TIL a $40 silicone brush set made a huge difference on a creosote job

Last month I was cleaning a double-wall chimney that had a real thick layer of glazed creosote. My old wire brushes were just sliding over it, not cutting through at all. I was getting frustrated and about to call it a day. Then I remembered a guy at the supply house in Denver told me about those silicone bristle brushes for tough buildup. I paid $40 for a set online, and honestly I figured they would be a gimmick. But they chewed through that glazed creosote in about half the time my regular brushes took. No sparks, no scratches on the liner either. Has anyone else tried these on heavy buildup or do you stick with the steel wires?

2 comments

2 Comments

robert_smith3621d ago

Yeah I had almost the exact same thing happen last winter. My spin brushes were just bouncing off that glassy creosote and I was about ready to torch the whole thing. The silicone ones tore through it like butter and I didn't have to worry about gouging the stainless liner.

jessica_miller21d ago

Your spin brushes bouncing off glassy creosote line is so relatable I felt it in my soul." I spent like 20 minutes trying to get my wire brush to even dig in before I just sat on the roof and ate my sandwich in defeat. The silicone set saved me from that same embarrassment, now I just look dumb for waiting so long to try them.