Question about those new flexible chimney rods

Bought a set for $180 thinking they'd be a game changer for tight flues. They just bent and twisted on the first real job, costing me half a day. Anyone have a solid brand they trust for older brick chimneys?

2 comments

2 Comments

the_wade12d ago

That $180 price tag should have been the first clue. Those flexible rods are basically pool noodles with a marketing budget. For old brick chimneys, you need sectional steel rods that lock together. They don't bend, they just get the job done. I learned that the hard way on a 1920s house where the flue had more turns than a country road.

campbell.max11d ago

Gotta disagree with @the_wade on this one. Those stiff steel rods are a nightmare if you hit a real tight offset or old mortar bulge. Snapped a cheap set once and spent an hour fishing the piece out. A good quality flexible rod system, not the bargain bin stuff, can actually snake through better without forcing it. Sometimes a little give is what you need to avoid cracking old clay liner.