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Everything you Need to Know about Fireplace Tools

AlyssaDavis | Apr 14, 2011 |

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If you plan on building a roaring fire to chase away the chills on a cold winter’s night, you need a good sturdy set of fireplace tools. And while fireplace tools serve a genuine purpose, they also bring a decorative touch to the fireplace and hearth. In reality, most people choose fireplace tools based on their beauty rather than how functional they are; and while style is important, unless you are “tending” a gas or electric fireplace, high-quality, functional fireplace tools are necessary to safely build a toasty fire that doesn’t peter out before you’re ready to call it a night.

Consider these tips when choosing fireplace tools that do the job in style.

Sets versus Individual Tools

Most people opt for fireplace tool sets because you get everything you need, everything matches and you get a stylish rack to store and display your tools. A set is also more cost-efficient than purchasing individual tools and if you haven’t purchased fireplace tools before, it’s nice to get everything you need in one neat package. In addition to the basics that come in a fireplace tool kit, supplemental tools can be useful. For example, kits don’t usually include a bellow to fan the flames, so it can make sense to purchase a bellow in addition to a kit.

“Must Have” Fireplace Tools

While fireplace aficionados often have their favorite tool, there are certain tools that are essential for fireplace safety and building and maintaining a fire:

The andiron is the rack that holds the logs and elevates them from the floor of the fireplace; you can’t build a fire without it because it creates a draft beneath the logs; it also keeps the logs from rolling out of the fireplace and keeps them in close proximity to each other.
The poker is used to stoke the fire by moving logs and stirring ashes.
Fireplace tongs look much like scissors and are needed to lift logs into the fireplace or reposition large logs on the andiron.
The bellow is used to fan the flames and keep the fire going and dustpan and whisk broom help keep the hearth area clean.

Style Considerations

The most important factor when choosing fireplace tools is that they are sturdy and durable so that they won’t warp or bend when used. Iron tools are more durable and stronger than brass, but many people love the look of brass even though solid brass is more expensive than iron. Brass is very decorative indeed and if you want the look of brass without the high price tag, a good compromise is to choose iron tools that have brass accents and handles. You can also select tools that complement the style of your room; some tools have a sleek contemporary look, while others are more rustic or traditional in styling. So consider whether the tools will coordinate with your rustic iron wall art or modern nude metal wall hangings. Additional accents like a beautiful brass or iron log caddy and basket full of scented wax-dipped pinecone fire starters are perfect finishing touches for the hearth.