Finally gave that new flexible rod system a proper shot on a tricky flue

Had a job on an old Victorian in Springfield with a super narrow, offset flue. I brought my old rigid rods and the new flexible set I bought on a whim. The rigid ones kept binding at the offset, took me nearly an hour of fighting. Switched to the flexible rods and had it cleared in maybe 15 minutes. The difference was just being able to actually navigate the bend without brute force. Anyone else made a switch like that recently that saved your bacon?

3 comments

3 Comments

ray1891mo ago

My old rigid set from Harbor Freight lasted me a good eight years before the threads finally gave out. The thing is, they were perfect for straight shots and short offsets, but they'd just lock up on anything over a 30 degree bend. I keep both sets on the truck now because each one has its own job.

sammoore1mo ago

My old rigid set from Harbor Freight has never let me down on those offsets. I find the flex ones can whip around too much and lose the punch you need.

the_drew1mo ago

Ever have a tool that just feels right in your hand? That's my old rigid set, never fails when you need some real force behind it. The flex ones feel like trying to push a wet noodle sometimes.