Expert: James Ball - 11/3/2011

Question
Purchased the 8" round wire brush and appropriate number of flexible sticks in order to clean the chimney. However, cannot find a logical way to remove the damper door to get the brush into the chimney. Appears that it is affixed by rivets. My house was built in 1993 and the chimney is probably a cheap one. Afraid of heights, so I would rather not get on the roof. Thanks in advance for any help!

Answer
Hello Gary, is the chimney metal? is the chimney 8" round? if so then the wire brush (with a little force) should slip past the damper, go up very slowly till you just "tap the cap" and then pull back down, it might take a bit of wiggling and pulling to get the brush back out, plastic brushes are much easier, be sure to wear eye, hand and breathing protection and run a good shop vac and set up a big drop cloth.
best would be to watch some one do it and then try it your self
good luck keep me posted
James