Fireplace Tools

            Fireplace tools are used to make tending the fire easier. A set of fireplace tools assists in everything from starting the fire to maintaining it to cleaning up afterwards.

            A set of fireplace tools usually consists of a poker, bellows, broom, tongs, shovel and a tool stand for convenient storage. Less common tools include an ash holder specifically designed to hold the hot ash left behind after a fire, and to not burn someone who has to handle it. Most fireplace tools are made of treated iron or steel, in order to withstand the heat a fire generates. For decoration purposes, fireplace tools have many different designs, although black iron and brass colorings are the most popular.

            Fireplace tools may also be used as decorative items. For gas and electric stoves, fireplace tools can be purchased that compliment the stove’s colors or design elements, but are not strong enough to withstand the stress functional fireplace tools get put through while tending a fire.

           While fireplace tools are not required, they are extremely convenient. Shoveling ash is much easier with a shovel sized for a fireplace, and igniting a fire is much easier when relying on fireplace tools like bellows instead of one’s own lungs.