire would be roaring! Your fireplace prayers are answered with a sturdy set of fireplace tongs.
Pick up burning materials with ease and have no fear of getting burned. Do yourself a favor and get a longer set of fireplace tongs so you don’t have to really get into the fireplace to move the logs.
Fireplace Broom
Ashes, ashes, everywhere, and what to do about them? First, don’t get out your vacuum to suck up fireplace debris because that’s a fire hazard waiting to happen. Instead, go old fashioned with a fireplace broom. Most modern fireplaces have a debris deposit slot that allows users the opportunity to sweep ashes into, making cleanup a million times easier.
Fireplace Spades Clean Up the Mess
If you’re basement keep and enjoying the warm glow of a fireplace, you’ll need a fireplace spade. It looks like a shovel because, in essence, it is. Use the spade to scoop, move, and clean up after your fire has burned out and the ashes can’t be pushed down to the trap below (or your fireplace isn’t fitted with one).
This tool is outfitted with a long handle so you won’t have to worry about getting burned if you're using it when the fire’s going.
Log Holder
Never underestimate the purpose of a good quality log holder—and never short yourself on them either, have more than one! Use a hardy carrier made of a durable material to tote logs from the outside to your fireplace, then store them on a large cast iron log holder, one big enough to cut down those cold trips to where you store your firewood.
Fireplace Screen
Safety first, and that means having a trusty fireplace screen to guard your home beyond the fireplace from stray sparks. Embers pop and fly, and even the smallest of them can have detrimental consequences.
Don’t take a chance with an active fire and use a strong, reliable screen to shield it off from your home. Screens also deter curious pets and children, which can prevent a horrific accident from occurring.
Outdated Fireplace Tools You Won’t Need
You’ll see plenty of fireplace tools at outlets that you might have never heard of. A set of andirons isn’t all that necessary, nor are fireplace bellows, but they can add a level of antiqued intrigue to your set of tools.
Andirons keep the logs lifted up for optimal airflow, while limiting smoke, and you’ll find them in older houses. Bellows are just as old-fashioned, but serve the purpose of breathing life into an otherwise struggling or infant fire. Bellows aren’t necessary, especially if you have a blowtorch or fire-starting log, but they can help and plus, they have a neat design.
You also won’t need a pricey ash bucket, either. Sometimes, hearth stores will have iron wrought ash buckets, but it’s overkill for this day and age. As long as you wait for the ashes to completely cool down in about twenty-four hours, you can dispose of them in a regular old bucket, so long as it’s metal, douse a bit of water over them, then safely bag them up and throw them out. No need to get fancy.
Decide on Your Fireplace Tools’ Material
Once you’ve decided on which tools to include in your set, it’s now time to choose what material you want your tools to be comprised from. Fireplace tools are usually available in steel or wrought iron so they can be heat resistant, but there are different finishes to select from, too: brass, bronze, copper, or painted black with heat resistant properties.
At Vertical Chimney Care, we have all the necessary fireplace tools to maintain a healthy fireplace and chimney. Everything from fireplace glass doors to fireplace dampers, we have everything that you need to make you comfortable around your fireplace. In addition, we have over 30 years of experience with cleaning and inspecting chimneys. Contact us today to speak with a product specialist!
