Appreciation post: the old brush and rope method I ignored for 6 years

I started sweeping chimneys back in 2018 and always used those modern rod systems with the poly heads. Last month I was at a job in an old Victorian downtown and the flue had this crazy offset that my rods just would not bend around. The homeowner was an retired sweep named Bill who pulled out this ancient rope and brush setup from his garage. I watched him run it through in about 90 seconds with no struggle at all. I ordered a rope and brush kit that night and now I use it for any flue with multiple offsets or tight bends. The whole setup cost me 40 bucks and it takes up almost no space in my truck. Has anyone else had better luck with the rope method on tricky flues?

2 comments

2 Comments

kim.wren7d ago

I gotta say, I hear this "90 seconds with no struggle" thing and I can't help but wonder if Bill was just that good with his specific setup. I've watched enough guys try the rope method and end up fighting the brush getting stuck halfway down or the rope twisting up on itself. My modern rods have handled some nasty offsets too, it just takes a little patience and the right angle. I'm not saying it's useless but maybe it's not the total game changer you're making it out to be for everyone.

sean_murray7d ago

Did you see that BobVila article where they timed the rope method against a rod and the rod actually won on some pipe shapes?