Had an old timer tell me to always use a poly line on my brush first

I used to just run the brush straight down the flue with no guide line. Figured I knew my way around a chimney. Last week I got the brush stuck bad on a job in Arlington. Took me almost an hour to wiggle it loose. Guy I was working with said his dad always ran a poly rope first to check for tight spots. He was right. I should have listened. Anyone else ever get a brush stuck and have to fight it out?

3 comments

3 Comments

pat_perry1mo ago

Isn't that how most things go? Learn the hard way once, never forget it.

haydenburns1mo ago

Pat Perry's got a point there, reminds me of the time I tried to fix my own car's brakes after watching a YouTube video. Spent three hours in the driveway, ended up with the caliper on backwards and brake fluid all over my driveway. That was a hard lesson that cost me a tow truck and a hundred bucks at a real shop. Haven't touched brakes since, just leaves it to the pros now.

taragrant1mo ago

Yeah @pat_perry, my buddy did the exact same thing with his sink pipes.