Just realized a magnet on my brush handle saves me 20 minutes a day

I was getting tired of dropping my brush head down a flue in Rochester and having to fish around for it with a flashlight. Last week I epoxied a small neodymium magnet to the top of my handle. Now I just stick it to the side of the firebox when I need both hands free. Simple fix but it's made a real difference. Any of you guys use magnets for anything else on your gear?

2 comments

2 Comments

grayh601mo ago

Used to think magnets were overkill but that epoxy trick sounds solid. Might try it.

jessew831mo ago

epoxied a small neodymium magnet" - that's the key word right there, epoxy. I tried using double sided tape once on a similar project and it failed after like two days. What brand epoxy did you use? I need something that can handle heat but also won't crack if the magnet gets bumped. Another thing I'm wondering about is if you've had any issues with soot or ash getting on the magnet over time. I live in the South and we burn pine a lot, that stuff makes a ton of sticky creosote. Does the magnet still hold strong after a few burns or do you have to wipe it down first? I've been thinking about doing this for my fireplace tools but I'm worried about the gunk building up and the magnet slipping.