How to Make Your Own Chimney Brush
Annual cleaning of your wood-burning stove's chimney is a recommended maintenance task. Removing built-up debris such as creosote will reduce the chances of a dangerous flue fire. By following a basic set of procedures, you can make your own chimney brush for cleaning the debris. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Plastic-handled steel brush
- Three 2-inch diameter hose clamps
- Two or three 10-foot sections of ½ -inch diameter electrical conduit (EMT)
- Phillips and flathead screwdrivers
- Tin snips (optional)
- 2 ½-inch inch setscrew conduit connectors
- Duct tape
Instructions
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1
Mount the plastic-handled steel brush using the three hose clamps to the end of one of the ½-inch diameter pieces of electrical conduit (EMT).
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2
Use the screwdriver to place two hose clamps on either end of the plastic handle of the brush and mount the third clamp in the center of the handle. Tighten the hose clamps so they securely hold the brush to the EMT. Leave the protruding ends of the hose clamp if you wish, or cut them off flush to the screw bracket using the tin snips.
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3
Attach one of the ½ -inch connectors to the other end of the EMT and tighten with the screwdriver. The setscrew will make an indentation onto the pipe when the screw is seated properly.
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4
Connect the second piece of EMT into the conduit couple and tighten the setscrew.
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5
Use the duct tape to tape the EMT pieces together and add an extra layer of security if need be. The setscrews will hold the EMT in place, but if the chimney brush is knocked about too hard, the connectors may work loose and you could lose a section of pipe in the chimney.
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Tips & Warnings
Most chimneys will need only two sections of EMT (20 feet). Three pieces may needed for taller chimneys.
Some local regulations may require the chimney to be cleaned by a licensed chimney sweep. Be sure to check with all local regulations before cleaning a chimney yourself.
