Vent: I thought those new flexible chimney rods were just a gimmick

For years, I stuck with my old solid steel rods, thinking anything bendy couldn't possibly clean a flue right. Then I got a job on a really old house in Charleston with a crazy offset, and my regular rods just wouldn't make the turn. A guy I know lent me his set of those flexible fiberglass ones, and I was sure it would be a waste of an afternoon. But after about 20 minutes of fighting with my gear, I tried his. The thing snaked right through, and I got a perfect clean on the first pass. I had to eat my words. It's been six months now, and I use them for about half my jobs. They're not for every chimney, but they have their place. Has anyone else had a tool they swore was junk turn out to be a real help?

3 comments

3 Comments

victor65110d ago

Man, I can totally see you standing there all stubborn with your old rods like "this is how real work gets done" lol. We've all been that guy who clings to the old way until the new thing literally solves the problem right in front of us. It's like the universe just hands you a big slice of humble pie and makes you eat it. At least you got a clean chimney out of the deal.

the_drew10d ago

humble pie" just sounds like giving up on what you know works.

tessalane10d ago

Honestly disagree with the whole humble pie idea. Sometimes sticking with proven tools IS how real work gets done. New stuff breaks or wears out fast, and that bendy rod might snap in a tough flue. I've seen guys waste a whole job trying to force a fancy new tool when the old method would have worked fine with some patience. Not every new thing is an upgrade.