Fireplace tools

[old goat]

I got gf a propane torch with a pushbutton spark lighter for Xmas to light her stove,

No kindling no problem

It's also good for doing the crem brulee

And finishing the bottoms of your xc skis with pine tar. (Warning--do not attempt with ptex bottomed skis)

[ski-wpk]

So I shouldn’t use oversized BBQ tongs?

[MakersTeleMark]

This thread just got really weak. Fast.

[SB]

Pokers, lots of pokers, with a side skewer.

ETA, a dis used long handle ice axe will work nicely although it should be retired from active duty.

[Woodsy]

Blow poke, fire retardant gloves
all you really need
( I have an ash pit built in so ash goes there and chimney sweep cleans it out every few years.)

[Nobody Famous]

Revisiting this after two and three years.

Amazon has a huge number of Kindling Cracker knock offs, some look like
they're made in your next door neighbor's garage as a hobby.

I'm debating whether to get one of these: Half Ring Kindling Splitter XL

Or go big and get either of these electric powered splitters, $299 or $559.

[oftpiste]

Years ago I was touring a vacant house and noticed a set of andirons and a poker with the same design as that at Timberline Lodge. I was told they were made by the same guy that did Timberline's. I managed to buy then - pretty reasonably - and they still make me smile.

[Grange]

Revisiting this after two and three years.

Amazon has a huge number of Kindling Cracker knock offs, some look like
they're made in your next door neighbor's garage as a hobby.

I'm debating whether to get one of these: Half Ring Kindling Splitter XL

Or go big and get either of these electric powered splitters, $299 or $559.

That Half Ring Kindling Splitter would not work well at all for the fire wood I split. Some wood splits easier when dry and some wood splits easier when it has moisture. Elm is one type of wood where that thing would likely break before it it worked.

The electric log splitters would be fine for easy splitting wood, but cut wood that is harder and those are not powerful enough.

[Nobody Famous]

How to up your Kindling Cracker game for $10. Get a plastic tote from Walmart/Target. Or free if your wife/GF has a plastic tote she is unaware she doesn't need.

Makes for zero cleanup, all the split pieces stay in the tote especially the small shavings. Use a shock absorber if you do hammer away on hard surfaces like concrete, rolled up tarp or a drop cloth will work.

[irul&ublo]

The best fire tools are the ones you forged from fire yourself. Learn to black smithy and you will make fancy heavy and dangerous tools to do more than the simplest of tasks.

Tech Talk Bitch!

[ötzi]

I've cut and split a shit ton of wood in my life, used to heat with wood. Now my fireplace tool is a remote control and it's awesome.

[Jax]

Can't go wrong with an Ecofan for the wood-burner.

[BCMtnHound]

I've cut and split a shit ton of wood in my life, used to heat with wood. Now my fireplace tool is a remote control and it's awesome.

So much this ^^^

Love the heat, but the sweat, mess and liability are better spent on other domestic endeavours.