Essential Tools For a Fireplace at Home

Tools are just one kind of fireplace accessories available to a fireplace owner. Other examples are decorative items or features which improve the functionality and safety of a fireplace. However, special care is needed when choosing the tools required for operating a fireplace. They will be used every time the fireplace is in operation, and therefore, they need to be of the highest quality possible to ensure a safe and satisfying experience.

Which tools are most important for operating a fireplace? First, it should be noted that there are three main activities related to operating a fireplace, each of them requiring its own tools: first, starting the fire, then, keeping the fire going, and finally, cleaning the fireplace after the fire has burned down. There are many different types of tools available for each phase - some of them are essential, while others are more like decorations or even toys for the fireplace owner.

For starting a fire, the right kind of fire starters are essential. While different kinds of more or less fancy objects are sold for this purpose, for example pine cones, as a matter of fact simple thin wood sticks cut from regular firewood are the cheapest choice and work perfectly well. Lighting the fire requires nothing more than a long gas-filled fireplace lighter, which is available in any supermarket. Traditionally, a bellows has belonged to every regularly used fireplace. While it is very helpful in speeding up the burning process, using a bellows will likely cause the remaining ash to fly up into the surrounding room.

To keep the fire burning, the classic fireplace tools seen near every fireplace in operation are required: tongs and a poker to adjust and move the burning logs and a shovel for smaller pieces as well as for ash removal. These tools are usually available in a set together with a holding rack and are made of either wrought iron or steel. While other tools are often included in such a set, none of them are as essential as the three mentioned above.

Cleaning a fireplace requires nothing more than a sturdy broom, the shovel from the tool set and possibly an ash bucket to hold the remaining ash once the fire has burned down. Also, many kinds of chemical cleaning fluids are sold specifically for glass fireplace screens. In most cases, a damp cloth dipped lightly into fine ash from the fire will do this job just as well.

In summary, only a few tools are absolutely required for safely operating a fireplace at home. Choosing wisely can therefore save the owner from spending too much money on items that will likely never be used.