Every home with a fireplace needs a good set of fireplace tools on the hearth. Mason Mark McCullough knows fireplaces inside and out (quite literally) and wants to teach Kevin everything he needs to know about the tools that accompany them, what they do, and how they work.
Fire Extinguisher
A fire extinguisher is the most important fireplace tool for the home. These devices can quickly smother an accidental fire, preventing oxygen from reaching the burning material. Keep one handy around your fireplace in case of an emergency.
Fireplace Tongs
Fireplace tongs allow homeowners to safely grab and move burning logs around the fireplace. They have long handles to keep the user’s hands away from the heat, and the jaws are designed to securely grip a log for easy lifting.
Spark Screen
It’s common to see sparks fly off a log, and they can damage hardwood floors or even start accidental fires. Keep them at bay by setting up a spark screen in front of the fireplace, preventing those burning bits from flying out of the fireplace and onto the carpet.
Long Matches
Long matches are a must-have for fireplace owners. They allow the user to keep their hands away from the flame and heat, and will typically burn longer than a shorter match.
Fireplace Grate and Andirons
A fireplace grate is one of the most important tools for fireplace efficiency. They lift the logs off the floor of the fireplace, allowing more oxygen to pass through the logs than would otherwise, promoting a good burn. Typically made from cast iron, grates are sturdy and long-lasting. Andirons serve a similar purpose, but they’re generally more decorative.
Poker
Another great tool for safely moving logs is a poker. These hooked tools can squeeze between logs, pry them up, or pull them nearer, allowing the user to adjust their fire to their needs.
Clean-Up Tools
Great clean-up tools can help control the mess. A sturdy hand broom and an ash shovel with a bevel edge make cleaning up ash, soot, and small bits of wood easy.
Resources
- Fire extinguisher: Mark gives Kevin safety tips using a fire extinguisher.
- Fireplace tongs: Mark explains the proper usage of fireplace tongs.
- Fireplace poker: Mark furthers the importance of safety by describing the usage of a fireplace poker.
- Fireplace gloves: Kevin asks Mark how to use fireplace gloves.
- Ash shovel: Mark gives a demonstration on fireplace cleanliness with an ash shovel.
- Fireplace brooms and dustpans: Mark furthers his demonstration on fireplace cleanliness with a fireplace broom and dustpan.
- Grate: Kevin’s curiosity is further piqued by Mark’s fireplace grate.
- Andirons: Mark explains the importance of also using andirons.
- Bellows: Mark gives Kevin a shout while describing the usage of bellows.
