A cheery fire blazing away in the hearth is pleasant. Sure, the wonderful warmth that spreads from the fire helps you to get rid of the chill but the light exudes warmth and happiness unlike anything else. Sure, modern living does not make the fireplace necessity yet having one installed in old homes may enliven the environment and add to your comfort level.
Simply having the kindle and logs handy to begin a roaring fire is not enough, however. You must ensure that you have the best fireplace tools handy as well.
As it would be foolhardy to try and handle the burning logs with your bare hands, so would be trying to poke and prod at them with a tool that is not meant for the purpose. While it is important to source the required tools right after the installation of the fireplace, it is essential to know how many you need and their purpose. You are likely to end up with multiple superfluous tools f you rely completely on the words of a seller who has no proven credibility.
Types of equipment termed as the best fireplace tools
Fireplace tongs
You must have a pair of tongs with a good grip that will enable you to move the burning logs around the hearth to ensure that the spread of warmth is even. Be sure to buy tongs with a long handle, if the fireplace is large or tall.
Fireplace shovel
There is bound to be some deposition of ash once the logs burn away merrily. You cannot afford to leave the ash accumulated without arranging it properly. You may also scoop up the ash with the shovel so that the fire burns uniformly. Do be careful to leave the lowermost layer of ash undisturbed for it insulates the hearth against the cold rising from the floor.
Fire poker
You must also buy a matching poker that will help you to poke at the fire ensuring that there is enough oxygen to facilitate combustion. As with things, you may opt for a longer handle when you have a larger fire burning in the hearth.
Bellows or blow poke
Sure you can shift the logs around by poking at them with a conventional fire poker. However, you would do well to get yourself a blow poker or bellows too. This will enable you to inject fresh air into the fire thus ensuring more oxygen to keep the fire burning effectively. It is best used when the fire within the hearth has been burning for some time.
Fireplace brush or broom
The ash produced from the fire may get strewn around the hearth with some of it infiltrating the living space. You may use a fireplace broom or brush to keep the ash together inside the hearth. The brush may also be used to clean the fireplace meticulously once the fire has died down and the hearth is cold.
It is advisable to invest in a holder in addition. This will help you to store the best fireplace tools neatly and keep them available for use.
