Fire
My new place has a fireplace; it was just installed as part of the reno. Now that I’m a fireplace owner, I need to know what accessories I need…andirons, tools, what type of screen… also, my contractor says I don’t need a chimney cap, but that doesn’t sound right to me. Any info is much…
My new place has a fireplace; it was just installed as part of the reno. Now that I’m a fireplace owner, I need to know what accessories I need…andirons, tools, what type of screen… also, my contractor says I don’t need a chimney cap, but that doesn’t sound right to me. Any info is much appreciated! And, if anyone knows a great wood delivery service, that would be great too.
Matches…or survivorman
I was a blacksmith for 20 years making all sorts of fireplace tools & equipment – “house jewelry” of all sorts before moving on to making other stuff. Most blacksmiths have a broomhandle or stick at home to shove the fire around. They work but get smaller with time.
The normal fire tool you see with the tiny hook is pretty useless as far as I’m concerned. You’re not going to turn over any logs with that little hook… When it comes to fire tools it’s a testosterone thing. Everybody wants logs tongs and big hooks. If you can find one shaped like a shepherds hook (6 or 8 inches wide at the business end) or even just a right angle it’s a far better tool for pushing, pulling and moving things around. This is a nice shape to actually work with.
Andirons are a traditional log holder from way back when you’d put big ass logs in the fire. Keeps the logs off the base of the fireplace so air can get around them. Grates work to do the same but have more of a net to keep the logs up as the fire burns. It’s gonna be a choice of what you want the fireplace to look like.
A fireplace screen will keep larger sparks from popping out. Keep paper and stuff away from the area. Sparks fly. Don’t ever be stupid and leave a fire unattended. Check that fire insurance twice and make sure they know you got a fireplace.
Contractors don’t know squat about fireplaces. Call a chimney sweep and ask them what you need. That’s all they know about.
Ebays a great place to find fireplace sets, screens, andirons you aren’t going to find elsewhere. Why buy that crap that’s stamped out from China?
Best of luck.
Thanks all…
I was doing some research and does anyone know how/why to choose between andirons and a grate for the logs?
You need fire insurance.
Yes, you will need andirons and a screen. Fireplace tools are nice also. Just have look around. I got mine from a catalogue, but there are tons of other places that sell them too.
we have a cap built into our flu, but I’m not sure its necessary.
As far as wood goes, its expensive to have it delivered in NYC. Do a search for “firewood” on this forum – there was a thread about this some months ago.
You lucky bastard!!
How cool!
We are trying to get our fireplaces renovated. I think it involves lining the flues and doing up the fireboxes with firebrick. I got Manny LaSalle over for an estimate after all the recommendations on this board for him, especially from Donatella (is that your real name? He did not seem to know it). But he had also done work for several folk in our neighborhood.
I think Lowes has firetool sets with everything you need. You must have a chimney cap or the water and snow will get in and freeze inside the mortar of the chimney.
I have heard that there are several signs if you drive around Long Island for free firewood. From trees chopped in backyards.
Anyone with working WBFPs, please comment on any problems with these.