A functional set of fireplace tools is essential to keep your fireplace in proper working order. When it come to selecting fireplace tools, the two most common metal choices are wrought iron and brass. Brass, however, is quickly growing in popularity with modern consumers looking for a slightly less vintage look than is provided by wrought iron. Brass fireplace tools offer the consumer a nice balance between traditional elegance and modern style.
What Is Brass?
Brass is a metal alloy created by mixing of various concentrations of copper and zinc. It is known for its gold tones, sometimes very bright in nature, but also found in much deeper tones. The color of brass is initially determined by the percentages of copper and zinc it was created with. Most brass will also naturally and gradually darken over time, but is fairly resistant to tarnishing. Because of its typical gold color, brass became very popular for fireplace tool sets that were meant to be beautiful as well as functional. If the brass contains a high enough zinc concentration, it can also appear a deep silver in color. The metal alloy is very durable and can stand up to regular use and exposure to extremely high temperatures, but it can also be very ornate an decorative at the same time. Brass is most often found in either a high gloss finish or a brushed satin finish.
Brass Fireplace Tool Sets
Standard brass tool sets include five pieces, a shovel, broom, tongs, poker, and a stand on which to place them all. The shovel and brush are used together for cleaning tasks, the tongs are used to grab logs and place them on the burning fire, and the poker is used to adjust logs in the fire by pushing them backwards, with its pointed tip, or pulling them forwards, with its curved hook. Brass sets come in three standard sizes designed to work best with small fireplaces, standard fireplaces, and oversized fireplaces. The varying lengths of the tongs and poker are designed to ensure a safe distance is maintained between the handle of the tool and the burning fire. The lengths of the brush and shovel are meant to be proportional to the size of the fireplace being cleaned as well.
If properly maintained, a brass fireplace tool set will provide years of beauty and function.
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