Reddit reviews Midwest Hearth Fiberglass Chimney Rod Kit (18-Foot)
We found 1 Reddit comments about Midwest Hearth Fiberglass Chimney Rod Kit (18-Foot). Here are the top ones, ranked by their Reddit score.
STRONG FIBERGLASS - Heavy gauge (.350 dia) fiberglass construction for durability18-FOOT TOTAL LENGTH - Kit includes six rods (3' long each) allowing multiple length optionsHEAVY DUTY 1/4" NPT FITTINGS - Compatible with Midwest Hearth chimney brushes and other popular brandsSTIFF CONSTRUCTION - Designed to give more pushing force and not be "wobbly"MANUAL SWEEPING - Not for use with power tools.
That looks like an ok system, the brush looks like it’s meant to spin from a drill. Typically i would use something like this.
https://www.amazon.com/Rutland-Products-16906-Chimney-Cleaning/dp/B000FKDMLO
As for the rods you can get button lock or ones that screw together, both work fine. Make sure the rods will fit the brush, if they’re screw- together rods they are typically two sizes, 3/8” and 1/2”, just make sure the brush head is the same size threads. Example of type of rods I use below.
https://www.amazon.com/Midwest-Hearth-Fiberglass-Chimney-18-Foot/dp/B0778XH959/ref=mp_s_a_1_fkmr1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1540224460&sr=8-1-fkmr1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=chimney+rods+1%2F2%E2%80%9D
As far as cleaning the chimney yourself that’s fine. Many people do it themselves. As long as you have a basic understanding of how things are set up and what is safe (or unsafe) you should be ok. Like if I come to clean your chimney I’m looking everything over to make sure it’s all still connected properly, nothing has decayed or been damaged and everything is installed to code. I look for the type of soot that I’m getting out of it, is it creosote or powdery? As this will tell me about your wood quality and burning habits. So IMO you should have it swept professionally at least every couple of years if you are not sure. But if a sweep has already inspected the chimney and no issues were found you are probably fine to clean your own chimney. Really up to you and how comfortable you are with the venting system.