Old timer told me my brush was too small for a 12-inch flue

Was cleaning a job in an old Victorian in Portland last fall and a retired sweep watched me struggle for a good five minutes before he said anything. He pointed out I was using a 10-inch brush on a 12-inch flue and that's why I kept missing soot on the corners. Switched to a proper 12-inch poly brush and never looked back - anyone else get a tip from a stranger that totally changed their method?

2 comments

2 Comments

nancy_davis14d ago

Felt that one, I've rocked a tiny brush on a big flue more times than I'd like to admit.

leo_carr1314d ago

Wonder if it's REALLY that big of a deal though @nancy_davis. I've been in that spot a few times and honestly a tiny brush gets the job done if you're patient. People act like you need the PERFECT tool for every job but half the time you just make it work with what you've got. Plus rushing to buy a bigger brush for one job seems like a waste when the small one covers the same ground eventually. Not saying there's never a time for the right gear but this feels like one of those problems people blow out of proportion.