Fireplace tools: I assume I will need a set. But what's really essential?

[bigdaddysunday]

I made all my tools so cost was not prohibitive. Never use the poker since I fabbed up the rake and use the shovel to clean out. Picked up a cheap hand broom/brush and dust pan at the dollar store and a $20 baby shop vac at wally world for around the hearth. Made a sweet coal sifter and would give it away if it wasn't so big to ship. Just find it a waste of time for me.

Steel bucket is essential!

I bought a kid's steel rake at Menards and cut the handle shorter and painted it black. $5.99 and it works and looks great.

 

[bigdaddysunday]

With my Jotul F55 I have no ash pan. So I assume I'll need the shovel and an ash can. But do you really need all the other tools? I'm not opposed to having a full set of fireplace tools. I'm just betting the old pros have some good practical tips for ash maintenance and manipulating a live fire and coals. What tools do you like and what techniques simplify your wood stove experience that might not occur to someone with no experience?

I bought a kid's steel rake with a wood handle at Menards and cut the handle shorter and painted it black. $5.99 and it works and looks great.

 

[Huntindog1]

I bought a kid's steel rake with a wood handle at Menards and cut the handle shorter and painted it black. $5.99 and it works and looks great.

Wood handle?

 

[bigdaddysunday]

Wood handle?

It's not in the stove long enough to ignite it. Used for raking coals in a "not so hot" situation.