BUILD A MAKESHIFT FLUE SCRAPER

November/December 1980
 
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By Bob Brackett

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If you're searching for a quick way to scour out an encrusted section of stovepipe — without purchasing an expensive flue-cleaning kit — look no further than your trash barrel. A discarded metal can that's slightly smaller than your pipe will make an excellent scraper, after a couple of simple modifications. First, trim the lip off the already opened end of the container with a pair of snips ... to produce a sharp, creosote-cleaning edge. Then form a handle from the bottom of the can by making two 120° cuts — directly opposite each other — with a can opener, and folding the metal under to provide a bridge, with rounded edges, that you can grasp. To put the makeshift "sweep" to work, just push it into the fouled pipe — cutting end first — and work the device through the tube by twisting it back and forth. Great gobs of creosote will fall into the bucket that you've cleverly (I hope!) placed below.

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