6 Essential Tools Needed in a Fireplace Tool Set

A fireplace tool set is designed so that you can effectively manage your fireplace while you are using it. Because we all know that humans burn when they handle hot objects, fireplace tools are necessary. However, not all the tools found in a set are all important. To save you money and space, you can just go ahead and pick the most essential ones from the group.

1. Andiron

The andiron, or a dog iron, is a fireplace tool that you often see in old houses. Basically, it is a horizontal bar that is used to support the logs that are fed to the flames. In old movies, the andiron is used as a support a roasting spit. We primarily use andirons in our fireplace because it allows air to pass through the stacked logs to prevent the formation of too much smoke throughout the combustion reaction. If you just allow the logs to stay compact without any form of support, you’ll have more of the smoldering smoke than the burning, crackling flames.

2. Fireplace Poker

Also known as the stoker, the fireplace poker is a short, iron, fireproof rod that you use to hook, rake, or push burning materials in your fireplace. The handle is often insulated to prevent you from burning yourself whenever you use the tool. Although the fireplace poker has a standard length, you should find one that is longer in order to provide maximum protection against the radiation that flames often emit. The stoker is an important tool for you to have alongside your fireplace because it allows you to handle burning logs without risk of injury.

3. Bellows

This fireplace tool is used to deliver a pressurized, yet controlled, amount of air to a specific part of your fireplace. Your bellows will contain a nozzle that serves as the exit way of air, the valve that serves as the entrance of the air and the handles that you operate by opening and then closing. The purpose of bellows is to increase the flames in your fireplace by blowing air into it the same way you kindle little flames by blowing onto them.

4. Spade

The spade, which we often associate with digging, is also an essential tool in tending fireplace flames. Spades serve a similar purpose as the fireplace poker; it allows the homeowner to handle the burning embers and logs without having to get burned and blistered in the process of doing so.

5. Tongs

The tongs, together with the spade and fireplace poker, allow you to handle hot materials in your fireplace without hurting yourself. The great thing about tongs is you can easily pick up materials from the fireplace which you don’t easily get to do with your spade and poker.

6. Fireplace Broom

Once the fires have all burned out, you are left with a material called ash. In order for you to effectively collect all the ashes that are left, you need the help of a fireplace broom.